Helping Countries Build Diaspora Readiness
Diaspora Country Index (DCI) measures how prepared countries are to engage their diasporas. We identify gaps in policies, institutions, and coordination, and develop frameworks to help governments and partners strengthen diaspora engagement. Our work begins in Africa, with a wider Global South focus.
Diaspora readiness means having the policies, institutions, relationships, and systems in place to turn diaspora interest into sustained engagement.
As global development shifts from aid to capability, DCI positions diaspora engagement as critical infrastructure for growth.
Explore Our Research
“Our indices assess the conditions supporting diaspora engagement in development finance and climate action”
Diaspora Bond Readiness Index
Assessing diaspora engagement policy, sovereign credit ratings, and remittance dependence to inform discussions about diaspora financing readiness.
Diaspora Climate Readiness Index
Assessing the policies, institutions, expertise networks, research partnerships, and initiatives supporting diaspora engagement in climate action.
Partner with DCI
What We Do
Measure Readiness
Publish benchmarks showing strengths and gaps in diaspora engagement.
Develop Practical Frameworks
Translate research into policy guidance and tools for governments, stakeholders, and partners.
Support Informed Dialogue
Bring research into discussions among governments, diaspora professionals, researchers, and development partners.
Low-Aid to Economic Development
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