ADN Symposium.pdf

African Diaspora Network (ADN) is a 501(c)(3) organization promoting dialogue and action on social and economic development issues in Africa. The 2016 African Diaspora Investment Symposium, held on January 29-30, 2016, in Santa Clara, CA, brought together leaders and entrepreneurs to reimagine possibilities, co-create solutions, and explore investment opportunities in Africa.

Key takeaways from the symposium include:
- The importance of the Diaspora investing in the African continent
- The need for collaboration between individuals and groups interested in Africa's future
- The potential for new investment channels to support a new generation of entrepreneurs
- The role of the Diaspora in building new links between African entrepreneurs and Silicon Valley

Next steps include:
1. Planning ADIS 2017
2. Participating in the Zambia International Investment Forum
3. Organizing a Trade and Investment Mission to Sierra Leone and Liberia
4. Launching the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative
5. Developing the ChangeLabs Africa accelerator platform
6. Establishing the Grassroots Accelerator Fund

The symposium featured panels and workshops, including:
- Keys to a Successful Startup
- Understanding Angel Investing in Africa
- The African Startup Ecosystem
- How Might the Diaspora Contribute Human Capital to Africa?

The event was attended by over 230 participants from Africa, Europe, Canada, and the US, and was supported by premium sponsors such as IdEA, Homestrings, and the US Department of State.