AFRICA

Amita Boolaky: Championing the Expansion of Global Indian Diaspora (GIO) Chapters Across Africa- Amita Boolaky, an accomplished educationist and community leader from Mauritius, stands as an inspiring figure in the Global Indian Diaspora (GIO) movement. With a career spanning nearly several decades in education and public service, she has combined vision, empathy, and determination to advance causes that uplift communities, particularly through education, women’s empowerment, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Currently serving as the Director of the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) of Mauritius, Boolaky has consistently demonstrated a leadership style rooted in transparency, teamwork, and a human-centered approach. Her work is guided by the belief that education is not just about academics, but about shaping engaged, responsible, and forward-looking citizens.
She has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality and amplifying the voices of women in decision-making processes. This dual commitment—to education and social progress—has earned her recognition as both a reformer and a bridge-builder.
Her vision for the Global Indian Organisation is ambitious yet deeply practical. It is not merely about expanding chapters, but about building networks of opportunity, bridges of culture, and platforms for empowerment that will ensure the diaspora remains a dynamic force in the 21st century. Africa has a rich multicultural fabric and a growing Indian diaspora population which offers fertile ground for the expansion of GIO chapters.
Africa’s Untapped Diaspora Potential Africa is home to one of the world’s most dynamic Indian diaspora communities. In South Africa, more than a million people trace their roots to India. In Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, thriving diaspora populations have long been at the forefront of commerce, education, and civic life.
For Amita Boolaky, this represents a unique opportunity. She sees GIO as more than a cultural network, it is a force that can foster heritage preservation, community empowerment, and stronger Indo-African ties.
“The diaspora is not just about looking back at where we came from,” she says. “It is about building bridges that connect cultures, economies, and generations.”
Education and Cultural Exchange at the Core
Unsurprisingly, education sits at the heart of her vision. Amita Boolaky believes GIO chapters in Africa can serve as hubs of cultural and educational exchange, linking Mauritius, India, and African nations. Her proposals include student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms on Indian history and languages, and cultural festivals celebrating the Indo-African journey. Such initiatives would not only keep younger generations connected to their roots but also strengthen mutual respect and understanding between communities.
Women and Youth as Catalysts
A passionate advocate for women’s leadership, she sees women and young people as the driving force behind future GIO chapters.She envisions women’s forums within GIO chapters that promote entrepreneurship, mentorship, and civic engagement. At the same time, she calls for youth programs: scholarships, leadership camps, and career networks, that will empower young diaspora members to lead with confidence.
“Young people are the heartbeat of the diaspora,” she says. “If we engage them meaningfully, we secure the future of GIO.”
Economic Bridges for Business, Trade, Investment and Diplomacy
Amita Boolaky also believes GIO must evolve beyond cultural identity to become a platform for economic and diplomatic cooperation. In her vision, GIO chapters would act as connectors for entrepreneurs and investors, promoting trade between India, Mauritius, and African nations. By encouraging diaspora businesses and entrepreneurs to collaborate, she hopes to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“GIO networks can drive investment and trade as much as they can celebrate culture,” she argues. “We should use this potential to strengthen ties across continents.”
GIO chapters should embrace inclusivity and shared identity while promoting prosperity. As Africa rises on the global stage, Amita Boolaky’s vision offers a roadmap for how Indian diaspora communities can play an active role, not only as keepers of heritage, but as partners in building a brighter future for generations to come.
GIO must be a force for progress, not just memory. It must inspire unity, opportunity, and leadership for the future.