Papa Dia, Founder and CEO of the African Leadership Group (ALG), said that partnering with Uber expands economic opportunities for immigrant communities in Colorado by creating income and strengthening families. This statement was made on LinkedIn.
"Economic opportunity transforms lives—and technology can unlock new ways to create it," said Dia, according to LinkedIn. "That's why African Leadership Group partners with Uber to empower immigrant communities that make Colorado stronger and more vibrant. Through this partnership, tens of thousands of Coloradans are earning extra income with Uber and Uber Eats. Entrepreneurs, leaders, and families building a better future for their communities and for Colorado."
African immigrant communities in Colorado have become vital contributors to the state’s workforce, economy, and cultural life, particularly in the Denver–Aurora metro area. They are involved in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship while also expanding the state’s tax base and consumer spending. According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants in Colorado held $21.3 billion in spending power in 2023 and represented 13% of all entrepreneurs statewide.
The app-based rideshare economy is significant in Colorado, with an estimated 34,900 drivers active as of April 2025. The Common Sense Institute reports that these workers earned approximately $61 million during that month alone, with a projected annualized net income of $745 million for 2025, up from $661 million in 2024. The report also associates rideshare growth with public benefits such as fewer DUI arrests.
Immigrant entrepreneurs play a crucial role in Colorado’s economy by operating more than 45,000 businesses across the state. Axios cites data from the American Immigration Council indicating that immigrants comprised 13% of entrepreneurs in 2023, paid $7.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, and held $21.3 billion in spending power. These enterprises contribute to job creation and investment within local communities.
Dia is originally from Senegal and serves as the founder and president of ALG in Colorado. After immigrating to Denver in 1998, he worked for 17 years in banking, eventually becoming a regional vice president before leaving to focus on building ALG full-time in 2017. According to ALG, Dia has emerged as a leading advocate for African immigrant communities with an emphasis on education, leadership development, and economic empowerment.
The African Leadership Group is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado that has been supporting African immigrant communities for over 15 years. Its mission is to enhance quality of life through programs focused on education, leadership development, and economic advancement. The organization also hosts an annual month-long cultural celebration each August to showcase the contributions of African immigrants to the state.