Namibia is hosting a high-profile regional workshop on Diaspora Engagement.
The workshop aims to recognise the significant contributions of the diaspora to economies and develop a regional framework to facilitate their involvement in national development plans.
The workshop, among others, focuses on the impact of remittances on poverty reduction and national development.
"The diaspora is rarely included in national plans, despite their contributions to economies. There is a need to create regulatory frameworks to ensure their active participation in our national development plans for economic growth, poverty reduction, and knowledge transfer," said the Executive Director of the International Relations and Cooperation Ministry, Ambassador Penda Naanda.
Remittances are a powerful tool for reducing poverty and supporting families back home.
The diaspora's contributions go beyond financial support, as they also bring valuable knowledge, skills, and investments back to their home countries.
However, one of the challenges faced by the region is a lack of accurate data on the diaspora and remittances.
The European Union representative in Namibia, Ambassador Sinika Antila, highlighted the importance of regional collaboration.
"SADC members can play an important role in ensuring that the cost of financial transactions is brought to a significant low to support remittances. The European Union will remain engaged with SADC in this field."
The workshop is also building upon global and continental efforts to integrate migration and diaspora engagement into development plans.
According to Jason Theede, Senior Labour Mobility and Development Specialist, these initiatives recognise the diaspora's role in sustainable development.
"According to the World Bank, US$626 billion went to low and middle-income countries as remittances in 2021 and is projected to increase in 2023. Those numbers are equivalent to formal remittances, but we know that in our region and in Africa, remittances are also sent informally."
This policy also aims to provide a comprehensive framework for data collection, communication channels, and creating opportunities for business and investment for the diaspora.