Diaspora Engagement for Migration and Development in Burundi

The Government of Burundi (GoB) is increasingly seeking to engage its diaspora in efforts to contribute to the country’s development.

Known to be spread between Eastern and Southern African countries and Western Europe, Burundian diaspora is organized and represented by associations and contributes to Burundi’s development through remittances and direct investments. However, the lack of a national policy on diaspora, limited availability of diaspora data, and weak communication channels, hinder an effective partnership between the GoB and its diaspora.

Based partly on the former MIDA Great Lakes project (IOM, 2001), the objective of this project is to assist the GoB in mobilizing diaspora resources for the development of Burundi and to reduce national poverty in the long run. The project’s objective will be achieved by mobilizing experts for the purpose of sharing their knowledge at key institutions (universities and medical schools).

The project will also contribute to enhancing the capacity of the newly established Diaspora Directorate, assist the GoB in creating an effective partnership with its diaspora, and facilitate the drafting of Burundi’s national Diaspora Policy. The below four activities have been identified by the GoB as key priorities and will contribute to achieving the above objectives:

- Strengthening local capacities of the mental health sector through training conducted by male and female experts from the Burundi diaspora;
- Capacity building of the recently created Diaspora Directorate, mapping of the Burundian diaspora in one country as pilot (Switzerland), and promotion of investment opportunities in Burundi;
- Support to the organization of the first annual diaspora week in Burundi on diaspora engagement through skills transfers and investment opportunities; and
- Drafting of a National Diaspora Policy which incorporates gender considerations.