Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has urged Nigerian professionals abroad to leverage their skills, influence, and resources to drive innovation and investment across Africa. Speaking at the 2026 Black Engineering Week in San Jose, California, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the critical role of the African diaspora in shaping the continent’s technological and economic future. The event, themed “Africans in Diaspora as Bridge Builders,” brought together engineers, innovators, and thought leaders to discuss ways to strengthen connections between Africa and the global tech community.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the underrepresentation of Black and African engineers in Silicon Valley, despite their significant contributions to cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future. She pointed out that while African professionals are actively involved in building the digital infrastructure of tomorrow, their voices and leadership remain marginalized in major tech hubs. Her remarks underscored the need for greater visibility and inclusion of African talent in global innovation spaces.
In her address, she called for stronger partnerships between institutions in Silicon Valley and African universities. She specifically advocated for the expansion of internships, fellowships, research collaborations, and innovation programs that can unlock opportunities for over 1.4 billion Africans. These initiatives, she stressed, are essential for building a sustainable pipeline of talent and fostering homegrown solutions to Africa’s developmental challenges.
The statement from the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, confirmed that Dabiri-Erewa delivered her remarks as a special guest at the event. Her presence at the gathering highlighted the Nigerian government’s commitment to engaging its diaspora as key partners in national and continental progress. The event itself served as a platform to discuss how African engineers can bridge gaps between continents through knowledge transfer and joint ventures.
Dabiri-Erewa’s call to action resonates with broader efforts to position Africa as a hub for innovation and investment. By tapping into the expertise of Nigerian professionals abroad, the continent can accelerate its digital transformation and create more inclusive economic growth. Her message also aligns with Nigeria’s broader diaspora policy, which seeks to harness the potential of Nigerians living overseas for national development.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the role of African professionals in global tech ecosystems grows more important. Dabiri-Erewa’s speech at the Black Engineering Week signals a strategic push to ensure that Africa is not just a beneficiary of innovation, but a leader in its creation. The future of African development, she suggested, lies in the hands of its diaspora — and in their willingness to build bridges that connect continents, ideas, and opportunities.
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