The world today is interconnected and interdependent in social, economic and developmental ways, thus acclaiming the name “One Global Village”. In order to fully increase the potential of this Global village, it is essential that countries design and implement comprehensive diaspora strategies for engaging with their global citizens. The size of the countries population can no longer be calculated within the contours of its borders, rather it must be perceived through the global lens of migration and encompass those who are defined as the ‘diaspora’.

The emigration of a specific labour sector can lead to shortages in the country of origin. In Zambia, this has primarily affected the health care and education sectors. The International Monetary Fund (IMF, 2007) has reported that levels of attrition (degree of loss) of highly skilled workers in the health sector range from 15 to 40 people per annum in Zambia. This loss hinders the ability of Government to achieve its national development plans.  There is an opportunity to engage the diaspora and leverage from their intellectual capital, Says Susan Chima and Salim Kaunda – PMRC Researchers.

Read the full Background Note: http://www.scribd.com/Background-Note-No-1-Exploring-the-Zambian-Diaspora-Tapping-Into-the-Potential-of-the-Zambian-Diaspora

Question

Do you think that Zambians living in the diaspora can contribute to this country’s social and economic development?