Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l December 18, 2025
Manal Al-ansi, Esq., Founder of Diaspora District, has underscored the urgent need to strategically bridge education and workforce development across Africa and the diaspora, as stakeholders from government, industry, academia and the private sector converged in Accra for the Diaspora District Global Education Conference.
Speaking in an interview at the Alisa Hotel on Day Two of the conference, Al-ansi explained that Diaspora District operates as a global “matchmaking” organisation, connecting experts and leaders across Africa, the diaspora and multiple industries to drive social impact and business development.
The three-day conference, held from December 17 to 20, 2025, is on the theme, Education Reimagined: Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders Through AI, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Partnerships, with a focused sub-theme, Strategizing for the Future — EdTech, AI & Leadership Development.
According to Al-ansi, Diaspora District is deeply invested in the education space, particularly in closing the gap between academic training and employability. She noted that the organisation brings together key stakeholders in government, education and industry to create partnerships that ensure students graduate with practical opportunities or the skills to create their own.
She observed that although education systems in Ghana and overseas differ, they share common structural challenges rooted in colonial foundations. “Whether in Accra, Lagos, Addis Ababa, Atlanta or St. Louis, we are seeing the same gaps,” she said, adding that these similarities make it possible to jointly strategise solutions while allowing local experts to apply them within their unique contexts.
Al-ansi also highlighted the importance of proactively engaging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. She stressed that AI is advancing regardless of whether communities are prepared, warning that a lack of knowledge and strategy could expose societies to harmful impacts beyond their control. She explained that the conference seeks to position participants as informed gatekeepers who can harness AI responsibly while safeguarding their communities.
On the expected outcomes of the conference, Al-ansi said participants are already witnessing tangible results, including the formation of public-private partnerships, the strengthening of a global sense of community and belonging, and the mobilisation of resources to support schools. She disclosed that a school in Ghana is receiving financial support as a direct outcome of the conference, while other initiatives finalised during the event are set for implementation in the country. She also announced efforts to build a strong intellectual and resource exchange between Ghana and Atlanta, positioning both as gateways to Africa and the African diaspora.
She described participation at the conference as exceeding expectations, revealing that attendance surpassed the original target of 100 decision-makers, reaching 140 participants, many of whom registered at the last minute after clearing their schedules to commit to immediate action. She praised the diversity and depth of the discussions, which featured leaders from government, education, the creative economy and various industries across the world.
In a brief but symbolic ceremony during the conference, Manal Al-ansi was also enstooled as a developmental queen mother, receiving the traditional title Naa Afoley Dziomoh I of Nungua Okpegornor in the Greater Accra Region.
Addressing participants after her coronation, she expressed gratitude for the honour, noting that Ghana has historically been fertile ground for leadership and development. She paid tribute to the legacy of women leaders who have guided and built societies across generations and cultures.
She further introduced Queen Aruk II of Kalaba, Nigeria, whom she described as a phenomenal international leader who travelled to Ghana to support the work of Diaspora District and to inspire women to step boldly into leadership and transformation.
