Diaspora's Role in Africa: Transculturalism, Challenges, and Development

Africans living in the diaspora can be agents of change, using their hybrid identities to promote social change and sustainable development in their African homelands. However, they face challenges in navigating their relationships with their home countries. This book explores the role of the diaspora in Africa's development, including their influence on Western cultural hegemony, the portrayal of Africa in the Western media, and the potential for collaboration between African Diaspora communities and citizen-residents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Africans residing in the diaspora occupy a distinct position as potential agents of change, with the potential to contribute to addressing the political and socioeconomic challenges facing Africa. In addition to sending financial remittances, their diverse and hybrid identities, spanning geographical and psychocultural spaces, enable them to serve as cultural and political ambassadors, fostering social change and sustainable development in their African homelands. However, this hybrid position comes with its own set of complexities, which are reflected in this book.

The author employs her personal experiences and empirical research to delve into critical questions such as whether members of the diaspora serve as conduits of Western cultural hegemony at the expense of preserving their traditional cultures and achieving meaningful development in Africa. The author also explores how the Western media's portrayal of Africa as the "Dark Continent" in the 21st century influences their decision-making processes when it comes to investing back home. Furthermore, the book examines how African nations can effectively manage their relationships with citizens residing abroad to encourage investment in their home countries. It also explores how some citizen-residents in Africa and African Diaspora communities perceive each other in the context of Africa's development. The book aims to inspire agents of change within the diaspora and showcases the success stories of diverse African entrepreneurs who have navigated these challenges.

The book will appeal to aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers across African studies, and the growing and dynamic field of diaspora research. It offers valuable insights and perspectives on the role of the African diaspora in shaping Africa's development and provides a roadmap for collaboration and impact.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032106519