Ramatu Gumah Named Chairperson and Head of Africa Diaspora Relations at Africa Development Council

Ms. Ramatu Gumah has been appointed Chairperson and Head of Africa Diaspora Relations for the Africa Development Council (ADC)  with the responsibility of leading the Council’s engagement with Africans in the diaspora and strengthening its international partnerships.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to deepen collaboration between Africa and its global diaspora while advancing its vision of promoting sustainable development, economic transformation, diplomacy, and Pan-African integration.

ADC Appoints Ms Gumah-Chairperson-Pan Africa Affairs (1)

As Chairperson and Head of Africa Diaspora Relations, Ms. Gumah will report directly to the President of the Africa Development Council and provide strategic leadership for one of the organisation’s key departments. Her mandate includes developing and implementing initiatives that foster stronger relationships between the Council and diaspora communities, governments, development institutions, diplomatic missions, and international organisations across the world.

In her new role, she will spearhead ADC’s diplomatic and international engagement strategy, working closely with embassies, high commissions, and global institutions to expand the Council’s footprint and strengthen cooperation on issues affecting Africa and its diaspora.

Her responsibilities also extend to promoting the Council’s interests through engagement with multilateral organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), Africa’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the European Union (EU), and other international partners. Through these engagements, she is expected to facilitate dialogue, encourage strategic partnerships, and advance initiatives that support Africa’s development priorities.

A key aspect of Ms. Gumah’s portfolio will be facilitating international trade and business negotiations, encouraging investment partnerships, and creating opportunities for economic collaboration between African countries, the diaspora, and global stakeholders. The Council believes these efforts will contribute to attracting investment, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting innovation, and enhancing economic opportunities across the continent.

Beyond diplomacy and international relations, Ms. Gumah has also been tasked with overseeing grant proposal development and resource mobilisation initiatives aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the Africa Development Council. She will coordinate efforts to secure funding from development agencies, philanthropic organisations, international institutions, and strategic partners to support programmes that advance education, youth empowerment, women’s leadership, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Working in close collaboration with the Council’s Protocol Department, Ms. Gumah will further enhance ADC’s international visibility through strategic communications, public diplomacy, institutional branding, and stakeholder engagement. Her office will play an instrumental role in coordinating high-level meetings, international conferences, investment forums, and cultural exchange programmes that project the Council’s vision and mission to the global community.

The appointment reflects the Africa Development Council’s confidence in Ms. Gumah’s leadership, professional experience, and ability to build meaningful partnerships that advance the organisation’s Pan-African agenda. Her extensive background in stakeholder engagement, cultural diplomacy, leadership, and international collaboration is expected to strengthen the Council’s efforts to unite Africans across borders and create opportunities for shared growth and development.

According to the Council, the Africa Diaspora Relations Department will serve as a strategic bridge between the continent and millions of Africans living abroad, recognising the critical role the diaspora plays in driving investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, advocacy, and sustainable development.

ADC believes that stronger engagement with diaspora communities will contribute significantly to the continent’s socioeconomic transformation by promoting collaboration in sectors such as trade, technology, tourism, education, healthcare, culture, and the creative economy.

The Council further noted that Ms. Gumah’s leadership will be instrumental in establishing long-term partnerships with governments, international development organisations, civil society groups, private-sector institutions, and diaspora associations that share the vision of a prosperous and globally competitive Africa.

Her appointment comes at a time when African institutions are placing greater emphasis on harnessing the expertise, influence, and resources of the diaspora to support the implementation of continental development priorities and strengthen Africa’s voice on the international stage.

As Chairperson and Head of Africa Diaspora Relations, Ms. Ramatu Gumah is expected to champion initiatives that foster unity, strengthen international cooperation, attract strategic investment, and build enduring partnerships that contribute to the advancement of Africa and its global diaspora.

The Africa Development Council expressed confidence that her appointment will further position the organisation as a leading Pan-African institution committed to promoting diplomacy, economic development, cultural exchange, and sustainable partnerships that benefit the continent and its people.