Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao: The Diaspora’s Visionary Leader

Born in a small village in Zimbabwe, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao’s journey is a remarkable testament to vision, resilience, and deep love for Africa. In 1977, she relocated to the United States to further her education, earning degrees in chemistry and medicine. For nearly 30 years, she practiced family medicine in Tennessee, where she established clinics and became a trusted healthcare leader.

Her efforts in improving healthcare access—especially for underserved communities—gained international recognition. In 1996, she was honored with an Achievement Award presented by Presidents Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe for her outstanding contributions to African development and women’s empowerment.

In December 2016, Dr. Chihombori-Quao was appointed as the African Union’s Permanent Representative to the U.S., a position she held until 2019. During her tenure, she strengthened diplomatic

After her tenure, she founded the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) to mobilize African diaspora professionals for the continent’s development. One of her flagship projects, Wakanda One Village, envisions futuristic smart cities across Africa—a beacon of innovation, culture, healthcare, and education for diaspora returnees.

Dr. Chihombori-Quao continues to lead efforts that uplift women and young people across the continent. From serving as Chair of the AU-African Diaspora Health Initiative to receiving the African Woman of Excellence Award in 2015, she remains a torchbearer for Pan-Africanism. In August 2024, she was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Cape Coast for her service to humanity.

Through public lectures and global engagements, she urges African youth to embrace unity and rise above the scars of colonialism. Her legacy isn’t just in policy or infrastructure—it’s in the minds and hearts of those she continues to awaken to the idea of a united, empowered Africa