By Peter Grear, AI assisted
What if Black economic liberation wasn’t just a distant ideal but an ongoing movement with real momentum? Across the globe, a seismic shift is underway, as Black entrepreneurs, leaders, and business networks push back against economic exploitation and carve out spaces for self-sufficiency. The dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the U.S. and the ongoing corporate pillaging of Africa’s resources signal a harsh reality—Black communities worldwide face economic warfare. Yet, through strategic collaboration and self-reliance, they are fighting back.
The Two-Front Battle for Economic Freedom
Attorney Melissa Muhammad, an international financial expert and advocate for Black entrepreneurs, describes the battle as two-pronged: one in the U.S. and the other on the African continent.
“In America, they are actively rolling back DEI initiatives, limiting our opportunities and resources in corporate spaces,” she explains. “Meanwhile, in Africa, multinational corporations continue to extract resources without reinvesting in our people. The answer is clear—we must take control of our own economic destiny.”
Muhammad argues that working “within the system” is an illusion. While she acknowledges the value of gaining expertise through corporate America, she emphasizes that true power comes from creating independent systems. “We cannot afford to be lulled into believing that a seat at the table will grant us real decision-making power,” she asserts. “Instead, we must build our own tables.”
Building a Pan-African Economic Network
A critical step in economic liberation is strengthening global Black networks. Organizations like the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) and the Black & Global Business Network (BGBN) are at the forefront of this movement. Their mission is simple: to connect Black businesses across continents and ensure that African governments prioritize Black-owned enterprises when awarding contracts.
Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, founder of ADDI, has long advocated for a “first right of refusal” policy, ensuring that African government contracts are offered to the global African diaspora before being opened to outsiders. Through BGBN, Muhammad and her network of Black international attorneys, accountants, and financial experts help businesses navigate the complexities of global contracting.
“Our role is to train businesses on how to secure and fulfill global contracts,” Muhammad explains. “We also guide them in leveraging U.S. government resources—funding, boots-on-the-ground support, and networking—to expand their operations internationally.”
The “Hire Africa” Initiative: A Game Changer
One of the most ambitious initiatives in this movement is the “Hire Africa 2025” campaign, which aims to connect 10,000 Black entrepreneurs with young African professionals. The idea is straightforward: Black business owners worldwide can hire highly skilled workers from Africa at competitive wages, ensuring economic opportunities remain within the Black community.
Multinational corporations have long exploited Africa’s young, highly educated workforce, hiring talent at low wages without reinvesting in local economies. “We refuse to let another nation or corporation build Africa’s workforce while our people struggle,” Muhammad says passionately. “If companies can outsource work to India or the Philippines, why aren’t Black entrepreneurs hiring from our own continent?”
Through a partnership with the Black-owned company Remoting.work, BGBN has access to a pool of over 50,000 professionals in 47 African countries. The goal is to facilitate direct hiring, ensuring workers receive fair wages and sustainable employment.
“This is about knowledge transfer,” Muhammad emphasizes. “When you hire an African professional, you are not just getting affordable labor—you are training someone who can eventually help you expand your business into Africa.”
The Global Economic Loop: A Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
The broader vision behind initiatives like “Hire Africa” and ADDI’s contracting push is to create a self-sustaining economic loop for Black communities. The strategy is clear:
- Black businesses hire African professionals → Strengthening the economic base in both regions.
- Black-owned manufacturers receive U.S. government funding → Allowing them to expand domestically and internationally.
- African governments award contracts to diaspora businesses → Keeping wealth circulation within the global Black community.
- Diaspora entrepreneurs reinvest in African economies → Establishing long-term partnerships that reduce reliance on foreign corporations.
With a combined population of 1.5 billion people across Africa and the diaspora, the potential for wealth creation is immense. Muhammad envisions a future where not 10,000, but millions of Black entrepreneurs participate in this movement.
“We don’t need permission from anyone to hire our own, build our businesses, or take advantage of global markets,” she asserts. “We have the numbers. We have the talent. Now, we must act.”
From Resistance to Action: What Can Black Entrepreneurs Do?
For those looking to get involved, the steps are simple:
- Join ADDI and BGBN: These organizations provide the tools and connections needed to expand businesses internationally.
- Enroll in export training programs: Government resources exist to help Black-owned businesses enter global markets.
- Collaborate across the diaspora: African, Caribbean, and U.S. businesses must work together to create new economic opportunities.
- Hire African talent: Instead of outsourcing to foreign nations, reinvest in Black professionals globally.
As this movement gains traction, Muhammad and leaders like Dr. Chihombori-Quao stress the importance of overcoming fear and self-doubt.
“Black businesses are already operating successfully on a global scale,” Muhammad points out. “We just don’t hear their stories often enough. That’s why I’m committed to sharing these success stories—so others realize that global Black wealth isn’t just possible; it’s happening right now.”
A New Chapter in Black Economic History
This is more than an economic movement—it is a historical reckoning. For centuries, Black communities have been at the mercy of external economic forces, whether through colonialism, neo-colonial exploitation, or corporate control. But today, as Black entrepreneurs across the world unite, they are rewriting the narrative.
I, Peter Grear, co-founder of Greater Diversity News, encapsulates the significance of this shift: “This is about reclaiming what is ours—our wealth, our future, our power. Economic liberation for Black people is not a dream; it is an urgent necessity.”
The call to action is clear. The question is: Will you be part of the revolution?
