At this year’s African Diaspora Day on the Hill, U.S. lawmakers, global investors, and leaders from the African diaspora in the tech, creative industries, and critical minerals and energy sectors gathered on September 16 for a high-level forum on Capitol Hill on forging a new U.S. economic partnership with Africa and the Caribbean.
Armand Tchokokam, Cybastion’s Executive Vice President and Global Chief Financial Officer, served as a panelist on the session, “Tech & AI” where he emphasized that AI represents a “tremendous growth opportunity” with the potential to open new markets and industries.
Moderated by Semhar Araia, CEO of the Diaspora Academy, other panelists included Zekarias Amsalu Dubale, FCCA, Co-Founder of the Africa Fintech Summit; Shonique D. Thomas, MBA-HRM, Senior Manager, Microsoft; Dr. Claire A. Nelson, Chief Ideation Leader, The Futures Forum and Futurist Advisor to the VP International Affairs, Morgan State University.
Since AI is still an emerging technology, governments, companies, and diaspora professionals have a critical window to help shape AI systems that reflect diverse perspectives and drive inclusive growth, he emphasized.
Cybastion, which is leading digital transformation projects across Africa, has begun integrating AI into its work. AI-driven tools are leveraged to enhance digital infrastructure and e-government platforms, strengthen cybersecurity systems, and improve digital service delivery.
Through the Africa DigiEmpower Workforce Training Program, Cybastion is equipping African youth and women with digital skills in AI, data science, and cybersecurity. The training program includes AI Tech Camps that prepare the next generation of tech professionals to thrive in a digital economy.
Panelists agreed that the African diaspora has an important role to play in bridging expertise and investment and ensuring that AI is harnessed to drive innovation.
Dr. Patricia Jackson, Cybastion’s Director of Strategic Partnerships for Defense and Intelligence and Joseline Ouedraogo, Finance Manager attended the Hill event.
Newly-introduced legislation, African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA), was highlighted throughout the Hill event. The legislation aims to lower remittance costs, boost diaspora-led investment, and align U.S. policy with the strength of African and Caribbean communities.
