Context & Purpose

About the AAD Conference

The Africa and African Diaspora Conference (AAD) serves as an independent, unifying platform dedicated to advancing African sovereignty, reparatory justice, and sustainable solidarity between Africa and its global diaspora.

Official Context

Our Historical Context & Mandate

More than half a century after formal independence, Africans and people in the diaspora have yet to enjoy full political, economic, social, cultural and environmental freedom, sovereignty and self-determination.

The legacy of colonialism, chattel slavery, and structural global inequality continues to manifest in severe economic disparities, illicit financial flows, debt vulnerability, systemic racism, and climate injustice affecting African nations and diaspora communities across the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, and beyond.

The AAD vision is to act as a global representative for the African continent and people of African descent across the world. The conference convenes Africans and people of African descent to address underdevelopment, racism and socio-economic disparities, and to develop practical strategies for collaboration and African leadership.

The 2026 Theme: "The Return to Africa"

“The Return to Africa” represents both a physical and intellectual convening. Hosted in Johannesburg from 26–30 October 2026, the assembly provides an intentional space for dialogue, strategic policy formation, and community-led action.

Deliberative Framework

The Ten Thematic Areas

The conference proceedings, plenary discussions, and working commissions are organized around ten critical pillars:

Towards a democratic and equitable international order

Re-evaluating multilateral institutions, voting power, and international governance systems to reflect equitable African representation.

Economic liberation and self-determination

Cultivating intra-African trade, industrialization, resource ownership, and financial independence from extractive systems.

Reparatory justice, life and debt in Africa and the diaspora

Addressing the moral and economic imperatives of historical reparations, unconditional debt cancellation, and structural restitution.

Pan-Africanism with all, for all

Strengthening inclusive solidarity that bridges grassroots organizing, gender equality, youth engagement, and regional unifications.

Decolonizing knowledge

Reclaiming indigenous curricula, linguistic heritage, philosophical traditions, and autonomous research institutions across the continent.

Black lives matter globally

Uniting transnational campaigns against state violence, carceral systems, anti-Black discrimination, and social marginalization.

Building bridges between Africa and its diaspora

Fostering collaborative cultural, educational, economic, and scientific networks linking continental Africans with global diaspora communities.

Freedom of migration, border control and hospitality

Advocating for border demilitarization, free movement of Africans within Africa, and humane hospitality policies internationally.

Pan-Africanism and spirituality

Honouring sacred traditions, ancestral cosmologies, ethical philosophies, and spiritual resilience across the African world.

Climate change and climate justice

Holding historic polluters accountable, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and advancing community-centered ecological transition.