Ms. Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Executive Director, United States’ Presidential Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE), U.S.A., said the goal of PAC-ADE is to make it easier for diaspora members to go beyond individual remittances and participate in pooled investments, by creating opportunities for Nigerians in the U.S. to partner with local entrepreneurs, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and invest in larger development projects that foster stability and economic growth in Nigeria.
Ms. Laurent-Mantey stated this at the Plenary Presentation at the 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit in Abuja.
She highlighted, PAC-ADE’s efforts align with its mission to bridge communities, create pathways for investment, and amplify the influence of the African diaspora.
She expressed her gratitude for the support of NiDCOM and the leadership of Hon. Dabiri-Erewa. She reaffirmed PAC-ADE’s commitment to building robust platforms and partnerships that enhance the diaspora’s impact. “PAC-ADE is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient Nigeria,” she stated.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), expressed her sincere appreciation to Ms. Laurent-Mantey, who has shown dedication and leadership within the African diaspora.
“We cannot thank you enough for all you’re doing for our continent for the dedication, for the vision, and for building a future that Africa truly deserves. We are deeply grateful.”
The NiDCOM Boss also underscored the need for collective action within the diaspora, a principle that aligns seamlessly with PAC-ADE’s core mission. She shared her vision for a Diaspora Investment Fund, encouraging collaborative investments among diaspora communities.
She said “Imagine 1,000 diasporas put together $100 and then you start to invest in your country; it’s going to be very, very impactful”.
She expressed optimism for future collaborations. “So we’re glad with the initiatives of the American African Diaspora Council under this administration, and we look forward to working with the Council and we thank the U.S. government.”
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to creating partnerships that leverage the resources, skills, and aspirations of the diaspora for Nigeria’s advancement.
She further expressed hope for ongoing collaborations that will build economic resilience and create job opportunities across Nigeria, adding, “As we’ve said here, and we’re saying it again for the Nigerian diaspora, we want to work with you. We want to build this country together. We want to ensure that Nigerians at home work with Nigerians in the diaspora to build this big country of ours.”
Dabiri-Erewa additionally recognised the contributions of prominent diaspora figures, such as Mr. Christopher Brooks, highlighting his passion for fostering investment opportunities that empower small businesses and drive economic progress in Nigeria.
The 7th NDIS which lasted three days, had as theme “Adapting Stability Through Diaspora Investment: Navigating The Path To Prosperity”.
