… NiDCOM Chair Calls on African Professionals in Silicon Valley to Drive Innovation, Investment, and Development Across the Continent
Rashidat Olushola Okunlade Writes, Lagos
Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has issued a powerful call to action for Africans living abroad, urging them to embrace their role as the critical link between the continent and global opportunity.
Speaking as a special guest at the 2026 Black Engineering Week (BEW) in San Jose, California, held under the theme “Africans in Diaspora as Bridge Builders”, Dabiri-Erewa challenged diaspora engineers, founders, investors, and tech leaders to channel their expertise, influence, and capital toward Africa’s transformation.
“You left the continent. But you never really left,” she told the gathering. “You live in two worlds and refuse to choose. You connect them. That is engineering at its highest level.”
Rejecting the outdated narrative of brain drain, Dabiri-Erewa reframed the diaspora’s impact as “brain gain” and “brain circulation,” emphasizing that African professionals are simultaneously shaping global technological advancement and opening new frontiers for growth at home.
She identified three pillars of diaspora contribution, talent, capital, and credibility, noting that while Black and African engineers remain underrepresented in Silicon Valley, they are integral to building the technologies defining the future. NiDCOM, she said, is actively collaborating with state governments and diaspora partners to verify Nigerian talent, promote remote work opportunities, and simplify recruitment for global companies seeking skilled professionals from Nigeria.
On the economic front, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the untapped potential of diaspora remittances, which she said could become a powerful engine for industrialization, entrepreneurship, climate technology, and venture capital if strategically directed into productive sectors. She also underscored the reputational value of Africans in leadership positions at global tech firms, whose visibility continues to elevate the continent’s image and inspire the next generation of innovators.
The NiDCOM chief urged diaspora professionals to give back with intention—mentoring emerging talent, creating jobs, and investing in young entrepreneurs—while also challenging African governments to dismantle bureaucratic barriers and create enabling environments that make diaspora participation in national development genuinely attractive.
She called for deeper collaboration between Silicon Valley institutions and African universities, advocating for expanded internships, fellowships, research partnerships, and innovation programs that can unlock opportunities for over 1.4 billion Africans.
“Networks now run on technology, innovation, capital, and people,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “Africa is poised to produce not only the world’s next billion digital users but also the engineers who will build solutions for the future.”
The event featured a Founders Showcase, sponsored by Adobe in partnership with San Jose State University and the Black Engineers Network, with panel discussions, startup pitches, and diaspora-focused conversations. Black Engineers Association President Folarin Erogbogbo described the showcase as a platform designed to accelerate Black-led innovation, culminating in a Founder Demo Competition where selected entrepreneurs pitched before a panel of judges.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dabiri-Erewa met with the Supervisor of Santa Clara County, who expressed interest in exploring partnerships with Nigerian cities, particularly in healthcare, as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.
