Concept Note
Diaspora Engagement Project for the Directorate of Diaspora Affairs and International Cooperation of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Somalia.
This multi-year project aims to strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of the Directorate of Diaspora Affairs responsible for engaging the Diaspora in the development of Somalia. The innovative element of the project is that it aims to expand and redouble the efforts of engaging with the Diaspora through a comprehensive approach and integrated strategy that has not been attempted in the past. It also aims to take the engagement with the Diaspora to a higher level since the Diaspora remains a defining constituency for the development of Somalia, and they will become even more decisive in the future. Enhanced institutional engagement with the Diaspora through myriads of targeted and integrated interventions will enable the government to leverage more Diaspora-led development in the country that is impactful and on a substantial scale for years to come. This is because the Somali Diaspora has already positioned itself as an indispensable agent of change in the social, economic and political life of Somalia. This is both in the efforts geared towards achieving inclusive development and social change. More importantly, the project will also support the government and the Diaspora to partner closely in the development efforts geared at achieving some of the key targets of the sustainable development goals in the country in 2030. This is the justification that makes this proposed project both timely and policy-relevant for the new government of Somalia at this moment.
