Diaspora Engagement for Sustainable and Economic Transformation
The Diaspora Country Index (DCI) is building the core infrastructure that enables Global South countries to systematically engage their diasporas for economic transformation. By combining benchmarking, policy frameworks, and curated diaspora networks, DCI partners with governments, philanthropies, and civil society to move from fragmented diaspora engagement to coordinated, high-impact strategies that unlock talent, capital, and innovation.
Through its benchmarking system, policy toolkits, and diaspora networks, DCI supports countries in translating diaspora engagement into measurable outcomes across digital transformation, industrial development, science and innovation, and sustainable growth. Initially focused on Africa, DCI is designed to scale across the Global South.
As global development shifts from aid to capability, DCI positions diaspora engagement as critical infrastructure for growth.
As Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) declines, countries across the Global South must build new sources of technical expertise and financing. Diasporas represent one of the largest untapped assets for economic transformation – yet most countries lack the infrastructure to effectively engage them.
With Africa’s population projected to grow from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion, the ability to mobilize diaspora talent, capital, and networks will be critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Diaspora Country Index (DCI) addresses this gap by building the infrastructure that enables countries to systematically engage their diasporas for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.
Areas of Focus
Good Governance
Diasporas often possess deep-rooted knowledge of their home countries’ challenges and opportunities, enabling them to offer valuable insights and their global experiences.
Transparency & Accountability
As many countries develop their resource potential, the diaspora can support transparency efforts. Allowing overseas or outside the country voting is a way to be accountable to your diasporas.
Science & Innovation
Diaspora expertise and networks can solve local challenges by using science and innovation to facilitate knowledge transfer and mentorship.
Climate Change
As Africa’s population grows to 2.5 billion, resilience and sustainability will be key. How are countries engaging their diasporas for sustainability?
Digital Development
Since a digital economy requires a robust digital ecosystem and standards, how are countries embracing their diasporas for technical assistance in cybersecurity and digital development?
Impact
The ability of an African country to engage its diaspora for development purposes – to reduce poverty, eradicate hunger, promote good health and well-being, and build strong accountability and governance institutions – is very important to achieving the SDGs.
What we Believe