EAC Diaspora Desk
The East African Community recognizes the importance of the diaspora community, which is estimated to be around 15 million people worldwide, and the role they can play in the development of EAC economies. Diaspora engagement is a key priority for the EAC, as it provides an opportunity to leverage the skills, knowledge, and resources of the diaspora to support economic development, social welfare, and regional integration.
The EAC Partner States have undertaken initiatives that provide for an enabling environment for diaspora engagement in the development of the EAC Partner States. To ensure there is a coordinated and harmonized approach for diaspora engagement, the EAC is in the process of developing an EAC Diaspora Engagement Policy that will provide a policy framework for engagement of the diaspora into the development of EAC.
Further, noting the immense investment opportunities that the region has and the information gap that exist on the availability of such information, the EAC is in the process of setting up an EAC Diaspora Desk that will serve as a one-stop centre for provision of relevant investment information to the diaspora community that include: investment opportunities, processing of investment proposals, legal and regulatory framework for investment.
The Desk will provide a link to the Partner States Investment Promotion Authorities to address diaspora community challenges with regard to investment and shall respond to queries and take suggestions from the Diaspora Community on the EAC integration process.
Further, the Desk will facilitate dialogue between the EAC and its diaspora community, provide a platform for networking and business opportunities, and support diaspora-led development projects in the region.
The objectives of the EAC Diaspora Desk are: β¨-
- promoting, building and sustaining a healthy relationship between the Diaspora community and the EAC Partner States;
- coordinating diaspora interests to ensure they receive the desired attention; and
- provide assistance in the integration of the Diaspora in the development of EAC economies through provision of investment information that facilitates their decision making in investing in East Africa.
The EAC Dispora Desk contacts:
Mr. Charles Omusana
Principal Economist-Investment and Private Sector Promotion
Tel: +255 (0)27 216 2100
Fax: +255 (0)27 216 2190
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ms. Suma Mwakyusa
Principal International Relations Officer
Tel: +255 (0)27 216 2100
Fax: +255 (0)27 216 2190
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.