DAF launches mobile app to connect African diaspora to Ghana

The Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF) Embassy in Ghana has introduced a mobile application aimed at connecting Africans living outside the continent with opportunities across Ghana and the African continent, particularly in citizenship, tourism, business, networking, and charitable initiatives. Dr. Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission of the DAF Embassy, emphasized that the application would enhance engagement between Africa and its diaspora.

She explained that the historical diaspora includes people whose ancestors were displaced through slavery, while the continental diaspora consists of Africans who have moved to other parts of the world for work, education, or better opportunities. Dr. Bennett highlighted that the diaspora is a significant demographic, comprising over 380 million people worldwide, and that technology is crucial for connecting them to their ancestral homeland and facilitating their involvement in Africa's development.

The application, she noted, offers information on the Embassy's activities, access to resources, and opportunities for global users to engage with its programs. Dr. Bennett encouraged feedback and suggestions to improve the platform and invited individuals and organizations aligned with the Embassy's vision to support its activities, including youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and charitable initiatives.

The Embassy relies on diaspora and friends' support to sustain its work, stressing the importance of public awareness and wider engagement. Kevin Williams, Director of the DAF Youth Empowerment Training Centre and Managing Director of Afriam, described the application as a comprehensive platform for anyone interested in Africa, offering details on citizenship, repatriation, tourism, land interests, business opportunities, and networking.

The platform also enables users to participate in development initiatives in Ghana, promoting the Centre's activities and other DAF programs such as youth development, sports, and initiatives supporting young women entrepreneurs. Established in May 2023, the Centre has trained young people, immigration officers, and participated in the President’s One Million Coders Initiative, providing skills development, training, and resources to prepare young people for employment and contribute to national development.

The application features a resource center, news feed on diaspora-related information, tourism resources, and links to the Embassy's social media platforms. A special feature, the Sankofa Wall, allows global diaspora members to honor their ancestors by recording their names. The application is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, with a QR code for easy access.

Williams urged diaspora and stakeholders to explore the application, share information about its services, and contribute ideas to enhance its functionality and reach.