An initiative, Diaspora Returns: Beyond Business Borders has planned to reconnect Africans in the Diaspora with their roots through cultural immersion and business partnerships.
The programme will also generate new opportunities across culture, tourism, and business as well as brought together partners from Nigeria and the United States to strengthen ties through the nation’s cultural and creative industries.
Speaking at the event, founder and CEO of Strategic Solutions Global Nancy Aragbaye, said that the initiative’s operations will kick off in November 2025 when the first group of over 50 diasporans from the United States would visit Nigeria for the first time.
Aragbaye noted, “This goes beyond tourism; we are here to start a movement that reconnects the diaspora to Africa with intention; to invest, collaborate, and build cross-continental business. Nigeria is a leading nation across the diaspora.
When Nigeria gets it right, Africa gets it right, and when Africa gets it right, the world gets it right,” she stated.
Aragbaye also highlighted the project’s goal of documenting the reconnection journey of African Diasporans on film, which will create new opportunities in the creative industry.
“I believe in global commerce, and I know that is what is going to propel Africa, and that is what is going to stir the renaissance of Africa. Those who are yearning to return with intention, bring your talents, skills, resources, and investments back here so jobs can be created and business can be done properly on a global level,” she said.
She emphasised that the programme will not only promote tourism but also build cross-continental investment and collaboration. They believe this will solidify Nigeria’s position as a central hub for diaspora engagement.
The project, a collaboration between Strategic Solutions Global (Atlanta), Waterlight Save Initiative (Georgia), East Point Atlanta Convention and Visitors Tourism Bureau (USA), Palton Morgan Holdings (Lagos), and Eko Hotel and Suites (Lagos), is scheduled to begin in November 2025. This inaugural cohort will include 50 U.S.-based participants.
Aragbaye expressing her excitement for the documentary aspect of the project said, “I’m also excited to share that this is going to be captured because we’re turning this into a film, which will be led by me. People in the diaspora talk about Africa Rich Namus, Housewives of Lagos, but they’ve never seen a film that captures the diaspora in a powerful way that showcases the beauty and high level of business of Africa.”
She noted that the first cohort will include a group of “Diaspora Advocates,” including real estate mogul Kiana Watson, philanthropist Ashley Riewert, and fashion powerhouses Maxie J and Simon Tucker.
Also, president of the East Point Atlanta Convention and Visitors Tourism Bureau Chantel Francois, explained the collaboration between Lagos and Atlanta, citing their strong cultural and economic similarities. “Atlanta has a large Nigerian community of over 20,000 people.
This connection enriches our community and creates a natural bridge. With direct daily flights between Lagos and Atlanta, we are well-positioned to strengthen tourism, culture, and business,” she explained.
Francois emphasized the convenience of travel between the two cities. “We’ve had so many people visit our city in East Point who are from the diaspora. We’ve had the First Lady of Liberia. We’ve had visitors from Ghana, Nigeria, of course”.
“We’re looking forward to hosting all of you in 2026 when the diaspora returns,” she added, highlighting the seamless access provided by Delta Airlines’ daily non-stop service between Lagos and Atlanta.
