Joho Urges Kenyan Diaspora in Australia to Invest Back Home

Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Ali Hassan Joho has called on the Kenyan diaspora to invest in their homeland during a recent address in Perth, Western Australia.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by Kenya's Ambassador to Australia, Dr Wilson Kogo, Joho emphasized the untapped investment potential in Kenya and urged expatriates to capitalize on these opportunities. Joho highlighted the significant economic impact of Kenyans in Australia, noting their contribution of 671 billion dollars to the Australian GDP in the previous year. He challenged the diaspora to redirect some of this wealth back to Kenya, questioning what barriers might be preventing them from becoming investors in their own country. The Cabinet Secretary pledges his personal support for their investment initiatives, emphasizing the preference for diaspora-led investments over those from foreign entities.

While acknowledging the diaspora's contributions to their host nations' economies, Joho stresses their crucial role in Kenya's economic growth. He encourages a dual investment approach, promoting continued investment in both their adopted countries and Kenya. Joho advises the diaspora to shift their focus from seeking employment to pursuing investment opportunities when engaging with visiting government officials, arguing that investments have the potential for greater impact than individual jobs. The dinner event, which was also attended by Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, Jenny Da Rin, provided Joho with the opportunity to meet successful diaspora entrepreneurs who have created employment opportunities for Kenyans.

Joho's visit to Perth coincided with the 22nd Africa Down Under (ADU) conference, a premier event fostering Australian-African business and government relations. Held from September 4-6, 2024, at the Pan Pacific Hotel, the ADU conference has grown to become the largest African-focused mining event outside the continent since its inception in 2003. The conference offers a platform for live presentations, face-to-face meetings, and networking opportunities, making it an essential event for those involved or interested in African business ventures. The ADU conference is the centrepiece of "Africa Week," a week-long celebration of the growing ties between Australia and the African continent. This event encompasses various satellite events focusing on research, education, infrastructure, sustainable development, capacity building, energy, and cultural exchange.

The conference is expected to attract high-profile participants from diverse sectors, showcasing success stories of Australian companies and organizations operating across Africa. Joho's appeal to the Kenyan diaspora aligns with the broader objectives of the ADU conference which aims to strengthen Africa-Australia ties. The involvement of the diaspora in investment ventures has the potential to create jobs, advance technology, and enhance economic stability. The conference also serves as a platform for African countries to showcase their investment opportunities and attract potential investors. For Kenya, this means highlighting sectors such as mining, energy, and the blue economy, which have substantial growth and development potential.