Beyond borders: do the African diasporas influence democratisation?

The African Union (AU) recognized the African diaspora as Africa's "sixth region" in 2003. The diaspora has historically been vital in liberation struggles and remains influential in social and political development, enhanced by technology and globalization. Many African governments appreciate financial contributions from the diaspora, such as remittances averaging 2.6% of Africa's GDP, often exceeding foreign investment and aid. Political contributions, however, are more contentious, with governments responding in diverse ways, from restriction to collaboration. With a third of Africans voting in this super election year, we explore the diaspora's impact on democratic processes.

Our guests for this episode are: 

• Henning Melber, NAI Associate and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria and the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein
• Babatunde Fagbayibo, Professor of International Law at the University of Pretoria
• Guðrún Sif Friðriksdóttir, NAI Senior Researcher