The role of the Diaspora community in supporting the economic activities of the nation, promoting the nation to the outside world and in knowledge transfer is incalculable. Due to political and economic reasons, Ethiopians are seen leading their life in different parts of the world.
Despite their ideological differences or economic hardships, they are always happy and ready to use all the available resources they got to sustain the economic progress of their nation, promote their homeland cultural and traditional values and defend the interest of the country in global arenas. This is especially true for the first-generation of the Ethiopian Diaspora who went abroad in search of better living, escaping political instability and conflict, economic hardship or seeking higher education. This first-generation Ethiopian Diaspora community is better known for their strong attachment with motherland, speaking local languages and preserving their identity.
What is more, the economic contribution and the political activities of the first generation are still visible. No matter what the political differences they have with the government or in what economic conditions they may be in, they are actively supporting the economic progress of the country, serve as ambassadors of their nation to the outside world and build its image.
As witnessed from the recent conflict in the northern part of the country, the Diaspora community had a vital role in uncovering the truth about the spread of misinformation and fake news as well as countering unfounded allegations. What is more, their active involvement in the investment and other areas has been huge.
By taking into consideration the government’s commitment to bring economic shift, and accelerate Ethiopia’s prosperity, the Diaspora communities have also been active in engaging in the investment sector, send remittance to family members, skill transfer, social development and community welfare programs, cultural preservation and promotion; and in tourism activities as well.
Seeing the multipurpose role of the Diaspora community, the government has invited the second-generation Diaspora to come to their root, visit their forefathers’ homeland and to know their culture, reconnect to their history and leave their legacy in country’s overall activities.
Taking into account the call, several family members of the second generation are flocking to Ethiopia. Using this as a ground, this journalist had approached individuals to know more about the second generations home coming initiative, the benefits it brings about for the second-generation Diaspora community, and the country.
Ethiopian Diaspora Association, Executive Officer and Public Relations Officer, Abrham Tilahun, told The Ethiopian Herald that the second-generation Diaspora community is different from that
of the first-generation in various ways. Unlike the first ones, the new generation was born and grew in foreign land. For that reason, they have no personal experience about Ethiopia, its culture and history. They were raised by experiencing the culture, history and lifestyle of the foreign land where they were born in. They only get information about Ethiopia and its culture either from families, mainstream Media or social media. In this respect, the invitation extended to the second-generation Ethiopian community has multiple advantages to them to know more about their country, its culture, and history and leave their legacy. What is more, it will also give them the chance to see investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
He also said that the country will benefit from the second-generation Diaspora community in the form of tapping their knowledge or experiences. Unlike the first generation that have spent most of their time laboring to support family members and its country, the second-generation Diaspora communities have an opportunity to focus on their education. This has given them the chance to compete in the business world and excel in other areas as well. Therefore, Ethiopia can tap this potential or the remittance they send for its development.
When asked to what extent the Association is prepared to host the second generation Diaspora communities, Abrham said that Ethiopian Diaspora Association is well prepared to win the satisfaction of its guests. “The Association together with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is facilitating the ground to promote Ethiopia while keeping the taste of its guests. This includes receiving them at the airport; guiding them to tourist destinations and ensuring their security.”
He said, several parks, lodges and tourist destinations are being inaugurated all over the country. These places are a living witness that Ethiopia is a land of diversity with unity and a place full of fauna and floras. Facilitating the ground for the second Diaspora generation will give them the opportunity to see the economic growth of the country and ample tourism opportunities. What is more, it will give them first-hand information to tell the world about Ethiopian tourism potential.
They can serve as ambassadors to Ethiopia to promote tourism potential and investment opportunities in the country. “If the second Diaspora generation has tangible information about Ethiopia, they will be the one who will promote their country to the outside world. Providing them the true image of Ethiopia is the first step towards achieving other goals. In this regard, the Association is well prepared to meet the interest of its guests.”
Board Member of the Ethiopian Diaspora Association Ermias Woldehana also said that as part of its goals to ensure economic progress, the government is doing its level best and working aggressively with local and foreign investors. The Diaspora community is one of its focusing areas to tap the economic opportunity of the nation and its tourism sector.
As part of its vision, the government has recently invited the second Diaspora generation to visit their motherland and several of them are coming home. In this respect, the Association has mobilized its resources to meet the interest of the Diaspora community and build the image of the country.
By promoting collaboration and partnership between the Diaspora and local communities in Ethiopia, the government seeks to harness the collective efforts and diverse perspectives of all Ethiopians towards the realization of the country’s development aspirations.
It is learnt that during their homecoming, the second-generation Diaspora members are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in Ethiopian culture, history, and traditions. This includes visiting historical and cultural sites, engaging with local communities, and fostering a stronger connection to their Ethiopian roots.
What is more, during their stay in Ethiopia, the second-generation Diaspora members are expected to make a positive and sustainable impact on the country’s development across areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The Ethiopian Herald January 14/2024
