Malawi is keen to Emulate Ethiopia`s Diaspora Management
Ethiopian Government has long been aware of the importance of the knowledge, experience, skills, and financial resources of Ethiopians in the Diaspora as a vital contribution to national growth. The government, aiming to encourage Ethiopians and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin living abroad to establish strong links with their motherland, and it is set to become part and parcel of Ethiopia’s development endeavors, has adopted a Diaspora policy. The policy specifically seeks to ensure the rights and privileges of the Ethiopian Diaspora as well as harness their knowledge, experience, skills and financial resources to spur economic growth in the country.
This policy is becoming popular even with fellow African countries who want their Diasporas to participate in their development efforts. A Malawian delegation led by Ms. Gloria Bamusi came to Ethiopia to exchange experiences with Ethiopian counter parts on how Ethiopia could mobilize its Diasporas to participate in the transformation of the country. One of their destinations was Ethiopian Civil Service University where Ethiopian Diasporas are actively engaged in the development of education sector. On October 23, 2015, they discussed with the University`s leaders and the Diasporas.
Ms. Gloria said, why we want to emulate Ethiopia is that Ethiopia has a vibrant Diaspora policy. From our literature review, we understand that the Diasporas are actively participating even in supporting your Grand Renaissance Dam financially. The discussion we had with Ethiopian Diasporas and the University leadership helps us get first-hand information about the issue.
Dr. Birhanu Beyene and Professor Meles Assfaw have given explanations on their experience as to how they are lured home through a network. They stressed on the importance of establishing a network to reach the Diaspora through the world. They also told the delegation what motivated them to come to their country of origin. “What I did for my country” is the main motive for them to come to their country they both stressed.
Dr. Mulugeta Debebe, Vice President for Training and Consultancy also said that much emphasis is given to Diaspora affairs in Diplomacy and International Relations masters program which is run by the University. Short term trainings on Diaspora handling is also given for diplomats.