Diaspora Engagement and Remittances

The African diaspora, comprising over 200 million people of African descent living outside the continent, holds significant development potential. In 2003, the African Union recognized the diaspora as the sixth region of the continent, acknowledging their crucial role in Africa's development aspirations.

Remittances, investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge, and skills transfer are key examples of the diaspora's contributions to their countries of origin. Remittances, in particular, are a vital source of income for millions of families across the continent. According to the African Economic Outlook 2023, remittances serve as lifelines for these families.

The unmatched development potential of remittances cannot be overstated. Remittances continue to fill significant micro and macroeconomic gaps in African countries, serving as both a lifeline for millions of Africans and a primary source of investment at the macroeconomic level. This underscores the critical role remittances play in unlocking the development potential of the continent.

Furthermore, addressing remittances is an essential component of regional and global frameworks for the governance of migration. For instance, the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) both emphasize the importance of remittances in the context of migration and development.

The diaspora also serves as a vital partner in migration management. As sources of knowledge, they can inform the design of better migration policies. Additionally, diaspora communities provide on-the-ground support to new migrants, facilitating their assimilation into their new communities. By documenting their experiences and sharing them with policymakers and potential migrants, the diaspora can play a significant role in promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Beyond their economic contributions, diaspora communities also possess considerable political, social, and cultural potential. If properly managed, the diaspora can influence the political and social spheres of their countries of origin, promoting social democratic values through active and indirect engagements in political developments. Moreover, the diaspora has long contributed to the promotion of cultures from their countries of origin, enriching the cultural diversity of their host countries.

The role of diaspora organizations and networks is vital in promoting diaspora engagement and remittances. These organizations facilitate communication, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing among diaspora communities, enabling them to contribute