The orientation course, which will be conducted virtually, is organized in partnership with the African University College of Communication (AUCC). It serves as the first step in the Re-Africanization journey, setting the stage for a more extensive, in-person program. Participants will be introduced to Africa’s rich history, with a particular emphasis on the transatlantic slave trade.

African Cultural and History Scholars will guide participants through virtual lessons at significant historical sites, including locations where their ancestors were sold and traded. This experiential approach allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of the journey their forebears endured, tracing routes leading from Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas.

Dr. Kemi Wale-Olaitan, Vice President of AUCC, highlighted the college’s commitment to bridging academics with real-life impact, aiming to equip graduates to meet the demands of the modern world. Dr. Olaitan emphasized that AUCC faculty are working closely with ADI to make African history and heritage practical, relatable, and impactful for participants

“The African University College of Communications understands the vital role of promoting African culture and values. This commitment drives our dedication to providing African-centered programs at our institution. We are pleased to partner with the Africa Diaspora Initiative to launch the Re-Africanization project, which reflects our belief in the importance of encouraging talented Africans who have achieved success abroad to return home, reconnect with their cultural roots, and contribute to the development of their homeland”, she stated.

She further stated that the AUCC and ADI are eager to collaborate with both Diaspora and local organizations to advance these Pan-African initiatives, aimed at rekindling awareness among Africans and enhancing the continent's image. “Upon completion, participants will receive AUCC certificates as a testament to their immersion into their cultural heritage”.

Dr. Morufu Omigbule, one of the directors of ADI and Associate Professor of literary anthropology at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife who coordinates Ife Studies at the Ooni's Palace in Ile-Ife, explained that participants of the Re-Africanization program will engage directly with African traditional institutions, learning about the lives of their ancestors before the era of slavery. This component of the program, he said, aims to remind participants that their story did not begin with slavery but with a proud heritage and thriving civilizations

“The session with myself and colleague professors will emphasize on the lives and times of African ancestors’ eons before the transatlantic slave trade as embodied in myths, rituals, legends, proverbs, chants, and anecdotes among other oral literary forms as well as 'written' history. This component of the program will aim to underscore how the African story did not begin with slavery but with marvelous traditions which culminated in thriving civilizations.”, he added.

The Re-Africanization program is also supported by multiple state and traditional institutions across Africa. Following the orientation, participants will have the option to travel to Ghana for the full, two-week immersive experience, scheduled for July 2025. During this period, participants will have the opportunity to walk through historic sites, observe ancestral artifacts, engage in cultural exchanges traditional authorities, and gain firsthand insights into the customs and ways of life their ancestors cherished.

According to the directors and founders of ADI, the organization is dedicated and open to values, ideas, principles, and interests that can help the world to evolve into a place where individuals are valued regardless of their history or origin(s).

Other partners of the Re-Africanization program include the Ife Studies, African Chamber of Content Producers, Humserve Africa Foundation, Africa Progressive Research and Innovations (APRIL), Africa Monologue Challenge (AMC), and several other partners the organizers disclosed they are in discussions with.

The Re-Africanization program represents a step toward empowering diasporans with a sense of rooted rich and culturally relevant identity they can bring into any community. With the launch of this orientation course, ADI is fostering a cultural renaissance that not only reclaims the past but also strengthens the present. Participants can register for the short orientation course at africad.org 

Different African Nationals and Diasporans - photo credit -Ghana Chamber of Content Producers