On April 19, 2025, the 2nd Edition of the African Diaspora Forum (ADF25) brought together nearly 190 participants from 35 African countries and 10 other nationalities, representing a beautiful diversity of backgrounds, stories, and aspirations. Hosted at Nişantaşı University in Istanbul, and held under the theme "Empowering the Diaspora as a Pathway to Sustainable Collaboration Between Africa and Türkiye", ADF25 was more than just a gathering—it was a moment of connection, reflection, and collective purpose.

Dignified Openings

The Forum was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including H.E. Moustapha Sokhna Diop, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal to Türkiye, H.E. Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komşuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu, Rector of Istanbul Nişantaşı Üniversitesi, H.E. Mehdi Errami, Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Istanbul, Mr. Zeki Güvercin, President of GR Events World / DEİK Türkiye–Senegal Business Council, and representatives from multiple African embassies and consulates. Their insightful opening speeches grounded the day in a spirit of Pan-Africanism, shared responsibility, and diplomatic solidarity.

Thought-Provoking Panels

Three panels tackled pressing issues facing African diasporas:

• Panel 1 explored Identity and Belonging: Exploring the African Diaspora's Place in Reinforcing Türkiye-Africa Relation, Moderated by Dr. Kamal Bendjafer, with panelists like Damaris Kinuthia, COO of Rockman Logistics, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Yiğit, Academic & Writer, and Fatih İlhan, Entrepreneur & Co-founder of AfroAnatolian.

• Panel 2, titled Economic Empowerment & Professional Integration Strengthening Business and Trade Opportunities, was moderated by Dr. Therence Atabong, Author & CEO of Atabs Consultancy, with panelists such as Dr. Daniel Ayodele, Founder & Executive Director of MEEI Program, Prince Sam Onuegbunam, General Manager, Ikenga Türkiye A.Ş, and Mohamed Alitine, Foreign Trade Specialist & Managing Director of Fournıssa Dış Ticaret Ltd Şirketi.

• Panel 3 looked toward the future with a focus on Representation, Advocacy, and Cultural Diplomacy Shaping the Narrative and Influence of the African Diaspora, led by vibrant speakers like Mac Hamidou Camara, Iddi Ahmed, and Tuğrul Oğuzhan Yılmaz was moderated by Kardellas Rababe – Journalist, PhD Student.

Each session resonated with authenticity and urgency, sparking conversations that continued far beyond the auditorium.

Diaspora Skills Lab: Workshops for Impact

A key feature of this year's Forum was the Diaspora Skills Lab, featuring two interactive workshops:

• Education & Leadership, led by Ms. Sihem Djıdjık, invited young leaders to rethink the power of education in shaping diasporic agency.

• Business & Entrepreneurship, facilitated by Mr. Mohamed Alitine, equipped participants with practical tools to scale business ideas and foster economic independence.

These sessions reflected ADF’s commitment to capacity building and real-world empowerment.

A Community Effort

ADF25 would not have been possible without the collective effort of volunteers, sister organizations, and generous partners. Special thanks go to our financial sponsor, Rockman Logistics, and the invaluable support from institutions such as YTB Istanbul Office, Babi Alem Association, Al Selam Foundation, and Nişantaşı University, whose involvement lent institutional strength and credibility to the Forum.

What It Meant

With participants coming from 20 different cities, the Forum reflected the deepening engagement of African diasporas across Türkiye. It reaffirmed the importance of building inclusive, transnational platforms to amplify voices that are too often unheard and to celebrate the richness of African identity in all its expressions.

ADF25 reminded us that our stories matter. Our voices matter. And when we come together—across borders, cultures, and generations—we shape a future rooted in dignity, unity, and purpose.