Diasporic Storytelling as Cultural Capital: Leveraging African Heritage for Sustainable Development through Film and Oral Narratives, Dr Adama Kouyaté

Dr Adama Ndjol Kouyaté
International Executive School
Strasbourg
France

Purpose: This chapter explores how African diasporic storytelling, particularly oral traditions and film, functions as cultural capital that supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by preserving and activating cultural heritage.
Design/methodology/approach: The chapter uses an interdisciplinary qualitative approach, drawing on cultural theory, diaspora studies, and sustainable development frameworks. It combines a literature review with a case study of the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood.
Findings: Diasporic narratives act as both archives and active tools for cultural preservation, identity formation, community resilience, and socio-economic innovation. These storytelling practices align with and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals such as inclusive education, decent work, reduced inequalities, resilient cities, and participatory governance.
Value: By positioning storytelling as a strategic development resource, the chapter offers policymakers, educators, and cultural practitioners a culturally grounded framework for designing inclusive and context-sensitive sustainability initiatives.
Keywords: Diaspora, Storytelling, Cultural Capital, Sustainable Development, Oral Traditions, Film, Identity, SDGs, Heritage Preservation, Language, Innovation.