The aim of this theme is to contribute to the discussion in the migration and development related issues by generating knowledge and insights intimately informed by the voices, views, perspectives, expertise, practical experiences, aspirations, interests, priorities, challenges and the specific needs of the African diaspora residing in Europe. Diasporas are the most important strategic stakeholders in the migration and development field which makes it essential to involve them in policy debates since the practical implementation of any policy proposal should largely require migrants to play a leading role in the process. Migrants are the chief agents practically making the link between migration and development possible and without their strategic interventions it is not likely to succeed and achieve the expected results. The nexus between diaspora and development has become a major issue of an emerging research, policy field and public debate in the last few years and will remain an important area in the international development cooperation policy in the foreseeable future. It is partly the result of the high level policy attention that international organizations such as the UN have since recently accorded to the issue. The topic has already gained a top priority on the national and international agenda and is reflected and discussed at different levels for different policy purposes and interests. This is partly the result of the growing economic and human resources potential of the migrants that need to be maximally tapped for the overall development of their countries of origin.

Within this theme, ADPC carries out research and organises expert meetings.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

Diasporas and Development: Exploring the Potential. By Jennifer Brinkerhoff, editor.

Africa’s Finances: The Contribution of Remittances.By Raj Bardouille, Muna Ndulo and Margaret Grieco, editors.

The Contribution of African Diaspora to Policy Dialogue. By Awil Mohamoud.

International Migration and Economic Development: Lessons from Low-Income Countries. By Robert E.B. Lucas.

Work globally, develop locally: diaspora networks as entry point to knowledge-based development. By Yevgeny Kuznetsov and Charles F Sabel.

Reconceptualising the migration - development nexus: diasporas, globalisation and the politics of exclusion.By Rebecca Davies.

Leading issues in international migration in sub-Saharan Africa. By Aderanti Adepoju, in Views on Migration in Sub-Saharan Africa.