Beyond borders: do the African diasporas influence democratisation?
The African Union (AU) recognized the African diaspora as Africa's "sixth region" in 2003. The diaspora has historically been vital in liberation struggles and remains influential in social and political development, enhanced by technology and globalization. Many African governments appreciate financial contributions from the diaspora, such as remittances averaging 2.6% of Africa's GDP, often exceeding foreign investment and aid. Political contributions, however, are more contentious, with governments responding in diverse ways, from restriction to collaboration. With a third of Africans voting in this super election year, we explore the diaspora's impact on democratic processes.
Our panel of experts for this podcast are
- Gudrun Sif Friðriksdóttir, Senior researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute
- Babatunde Fagbayibo, Professor of International Law at the University of Pretoria
- Henning Melber,NAI Associate and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria and the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein
Reading list
Compiled by the NAI Library:
- Routledge handbook of contemporary African migration / Daniel Makina, Dominic Pasura (eds.), 2023 External link, opens in new window.
Daniel Makina, Dominic Pasura (eds.), 2023 - The diaspora's role in Africa : transculturalism, challenges, and development External link, opens in new window.
Stella-Monica N. Mpande,2022 - Electoral politics and Africa's urban transition : class and ethnicity in Ghana External link, opens in new window.
Noah L. Nathan, 2019 - Mobilising the diaspora : how refugees challenge authoritarianism External link, opens in new window.
Alexander Betts, Will Jones, 2016
More titles External link, opens in new window. on Diaspora and political development
Titles External link, opens in new window. on the Middle Class
The Nordic Africa Podcast is a series of discussions where we talk to political scientists, anthropologists, economists and other researchers about current issues and trends in Africa. We analyse the choices of African leaders, we challenge dominant narratives about the continent, and occasionally, we look into the crystal ball to see where Africa is headed. Hosts Heba Habib and Henrik Alfredsson and guesting experts guide us toward a deepened understanding of Africa’s role on the global scene.
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