AYV News, September 23, 2025
Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally presented a signed copy of his book, African Brain Drain, to Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, during a high-profile cultural event in Baltimore. The book was offered as a potential policy blueprint for the nation’s development.
The work proposes a conceptual framework for the Sierra Leonean government to address critical national issues, including diaspora engagement, immigration, and remittance optimization. It provides actionable strategies for transforming the “brain drain” into a strategic “brain gain” by retaining local talent and attracting investment from the global diaspora.
The presentation occurred at the annual Madingo Reunion cultural festival, where Dr. Tarawally was a guest of honor. He addressed a large audience of Madingo community members from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond who had gathered to celebrate their heritage.
This event was a key part of Dr. Tarawally’s successful four-day tour of the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) areas. The tour included multiple book signings and networking events, which sold over 300 copies and indicated strong interest in his research. He also held several meetings with influential stakeholders in policy and business to strengthen ties between the diaspora and the African continent.
“I am grateful to the Madingo Reunion organizers for providing such a powerful platform for cultural unity and intellectual exchange,” said Dr. Tarawally. “Through collaborative efforts like these, we can build the bridges necessary to harness the immense potential of our diaspora for Africa’s collective progress.”
Dr. Tarawally’s work continues to stimulate critical conversations about leveraging the diaspora’s intellectual and financial capital for sustainable development in Africa.
