About Us
- Organization Overview
Who We Are: Black Star Afro Diaspora Network
The African Diaspora Development Network (ADDN ry), publicly branded as the Black Star Afro Diaspora Network, is a Finland-based, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African and Afro-descendant diaspora communities, while also supporting immigrant communities more broadly, and promoting inclusion, wellbeing, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
ADDN ry serves as a bridge between diaspora and immigrant communities, Finnish society, Africa, and the global community, creating platforms for dialogue, cooperation, and collective development. While our primary focus is on African and Afro-descendant communities, our activities are open to all and designed to encourage interaction, integration, and mutual understanding across communities.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To empower African and Afro-descendant diaspora communities and immigrant communities through development initiatives, education, youth work, culture, sports, wellbeing, and sustainable development, while strengthening inclusion, integration, and cooperation with host societies and global partners.
Our Vision
A connected and empowered diaspora and immigrant community actively contributing to social wellbeing, cultural enrichment, and sustainable development locally, in Africa, and globally.
What We Do
Core Programs & Initiatives
Diaspora & Immigrant Development
Strengthening community cohesion and global cooperation.
Education & Youth Work
Youth leadership, mentoring, and skills development.
Sports, Health & Wellbeing
Community sports, mental wellbeing, inclusive health programs.
Culture, Arts & Heritage
Cultural festivals, heritage storytelling, African heritage promotion.
Women's Empowerment & Child Rights
Advocacy, awareness, gender equality programs.
Tourism & Sustainable Development
Diaspora-led tourism and responsible cultural projects.
Diaspora Heritage Tours to Ghana
Connecting African Americans with African history and culture.
International Cooperation
Cross-border projects and partnerships with global NGOs.
Founder & Leadership
Mercy Osei Owusu
Founder & Executive Director
International development professional, social entrepreneur, and diaspora leader. Founder of IYEC (Denmark), now leading ADDN ry with a vision to empower African diaspora communities across Europe through sustainable development, cultural preservation, and community wellbeing initiatives.
Board Members
Partners & Collaboration
Working together for stronger communities
NGOs
Cultural Inst.
Foundation
University
EU Program
Global Partnerships
Erasmus+ & Global Partnerships
We have participated in several Erasmus+ projects funded by the European Union Fund, collaborating with international partners from Italy, Spain, Greece, Romania, Cape Verde, and many others. We are actively open to new partnerships for Erasmus+ projects across Europe and the globe.
Sponsors & Partners
Remit Choice Limited has been Sponsors and Partners of the Afro Diaspora Development Network since 2022. The remittance company has supported many Diaspora activities organized by the Afro Diaspora Network