The problem of the ”brain drain” has affected Africa more severely than any other region. The flight of intellectual capital from Africa is alarming. The problem is now a matter of great concern, as the institutions of higher education and research in Africa face serious shortages of qualified academics and researchers. Thus, the brain drain is impeding potential economic growth, and remains a handicap for sustainable development in many countries in Africa. To lessen somewhat the problem of the shortfall of skilled personnel in Africa in the immediate future and the slightly longer term, there is now an urgent need to galvanise the intellectual capital “brain reserve” of the African diaspora living in the West for “brain circulation” purposes. This means purposefully and strategically harnessing the vast untapped human capital of the African diaspora in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe for the benefit of Africa.

The Centre aims to involve African diaspora academics and researchers in the Netherlands in a ”brain circulation scheme” designed to mitigate the adverse effects of the brain drain in Africa.

Within this theme, ADPC carries out research and reports on the activities of the diaspora, reports on expert meetings and initiatives and has compiled an African Diaspora Skills Database.