The African Diaspora Network (ADN), headed by Almaz Negash, has announced that it will collaborate with Arizona State University (ASU) to carry out the $80 million Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI LL) program, which is part of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative to empower Africa’s youth.
The award is a component of President Biden’s pledges made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit (USALS) of the previous year to create and broaden programs that strengthen African institutions and people. By 2030, it is anticipated that 42% of the world’s 15 to 35-year-old population will reside on African soil.
An African team of experts will carry out day-to-day activities across 49 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, operating from four hubs based in Nairobi, Kenya; Dakar, Senegal; Accra, Ghana; and Pretoria, South Africa. ADN will be helping ASU put together a coalition to empower Africa’s youth with the tools, education, and network to succeed.
This follows Negash, the Executive Director and Founder of ADN, being appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement. President Biden announced on September 26 the formation of the first 12-member Advisory Council. Members of the council have distinguished themselves in government, athletics, industry, academia, social service, and faith-based organizations.
Negash was chosen for the council along with the other members due to her commitment to promoting sustainable development in Africa during the previous 13 years through creative U.S.-African partnerships and projects.
Members of the President’s Advisory Council on Africa Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE) are photographed with Vice President Kamala Harris.The council is made up of the following people: C.D. Glin, Osagie Imasogie, Almaz Negash, Chinenye Joy Ogwumike, Ham K. Serunjogi, Mimi E. Alemayehou, Rosalind Brewer, Viola Davis, Helene D. Gayle, Patrick Hubert Gaspard, and Kevin Young. The council head is Silvester Scott Beaman.
In order to strengthen trade, investment, and educational exchanges as well as to advance cultural, social, political, and economic relations between the United States and Africa, the Council will offer vital counsel. The Council’s executive director is Deniece Laurent-Mantey.
On October 30, the members of the Council were formally sworn in before U.S. Senator Chris Coons, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“The work of this Council is an extension of the work that we do on behalf of the United States, to show our sincere interest in partnership, understanding mutual connections, and seeing where alignments exist,” Harris said, addressing the Council’s members and their guests during the event. In order to strengthen bonds between people and our democratic values, this is essential. The fact that the Council will allow the United States to reestablish itself to the continent excites me as well.
Almaz was recently featured in De.Coded, a Human Atlas of Silicon Valley, as someone who has been an advocate for diversity and social impact in the region. Through programs like the African Diaspora Investment Symposium, Impact and Innovation Series, the Builders of Africa’s future, and Accelerating Black Leadership & Entrepreneurship (ABLE), Almaz and ADN are leading creative approaches for diaspora engagement that go beyond remittances and extend to sustainable investments on the continent. She intends to keep utilizing the ADN platform to encourage, involve, and enliven the African Diaspora in order to invest in and develop the continent of Africa in a sustainable manner.
“ADN holds a distinctive position for making a meaningful impact,” stated Josh Ghaim, Ph.D., chairman of the ADN Board, in response. “This is particularly highlighted by the appointment of our founder and executive director, Almaz Negash, to the first-ever Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States under the Biden Administration.” I want to sincerely congratulate Almaz on receiving this well-deserved honor.
Negash expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the President’s Inaugural Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, saying, “I am honored to serve.” I want to express my sincere gratitude to Vice President Harris, President Biden, and their hardworking staff for their steadfast support of Africa and the African Diaspora. I am also happy that ADN will join the ASU-led alliance to leverage the USAID Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI LL) award to empower youth in Africa. In order to have an influence on the African continent and the places we call home, I am excited about the chance to learn, share ideas, and pool resources.
