Closing the Gap: The Diaspora role in Africa’s development
Over the past year, the global development landscape has shifted dramatically. The United States, long seen as a key diplomatic and development partner for Africa, is retreating from its traditional role. Major aid programs have been slashed, embassies are closing or consolidating, and key U.S.-Africa trade and development platforms are being deprioritized. As this vacuum grows, the Diaspora Business Network should not see this as a crisis—but a call to action.
Donald Trump meets African leaders in July 2025 amidst trade and tariff negotiations.
The U.S. Pullback: What’s Happening
In early 2025, the U.S. government announced massive cuts to its foreign aid budget. USAID funding to Africa—previously a lifeline for health, education, and energy programs—was reduced by over 90 percent. Critical initiatives like Power Africa were suspended. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs faced proposed dissolution, and diplomatic missions across the continent were shuttered or scaled down to barebones security functions.
This shift represents more than just budget tightening. It signals a transition from relationship-based development diplomacy to transactional engagement, focused primarily on counterterrorism and resource extraction. As the U.S. steps back, other global powers—particularly China, Russia, Turkey, and the Gulf states—are stepping in.
The Emerging Gap—and the Opportunity
This withdrawal leaves a gaping hole in Africa’s investment, infrastructure, and development financing landscape. It also weakens channels for African entrepreneurs and governments to connect with the global economy on equal terms.
TUKOLE believes this void is best filled not by governments, but by the diaspora, professional networks, and the private sector. As an African-led, globally connected business network, TUKOLE is mobilizing its resources to build a new model of engagement—one that centers trust, transparency, and long-term investment.
A New Diaspora-Led Development Strategy
TUKOLE is actively deploying a comprehensive and well-coordinated strategy deeply rooted in strong local networks and meaningful diaspora investment to effectively respond to this unprecedented and historic moment in our community’s development. The core pillars of this carefully designed and thoughtfully crafted plan are:
1. Activate Local Professional Networks
TUKOLE is partnering with Rotary International, Business Network International, Lions Clubs, and various Chambers of Commerce to vet and onboard credible entrepreneurs, community leaders, and SMEs. These networks, consultants and individuals will serve as the on-the-ground engines for project development, trade promotion, and diaspora engagement.
Each participating member will be trained and certified as a Trade & Investment Ambassador , tasked with vetting participants for upcoming trade missions and serving as a liaison and connection point for the diaspora.
2. Connecting East and West Africa Hubs
TUKOLE is expanding its reach beyond East Africa to include West Africa—specifically Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. In these countries, our mission will establish local engagement hubs led by diaspora-trained professionals and supported by partner clubs. These hubs offer deal facilitation, business training, export readiness services, and diaspora investment programming.
This expansion is particularly timely as West Africa has been disproportionately affected by the U.S. aid pullback.
3. Diaspora-Backed Sector Funds
TUKOLE has launched a series of Sector-specific Funds to channel remittances and pooled capital into productive investments. These funds will focus on priority areas once supported by external programs such as: energy access, agribusiness, health, digital infrastructure, and SME growth.
Funds will be open to diaspora investors across the U.S., U.K., and Europe, and designed for transparency, returns, and impact.
4. Bilateral Trade Missions
In February 2026, the US diaspora will host Africa–U.S. Trade & Investment Missions, targeting 10 U.S. cities and connecting African entrepreneurs with African American businesses, chambers of commerce, and public sector allies. The mission will feature vetted business leaders, product showcases, diaspora investment forums, and cultural diplomacy events.
Following this model, similar missions are being planned by country in late 2026 and 2027.
5. A New Model of Trust-Based Engagement
By integrating trusted networks like Rotary, BNI, and Lions into its model, TUKOLE is building a decentralized but accountable system of engagement. This peer-to-peer model ensures every project and participant is vetted, every fund is traceable, and every outcome is transparent.
The Road Ahead
The diaspora is not trying to replace government or international aid institutions. Instead, it is offering a new development architecture—one driven by the diaspora, funded by capital that is already being sent but now channeled to direct investment, and implemented through credible community-based networks.
The future of global partnership is collaborative, localized, and community-owned.
As global geopolitical tides shift, Africa needs bold, strategic leadership rooted in trust and action. TUKOLE is answering that call.
If you're a member of a Rotary, BNI, Lions Club, or Chamber of Commerce—or a diaspora investor interested in reshaping Africa’s future—join us. TUKOLE is building a coalition of changemakers to fill the void and take Africa forward.
