Brain Gain of the African Diasporah - Ethiopia!!

When a newly elected prime minister of an ancient civilization like Ethiopia and the leader of the fastest growing economy in Africa, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, within a span of 3month has influenced & given hope to Ethiopia, horn of Africa and the continent at large for peace, reform and reconciliation, makes a ground breaking travel to seek the assistance of the quarter million Ethiopian diasporah to invest their money & capacity to transform the Ethiopian economy, it shows a commitment to a neglected yet influential segment of an untapped resource.

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), about one-third of African proffessionals have left the continent. To return back to Africa or to stay where one is and contribute to the society, economy, environment and well being of Africa has been a complex yet timely conversation that needs to be addressed on a policy level with discussion, debates, research, proper feedback channels and analysed transparently. As they are and can inject billions of dollar annually into the African economy as returnees & potential returnees, as well as be positioned to positively influence the overall transformation of the continent, if proper guidelines, support, recognition, transparency & uniformity is adhered. Unlike the western society that has branded its immigrant, expat and dual citizenship as a wealth & positive force, the African diasporah is fearful, distrusting and unaware of its power & influency in unity.

 Those of us that have returned back & have consciously made a decision to stay & somewhat integrate uniquely into the Ethiopian economy, society and environment can also be an asset. I am invested in the committed journey of Africans for Africa, and providing a creative, ethical, effective, mindful, productive and inclusive forum/dialogue to influence the policy, reform & transition into a progressive Ethiopian economy. Having established a strategic management advisory firm, its evident to me Ethiopia doesn't have a case study in the western educational system, its our duty as the next generation leaders to stand firm, learn African/Ethiopian leadership history, open our hearts to the unknown, sacrifice our emotional bias, take advantage of the current wave of positive government reforms, and do concreat changes like our forefathers. It starts with efficient & effective policy reforms that we all need to contribute too, even potential returnees...

Although I agree somewhat with the PM, I think like any international organisations that have expat privileges because of the fund, or capacity building, brain gain they provide should be able to atleast get incentives, guidelines, support to effeciently invest their money, time and resource into the country, in what form/to whom, that's up to a debate. Having said that proper orientation should be given to returnees of our responsibilities as expat Ethiopian investorts to respect, work hand in hand & build up our fellow people..

There are lots of systemic, social challenges and barriers, but in every endeavor we are on, when we abide by our ethical values and moral compass and ploug through obstacles, we are paving ways to many others to come through smoothly and contribute greatly. Our forefathers believed in this ancient land that has given birth to the world, and streached its citizens all over the world to have profound effect on the economy & society it serves. As a returnee you ought to have passion and the right motive in what you do. Ethiopia is not for the thin skinned, nor does it tolerate those that don't have self respect and can truily embark on uplifting another human being. It will demand a pioneering spirit that can tolerate like a mother, is sharp like a serpent, and kind like a dove.

 Like any emerging continent trying to shed its past, make peace with its history and refocus for a better empowering future, we as Africans whether in the continent, or living outside have to be the ambassadors that while standing firm and confident with our diversity need to work even harder, focused and diligently for the well-being of Africa in consideration of how the world has constantly taken advantage of its people, land and resources. It has become apparent that healing is much needed, as well as a clearer understanding of the uniqueness of each country within Africa. So let us all make an extra effort to travel, work with and get to engaged in a dialogue with Africans and Africa itself to reimage our Africa and tell our stories for the next generation.

By Dutchess @Deldeyoch

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