The initiative, on the theme: “Africa Forward: Innovation, Investment, Influence,” aims to showcase the economic power of the African diaspora, and create a platform for economic opportunities in the UK and on the continent.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, Mr Akwasi Agyemang, Co-Founder of the initiative, said the 10-day event would unlock business opportunities and help create linkages between the diaspora and Africa’s existing and emerging markets.

“There are about 2.1 million people of African heritage making waves in business, sports, technology…Part of what we are trying to do is to bridge the gap in the Africa story, which has been told in fragments…,” he said.

“It is not just about us on the continent but everybody who is black, from the United Kingdom, and our bothers and sisters from the Caribbean.”

Mr Agyemang said the event, planned to coincide with the Black History Month, would help project African countries and destinations through branding and promotional activities while changing the narrative from aid to investment.

The lineup includes “Taste of Africa”, a welcome event to be hosted at the Gold Coast Restaurant in Croydon to celebrate African cuisine and culture.

“This will be followed by an African Business Showcase, featuring visits to various African-owned businesses across the UK to highlight diaspora entrepreneurship,” he said.

“A major highlight will be an Investment Summit in partnership with Ghana International Bank, designed to drive conversations on diaspora investment and financial inclusion.”

Others are the Africa Country Branding Forum, focused on tourism and destination marketing, and a Market Access Summit, which will explore how the diaspora could participate in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mr Agyemang emphasised collaboration among individuals and corporate bodies, adding that the initiative would leverage existing platforms and partnerships to achieve the desired results.

Dr Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission, Diaspora African Forum, pledged support for the event, which would explore Africa-Caribbean relations and broader diaspora linkages.

She commended the initiative and called on stakeholders on the continent to continue promoting unity, development and Pan-Africanism.

Dr Lucky Onoriode George, the Executive Director, Africa Travel Commission, expressed commitment to the initiative and stressed the importance of promoting African tourism and business.

Other dignitaries present were Mr Youssef Chaoui, Deputy Ambassador of Morrocco, and Mr Fortunato Albrinho, Ambassador of Mozambique.