Doing Good Work In Africa (DOWA) Receives 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award For Contributions To National Development
National Merit Award was presented to DOWA co-founder, Ola Erogbogbo by Her Excellency Hajia Nana Shettima, Second Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM Chairman_CEO
Recognition marks a five-year milestone for the nonprofit connecting emerging global talent with organizations and innovation ecosystems across Africa
Doing Good Work in Africa (DOWA), a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting emerging global talent with organizations across Africa, has received a 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The award was presented during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, Nigeria, which brought together government officials, diaspora leaders, development partners and other stakeholders.
NiDCOM recognized 32 Nigerians in the diaspora, organizations and distinguished individuals for their achievements and contributions to national development and for positively projecting Nigeria on the global stage.
For DOWA, the recognition coincides with its fifth anniversary and growing efforts to create pathways for students and young professionals to meaningfully engage with Africa early in their careers.
Founded in 2020 by Ola Erogbogbo-Oyeniyi and Emiola Abass, DOWA provides free internship placement, professional development, mentorship and cross-border collaboration opportunities connecting emerging talent with African businesses, nonprofits, startups and innovation ecosystems.
“This recognition belongs to every intern who took a chance on an organization across the continent, every partner who opened their doors to emerging talent, and every person who believed that access could become a bridge between global talent and African innovation,” said Ola Erogbogbo-Oyeniyi, Co-Founder of DOWA. “Five years ago, we started with a simple idea: create access. Today, we are seeing what can happen when that access becomes sustained engagement, collaboration and impact.”
Since its launch, DOWA has attracted 3,000+ applicants, supported 100+ interns, engaged students from 40+ schools, and worked with 20+ partner organizations across 11 African countries. Participants have contributed more than 500,000 minutes of collaboration, while DOWA has disbursed more than $10,000 in internship grants and support and awarded more than ₦3.4 million through its Innovation Challenges.
The organization is experiencing its strongest program demand to date. DOWA’s Summer 2026 Internship Program received more than 700 applications, with approximately 60 interns selected to engage with 20+ partner organizations across sectors including technology, healthcare, education, finance, entrepreneurship, data and business.
DOWA’s model challenges the idea that meaningful diaspora engagement requires permanent relocation. Instead, the organization creates pathways for young people to begin contributing through skills exchange, internships, mentorship and sustained professional relationships with organizations across the continent.
“The internship is the entry point, not the destination,” said Emiola Abass, Co-Founder of DOWA. “Our goal is to develop a generation of innovators, investors and advocates who remain connected to Africa throughout their careers. When those relationships begin early, the opportunity for long-term collaboration and impact multiplies.”
DOWA’s work contributes to a broader shift from brain drain to brain gain by creating infrastructure for knowledge exchange and collaboration between Africa and its global talent network. Its work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
As DOWA enters its next five years, the organization plans to deepen partnerships with universities, African businesses and innovation ecosystems, diaspora organizations, corporations and development institutions while strengthening its global alumni network.
About Doing Good Work in Africa (DOWA)
Doing Good Work in Africa (DOWA) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2020 to connect talented students and emerging professionals with innovators and organizations addressing high-impact challenges across Africa. Through internship placement, mentorship, professional development, innovation challenges and cross-border collaboration, DOWA is building a pipeline of future innovators, investors and advocates equipped to contribute to Africa and their communities throughout their careers.
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