Diaspora Engagement for Sustainable and Economic Transformation
The Diaspora Country Index (DCI) is an annual report that evaluates and benchmarks emerging economies according to how active they engage their diasporas for economic development. Initially, our concentration is on Africa.
Operating as a Think-and-Do Tank, we analyze, rate, and rank the success of these countries in leveraging their diaspora professionals to stimulate economic growth, while also offering frameworks and toolkits designed to help improve a nation’s standing relative to its counterparts for sustainable development goals (SDGs).
With Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) diminishing significantly, emerging economies in the Global South must seek alternative sources of technical and financial support. In this context, what methods are African nations employing to connect with their professional diasporas? Moreover, as Africa’s population increases from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion, how are these countries mobilizing their diaspora experts to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
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