Montego bay: The Reverend Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh has cautioned that mistrust between Africa and its Diaspora is undermining the developmental impact of remittances. Speaking at the fifth African Diaspora Christian Conference (AFReG 5) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, he highlighted that financial inflows from Africans abroad had surpassed foreign direct investment (FDI) and official development assistance (ODA), yet had not translated into strong partnerships.
According to Ghana News Agency, in 2023, African diaspora remittances exceeded 100 billion dollars, surpassing both foreign direct investment and official development aid. However, surveys consistently show deep relational mistrust between diaspora communities and local African counterparts. Dr. Tetteh emphasized that while money is flowing, trust is not, suggesting that prosperity without relationship amounts to charity, not partnership.
The conference, themed 'Building Bridges to Oneness, Prosperity, and Generosity,' brought together African and Diaspora Christian leaders to promote collaboration in faith, leadership, and development. Dr. Tetteh pointed out that perceptions on both sides continue to widen the divide, with some on the continent viewing the Diaspora as distant, while some in the Diaspora regard Africa as unstable and difficult to engage.
Dr. Tetteh addressed the tensions, stating that for many on the continent, the Diaspora is perceived as those who left and took their talents to build other nations, sending remittances but maintaining a distance, and returning with foreign accents and assumptions. Conversely, for many in the Diaspora, the continent feels chaotic, ungrateful, or dangerous, a place to assist from afar but not to invest in deeply.
He further commented on migration trends, particularly among young Africans, reflecting deeper challenges of identity and purpose, citing the 'Japa' movement in Nigeria as an example. Beyond economic motivations, many migrants experience disconnection from cultural roots and spiritual identity.
Dr. Tetteh called for renewed engagement based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and honest dialogue to rebuild trust between Africa and its Diaspora. He argued that reconciliation is not achieved by sentimental 'Year of Return' tourism campaigns, but requires honest dialogue. The Diaspora must relinquish savior complexes and listen, while the continent must relinquish resentment and welcome, recognizing the mutual need for each other.