African Diaspora Engagement to their Home Countries: A Comparative Analysis between Ethiopia and Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Because of precious role of diasporain development, the African Union has recognized
diaspora as its sixth region. For the continent having a financing gap of $67.6-$107.5 billion
diaspora engagement is one of the most essential matters that requires cohesive policies and
road map. The actual engagement of African diaspora to their home countries are not
synchronized with its potential resources. With regard to these facts, this study sought to
explore gaps in African diaspora engagement to their home countries (with special emphasis
of Ethiopia and Nigeria).
Questionnaires and interviews are used as tools of the study. Extensive desk reviews were
also employed to explore how home countries leverage their overseas population. In
documentary review techniques policies, institutions and actions that shape Diaspora
engagement has discussed.
The study reveals that Nigeria has institutions that are more robust, better financial system,
better diaspora community organizations than Ethiopia, which enables Nigeria to have better
engagement of diaspora in Africa. It also disclosed fragile diaspora institutions, malaise of
domestic politics, insubstantial financial system and some others factors are identified as
factors that underutilized diaspora engagement in Ethiopia.
This study recommends that establishing feasible diaspora institutions and fixing financial
systems are the forefront issues that Ethiopia should deals to intensify its diaspora
engagement. It is necessary to improve state-diaspora relations, which as strong spill over
effects on diaspora engagement. Finally, more research is needed to guide means of
structuring diaspora institutions and mapping in a less expensive manner.
Key Words: Diaspora, Development, Diaspora Engagement, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Diaspora
Engagement Typologies.
Description
Keywords
Diaspora, Development, Diaspora Engagement, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Diaspora Engagement Typologies.