According to the World Bank, global remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached a record $685 billion in 2024, with Africa receiving approximately 5.8%. Nigeria alone accounted for $4.22 billion, representing a significant source of external financing. Countries such as Egypt ($29 billion) and Ghana ($6.65 billion) also benefit heavily from diaspora inflows. However, these remittances are primarily used for household consumption rather than large-scale investments.

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The introduction of diaspora bonds could shift this dynamic, directing a fraction of these funds towards national development projects. Israel, for example, has raised over $44 billion since launching its diaspora bond programme in 1951. India followed suit, successfully raising $11 billion through diaspora bonds during its economic crisis in 1991. If African nations replicate these models, they could unlock billions in new development funds.

The Potential of Diaspora Bonds in Africa

Africa’s diaspora community is one of its most significant assets. With over 50 million Africans living abroad, many have accumulated wealth and are willing to contribute to their home countries’ development. Unlike traditional foreign aid, diaspora bonds offer a direct and stable source of funding, as investors are emotionally and culturally tied to their homelands.

Ethiopia provides a noteworthy case study. The country issued its first diaspora bond in 2008, raising millions to finance the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Although challenges such as low subscription rates persisted, the initiative demonstrated the potential for mobilising diaspora resources. Similarly, Kenya launched its own diaspora bond in 2011 to fund infrastructure projects, though results were mixed due to limited investor confidence. By learning from these experiences, African governments can refine their approaches to attract more investors.

Challenges and Risks

Despite its potential, the success of diaspora bonds hinges on trust, governance, and financial stability. Many African governments struggle with issues of corruption, mismanagement, and political instability, discouraging diaspora members from investing. For instance, Ethiopia’s diaspora bond faced scepticism due to concerns about government transparency. To mitigate these risks, governments must adopt best practices, ensuring proper financial accountability, offering competitive interest rates, and fostering investor confidence through clear legal frameworks.

Nigeria presents a notable example. In 2017, the Nigerian government successfully issued a $300 million diaspora bond with an interest rate of 5.625%, targeting Nigerians in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. The bond was well received, proving that structured policies and transparent governance can attract diaspora investments.

A Global Perspective on Diaspora Bonds

Africa is not alone in leveraging diaspora bonds. Countries such as China and the Philippines have experimented with similar instruments to boost national development. China’s global diaspora has played a crucial role in financing the country’s economic rise, with expatriates heavily investing in national industries and infrastructure. The Philippines has also encouraged its overseas workforce, which remits over $30 billion annually, to invest in homeland projects. These global examples highlight that when effectively structured, diaspora bonds can become a reliable financing mechanism. Africa’s challenge is to instil confidence among its diaspora communities and create investment-friendly environments.

Unlocking Africa’s Financial Potential

To fully harness diaspora bonds, African nations must adopt strategic policies. First, governments should strengthen financial institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability. Establishing independent monitoring bodies to oversee bond utilisation will boost investor trust. Second, African countries must offer attractive incentives such as tax breaks and high-yield returns to make diaspora bonds competitive in global financial markets. Third, marketing and outreach efforts should be intensified. Many African diaspora members are unaware of these investment opportunities, underscoring the need for targeted campaigns, digital platforms, and partnerships with financial institutions abroad.

If well implemented, diaspora bonds could provide Africa with an alternative financial strategy to fund critical infrastructure, drive economic growth, and reduce dependency on foreign loans. The time has come for African nations to view their diaspora communities not just as remittance senders but as strategic investors in the continent’s future. By doing so, Africa can unlock billions in untapped capital, turning the vision of self-sustaining development into a reality.

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Legal Arguments and Stakes

South Africa’s legal plea to the ICJ is built on allegations of genocide and grave breaches of international humanitarian law. The appeal asserts that Israel’s military actions in Rafah are aimed at the systematic destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza, constituting a genocide under the Genocide Convention.

In presenting their case, South African representatives argued that previous provisional measures issued by the ICJ were inadequate. They highlighted that despite the court’s initial orders, which mandated Israel to prevent further deaths and destruction and ensure humanitarian access, violations persist. This, they contend, underscores the need for more stringent measures to protect Gaza’s civilian population.

Israel’s defense, on the other hand, claims its actions are in legitimate self-defense against Hamas, which it accuses of perpetrating genocidal acts. Israeli representatives maintain that their military operations are necessary to neutralize a terrorist threat and protect Israeli civilians.

Implications for International Law

The case brought forward by South Africa is a landmark in the context of international law. It questions the effectiveness of existing international legal mechanisms in safeguarding vulnerable populations during armed conflicts. Should the ICJ grant the requested emergency measures, it could establish a significant precedent for the court’s proactive role in mitigating ongoing conflicts and enforcing international humanitarian standards.

Furthermore, the participation of other nations, such as Libya, Nicaragua, and Colombia, in supporting South Africa’s plea indicates a growing international consensus on the necessity of legal action to address allegations of genocide and war crimes. This collective move could enhance the scrutiny of state actions in conflict zones and reinforce the authority of international legal institutions.

Potential Outcomes and Regional Impact

If the ICJ rules in favor of South Africa’s request, the immediate implications could include a cessation of Israeli military operations in Rafah, mandated unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, and a requirement for Israel to report on compliance with these directives. Non-compliance could lead to international condemnation and potential sanctions, significantly impacting Israel’s global standing.

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In the long term, a favorable ruling for South Africa could bolster the credibility and authority of the ICJ in conflict resolution, encouraging other nations to pursue legal avenues for addressing humanitarian crises. This would promote a rules-based international order and enhance the protection of civilian populations in conflict zones.

Conversely, if the ICJ rejects South Africa’s plea, it may raise concerns about the efficacy of international legal institutions in addressing urgent humanitarian issues. This could potentially embolden states to continue or escalate military actions without fear of immediate legal repercussions, posing challenges to global peace and security.

The legal arguments presented and the court’s subsequent decision will have far-reaching implications for the protection of civilians in conflict areas and the role of international law in resolving such crises. The outcome of this case will likely shape and reinforce the importance of legal recourse in maintaining global justice and peace.

The post South Africa Takes Emergency Plea to the World Court appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

In the early years following Israel’s creation, the country faced isolation in the international arena, and its efforts to establish diplomatic ties with African nations were met with mixed responses. Some African countries, inspired by shared post-colonial struggles, established diplomatic relations with Israel, while others sided with Arab nations, leading to periods of strained relations.

Cooperative Initiatives Amid Political Challenges

Despite political tensions arising from the Arab-Israeli conflict, Israel engaged in various cooperative initiatives with African nations during the 1960s and 1970s. These efforts included agricultural projects, technological exchanges, and military assistance, reflecting Israel’s desire to contribute to African development.

Diplomatic Isolation and Reconciliation

During the 1980s and 1990s, several African countries severed ties with Israel under political pressure. However, the end of apartheid in South Africa and the Oslo Accords in the Middle East led to a diplomatic thaw. Israel rekindled relations with African nations, with an emphasis on economic cooperation, technology transfer, and joint development projects.

Renewed Partnerships and Shared Interests

The 21st century witnessed a notable reinvigoration of Israeli-African ties. Israel expanded its diplomatic outreach, establishing relations with more African countries. Common concerns, such as counterterrorism, water resource management, and agricultural innovation, became focal points of collaboration. Israel’s expertise in technology and innovation found resonance with African nations seeking solutions to their developmental challenges.

Bilateral trade and economic cooperation have flourished in recent years. Israel’s expertise in areas such as agriculture, water management, and cybersecurity has been sought after by African nations. Both sides have recognized the mutual benefits of fostering economic ties.

Israel has engaged in a series of diplomatic initiatives to strengthen ties with Africa. This includes high-level visits, diplomatic missions, and participation in regional forums. Israel’s quest for support in international forums and African nations’ desire for diversified partnerships have contributed to these diplomatic overtures.

Efforts to enhance cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections have played a crucial role in fostering understanding between Israeli and African societies. Educational programs, cultural events, and youth exchanges contribute to building bridges between the two regions. The growing collaboration in economic, diplomatic, and cultural spheres underscores the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership. As both regions face common global challenges, the Israeli-African relationship is poised to continue evolving in the quest for shared prosperity and stability.

The post Exploring the Israeli-African relationship Over the Years appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Silence in the face of evil is itself evil – Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

The conflict in Israel and Palestine is not just a regional issue; it is a global concern that resonates with the principles of justice, equality, and humanity that Africans hold dear. The images of civilian casualties, dying children, destroyed homes, and shattered lives should remind us of our shared responsibility as global citizens to advocate for peace and work towards resolving this long-standing conflict.

Africa, with its rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and traditions, understands more than any the value of coexistence and unity in diversity. Our continent has experienced the pain of conflict and division, but it has also shown the world the power of reconciliation. African leaders have a moral obligation to advocate for the protection of human rights, and call for an immediate end to the violence in both Israel and Palestine.

In this moment of crisis, I urge our African leaders to pick up the mantle, be the global example of great leadership and advocate for sustainable peace through dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. Our leaders must also strengthen all diplomatic efforts through the African Union to mediate the conflict and promote a peaceful resolution. With our experience in conflict resolution it is paramount that we actively engage in the promotion of peace without taking sides should this be a concern.

However the most important step for our leaders to do at this time is to invest in education. Education  that promotes tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of diversity. We must lay the foundation for our future generations that fosters a more harmonious world, a more just and humane global society.

Today presents an opportunity for African leaders to be voices of reason, compassion, and hope. Our leaders have a responsibility to lead by example and stand united in our pursuit of peace and justice, to inspire positive change and contribute to the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Our African leaders are called to firmly and clearly stand against discrimination by condemning all forms of discrimination, racism, and bigotry. Prejudice and hatred have no place in our world; they only serve as obstacles to peace and progress.

By Yetunde Asika, Chief Operating Officer, African Leadership Council

The post A Call for Peace and Unity: African Leaders Must Stand for Justice appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The pact when implemented will create more opportunities for tourism and business exchanges.

Signatories to the agreement are the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud, and the newly accredited Israeli Ambassador to Seychelles, Michael Lotem.

This was contained in a press release from the office of the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud.

Renaud said, “Agreements are important ones as they talk about the rules for air services between countries when it comes to passengers, cargo, and mail.

“We have agreed with our partners in Israel to expand the number of frequencies from 14 flights per week to 28 flights per week and this will take immediate effect after the next exchanges of letters”.

The agreement was initiated in October 2015 following which visitor arrival numbers from Israel started increasing. According to the latest figures from Seychelles’ National Bureau of Statistics, a total of 9,069 Israeli visitors have landed in Seychelles since the start of 2022, ranking among the top ten markets of the island nation.

Direct flights to Tel Aviv, Israel are currently being operated by Seychelles’ national airline, Air Seychelles. Renaud outlined that at the moment Air Seychelles’ capacities for export are already full as the island nation exports fish to Israel.

Lotem said, “the agreement aims at ensuring that both sides get reciprocal conditions and to regulate the aerial connection between Israel and Seychelles.”

Earlier during the day, Ambassador Lotem presented his credentials to Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan.

Following the short ceremony at State House, Victoria, Lotem told the press that their discussions mainly revolved around agriculture, business, health, and tourism.

“When it comes to agriculture, we discussed the fact that these days, agriculture does not depend on space, soil, water, and weather. It stands alone. It is a sector that with the right technology, you can produce as much as you choose to produce. That is something that we should be working on,” said Lotem.

“The easiest thing is to talk about what can be done – so many things can be done everywhere but the most important thing is to find people who want to do it with us and Israelis who want to work with Seychelles.”

Source: Seychelles News Agency

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The diplomat said that his visit served to identify the agricultural potential of the region and to establish cooperation with the current investors linked to the agricultural sector.

During the visit, the ambassador accompanied by the provincial governor of Zaire, Pedro Makita Armando Júlia, got acquainted with the agricultural farms of Lukunga Hills and the ATS-group builds Soyo, both located in the municipality of Tomboco.

According to Oren Rozenblat, there are investors in the province of Zaire who are willing to develop agricultural activities but who still face financial difficulties, and their country intends to cooperate with local authorities to leverage the sector and contribute to the development economic development of Angola.

He stressed that his country chose agriculture as a sector that could offer more jobs, especially for young people, as well as helping producers to find new markets for surplus marketing.

During his stay in Zaire province, the Israeli ambassador worked in the municipalities of Mbanza Kongo, Soyo and Tomboco.

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