Diaspora Forum

Newsletter 13

 Diaspora's Contribution to Ethiopia's Welfare

The Ethiopian Diaspora who reside in different parts of North America, Europe and elsewhere possess different professional skills and capacities. Their presence is especially evident in many North American and European countries. The majority are male, married and are estimated to be between 35-45 years of age. Therefore, they are at a prime and productive working age. In addition to their local or national languages, many Ethiopians in the Diaspora speak English, French, Spanish, German, Russian and many other languages.

Ethiopians left their country of origin mainly for political and economic reasons or to look for a better standard of living i.e. for better jobs, better education and better life in peaceful and stable countries. There are also those who left because they want a better future for their children although they had a better life within their country of origin. Some of these immigrants planned their departure way in advance while others left without prior planning. It is clear that the majority of those who planned their departure were men while fewer women made own decisions. Some followed their spouses. Others immigrated for different reasons.

The key motive for immigration was rarely accomplished without anguish and hardship and the benefits were most often reaped only by the succeeding generations. Some went because the economic situation at home was hopeless, and others, because the chances of getting land somewhere offered greater opportunities; others went to avoid change; still others went to escape military service. A few disliked the tax system and the insolence of officials. Others went overseas in search of greater political and religious freedom. A few were paid to go. Some went for the adventure. At times it became almost a fever, an irrational frenzy. 

Since the downfall of the previous military regime, overseas Ethiopians have been returning to seek their roots and explore new avenues and sectors for mutually beneficial interaction, from investment, to transfer of skills and technology, to outright philanthropy and charitable works. This tendency has become more marked in the last decade as the Ethiopian economy has opened-up, giving rise to a new range of opportunities for emerging generations. However, the Ethiopian public is relatively unacquainted either with the kaleidoscopic traits of its Diaspora, or with its contribution to Ethiopian welfare. The Diaspora has therefore been out of public sight and awareness.  Although the experience of Ethiopians in the Diaspora varies, what is common is that many are educated and skilled. Many have academic degrees. Others have vocational and technical skills. Some are doctors, lawyers and engineers with graduate and post-graduate degrees on variety of disciplines and in most cases with 10-20 years experience in their professional areas. Such important educational background as well as professional skill is vital in developing countries like Ethiopia. This will also help Ethiopia to meet the development challenges of the global economy. Their experience is relevant in closing the gap of skilled Ethiopians needed to move the country’s economy forward.

It is apparent therefore, that Ethiopians in Diaspora in general and those with specific educational background and professional as well as entrepreneurial skills in particular can immensely contribute to the socio-economic development of their country of origin. Their business and development potential and areas of specialization can definitely be an asset to help build the economy of their country of origin. They can also play an important role in contributing to        the economic and community development of Ethiopia. Further, their contribution in turn can have potent influence on social cohesion and economic integration in this country.  In addition, Ethiopians in the Diaspora can be extremely vital to this country provided that they are committed to use their knowledge, skill and expertise in helping their country of origin. For that to happen, it is imperative that a collaborative effort is made between the government and Ethiopians in the Diaspora in order to create a conducive and enabling environment for their participation in this country.

Ethiopians in the Diaspora with non-conventional education and yet with years of foreign exposure and experience in their profession can also use their resource, skills and experience as private entrepreneurs to provide job opportunities to many Ethiopians here in Ethiopia.

It is putting the country first and moving the country’s economy forward. The Koreans, the Vietnamese, Indians etc. have done that and the result has been extra-ordinary. For example, in the period 1973-1994, the inward flow of remittance from members of the Diaspora in the Gulf region was an important factor in India’s financial and fiscal policies. Since India’s economic liberalization in 1991, there is greater potential for even more substantial economic content in India’s relations with her Diaspora.

Ethiopians in the Diaspora can also be an important factor in Ethiopia’s relations with other countries and in building and improving and not destroying the image of this country. They can be good will ambassadors of their country of origin. Diasporas of many countries engage primarily in investment in their country of origin regardless of their political affiliation.