Opening Remarks
Ms. Salma El Tanany, Ag. Director, Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO), African Union Commission
at the
CANADA – AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE DATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2024
LOCATION: TORONTO; ROYAL YORK HOTEL

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,

Hon. Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

Esteemed Commissioners, Distinguished representatives, Diaspora and youth leaders, Ladies and gentlemen,

All protocols observed

It is a profound honor to join you today on behalf of the African Union Commission. I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Canada for hosting this important dialogue and for its steadfast commitment to deepening relations with Africa.

Canada has long been a welcoming home to the African diaspora, a vibrant and diverse community whose contributions not only enrich Canadian society but also drive Africa’s ongoing development. This partnership between Canada and Africa is grounded in shared values and mutual respect, reflecting a collective vision for sustainable growth and inclusivity.

Today’s dialogue aligns closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, our shared blueprint for a prosperous, inclusive, and peaceful Africa. Agenda 2063 calls upon our global diaspora, recognized as Africa’s Sixth Region, to be integral partners in the continent’s transformation.

In 2012, the Global African Diaspora Summit laid a foundation for structured diaspora engagement, adopting the Five Legacy Projects that embody our commitment to unlocking the full potential of our diaspora. These projects, including the African Institute for Remittances, the Diaspora Volunteer Corps, and the African Diaspora Investment Fund, provide avenues for meaningful contributions to Africa’s development.

The Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) plays a pivotal role in realizing this vision by building bridges between the African Union and diaspora communities worldwide, including here in Canada. Our mission is to ensure that diaspora voices and contributions are reflected in Africa’s policies and programs, strengthening the bonds between Africa and its global diaspora.

In our journey to strengthen diaspora relations, we recognize our own past shortcomings. There was a time when we, perhaps, viewed the diaspora as a homogeneous group or primarily as a source of financial contributions. This approach was limited and did not fully honor the diversity, expertise, and unique contributions that each diaspora community offers. Today, we acknowledge that the African diaspora is a mosaic of communities with varied skills, experiences, and aspirations. These differences are a source of strength, and it is crucial that we harness them—not just for monetary support, but for technical, intellectual, and cultural contributions as well.

There is no shame in admitting where we have fallen short. This is why dialogues like today’s are essential. We are here to listen, learn, and grow. We thank the Government of Canada for taking this initiative and for creating a space where open dialogue can pave the way for actionable solutions. Trust is the cornerstone of any strong relationship, and it is through initiatives like these that we can build and strengthen the trust between governments, our people, and the African Union. CIDO is here to bridge this gap, and we are committed to implementing mechanisms of accountability and transparency to ensure that your voices are not only heard but acted upon.

The African Union defines the diaspora as people of African origin living outside the continent, irrespective of citizenship or nationality, who are willing to contribute to Africa’s development. Willingness is the driving force here, and your presence today is a testament to that commitment. We are here to leverage your input, perspectives, and voices, and to ensure that they are woven into our policies and programs.

We all want to feel heard and acknowledged. What unites us is the love we hold for our continent, our link to our roots. Regardless of where we may reside, we carry with us two enduring values: roots and wings. While we may live in different parts of the world, our roots are bound to Mother Africa. It’s our calling, our responsibility to give back. If we come with strong opinions, it is because we care deeply. If at times there is frustration or critique, it is because we believe that Africa has the potential to thrive through the hands of its own people, especially its youth.

We are acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by our diaspora—challenges surrounding identity, access to opportunities, and a desire for connection to their heritage. To address these, we need partnerships not only with governments but also with civil society and private sector actors. By fostering mentorship and skill- building programs, we are helping diaspora youth apply their talents to Africa’s development in areas like technology, healthcare, and education.

The African diaspora and youth are indispensable to Africa’s progress. They bring not only financial support through remittances but also invaluable skills, expertise, and networks that catalyze innovation, entrepreneurship, and social transformation. Through the AU’s Office of the Youth Envoy and programs such as the AU Youth Charter, we are committed to empowering young Africans in the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s future.

Africa is a young and vibrant continent, with more than 60% of its population under the age of 25. We see this as a powerful asset. The potential of our youth in knowledge transfer is transformative. Through skills and innovative ideas, diaspora youth can bring solutions to Africa’s pressing challenges in technology, health, education, and climate resilience.

Canada’s collaboration is key to fostering knowledge transfer and skills development that benefits both regions. I encourage our Canadian partners to continue building mentorship and capacity building programs that empower young Africans to contribute effectively to their home countries. Additionally, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creates opportunities for diaspora-led entrepreneurship, enabling African businesses to reach new markets and grow sustainably.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that the African Union has designated “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” as the Theme of the Year for 2025. This theme represents an opportunity for us to collectively address historical injustices and advocate for reparatory justice—a foundation for healing, dignity, and equitable growth.

In this context, we invite our diaspora communities, particularly here in Canada, to engage actively in this endeavor. The theme will provide avenues for participation through advocacy, consultations, and cultural initiatives, ensuring that diaspora voices shape the African Union’s approach to reparatory justice.

As I stand here today, I must acknowledge that I, too, am learning as I go. With every interaction, each meeting with diaspora communities, civil society, and faith leaders, I gain deeper insight into the trust you place in us and the love and passion you hold for Africa. Regardless of our differences, what unites us is a shared vision for a thriving continent.

The role of government is to facilitate these connections, to bring us together. But it is up to us to carry this forward and build upon it. We can critique one another as much as we want, push one another to do better, but this should never deter us from collaboration. Our strength lies in our unity. As we evolve and learn, let us do so together, hand in hand, working towards a more integrated and prosperous Africa—the Africa we all envision, driven by its own citizens and diaspora.

Thank you once again to our Canadian hosts and to each of you for being here. Let us move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, building a legacy of prosperity, justice, and equity for generations to come.

I thank you all so much.