The Ethiopian government has attached increasing significance to the participation of Ethiopians and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin in the overall economic activity of the nation. Seeing the positive role they will play, the government has given special attention to their participation.
Hence, to increase their active participation in the social and economic arenas, the government, joining hands with several actors, has been creating enabling conditions.
Despite their potential to support the socio-economic activities of the nation, Ethiopian Diasporas have a limited role in their country’s socio-economic development. The absence of formal diaspora institutions and political rivalry were among the reasons for the gap.
Formerly, most members of the community had a negative perception of Ethiopian Embassies and consular offices. This was because of a lack of trust and other political reasons. However now, this trend is being reversed. This is especially true over the last two years, following the introduction of wide-ranging reforms in the country.
As part of its effort, the government had also been conducting several forums and discussions with the diplomatic community and the diaspora.
Tangible results have also been made in-store. To name two, citizen-centered foreign policy has been formulated and discussed while the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund has already come into play.
More to the point, the policy is meant to safeguard the well-being of citizens abroad and to increase their participation in all the affairs of the country. Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF) is aimed at laying a foundation for sustainable financial support to key areas of social sectors.
Trust Fund, “One dollar a day for better Ethiopia” is an initiation of the PM and it has the vision to create a better Ethiopia. During its establishment it was mentioned that the Trust Fund will be used targeting the health sector, education service, water, and sanitation facilities, boosting agro-business and agricultural production, women and youths, internally displaced people and the needy.
The Trust Fund, has obtained more than 4.4 million USD (reported in July, last year) from nearly 30 thousand of funders. This is a good indication of how meaningful work can be undertaken if pertinent bodies invest their resources.
By considering its financial bases, it is also reported that it is preparing to implement 22 projects that are aimed at supporting individuals in need and those people living under chronic poverty, according to information obtained from EDTF website.
The source indicates that about 4 million USD is also allocated for the first round projects.
In spite of the fact that diaspora participation is increasing, there is still a gap in collecting foreign currency and fundraising.
As a growing country, Ethiopia needs a huge amount of hard currency for its economy. And the Diaspora community is one major source. Thus, the Ethiopian government has undertaken several measures in the area of legal and structural frameworks to make the diaspora part and parcel of the overall effort of undoing the current forex shortage.
The Ethiopian Herald Friday 7 February 2020
BY YESUF ENDRIS
