DIASPORA IS AFRICA’S BRAIN GAIN, NOT BRAIN DRAIN — DABIRI-EREWA

DIASPORA IS AFRICA’S BRAIN GAIN, NOT BRAIN DRAIN — DABIRI-EREWA

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Africans living abroad to embrace their role as critical links between the continent and the rest of the world, describing them as Africa’s bridge to global opportunities.

Speaking at the 2026 Black Engineering Week in San Jose, themed “Africans in Diaspora as Bridge Builders,” Dabiri-Erewa challenged diaspora professionals to channel their expertise, influence and resources into innovation, investment and development across Africa. Rejecting the long-standing notion of “brain drain,” she described Africans abroad as agents of “brain gain” and “brain circulation,” whose contributions are advancing technology globally while creating new opportunities for growth on the continent.

The NiDCOM boss identified talent, capital and credibility as key areas where the African diaspora continues to make a significant impact. She noted that while Black and African professionals remain underrepresented in Silicon Valley, many are helping to build technologies shaping the future. According to her, NiDCOM is partnering with state governments and diaspora organisations to promote Nigerian talent, encourage remote work opportunities and facilitate the recruitment of skilled professionals by global companies.

Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the enormous potential of diaspora remittances, stressing that funds sent home by Nigerians abroad could become a major driver of industrialisation, entrepreneurship, climate technology and venture capital investment if strategically channelled into productive sectors. She further urged African professionals overseas to mentor young talents, create jobs and support emerging entrepreneurs, while calling on governments across the continent to remove bureaucratic barriers that discourage diaspora participation in national development.

She advocated stronger collaboration between Silicon Valley institutions and African universities through internships, fellowships, research partnerships and innovation programmes. On the sidelines of the conference, Dabiri-Erewa held talks with officials of Santa Clara County on possible partnerships with Nigerian cities, particularly in the healthcare sector, as part of efforts to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between Africa and the United States.