Zambia Diaspora Connect

Zambia's M-Tech Mobile covered by the BBC

2010-03-13T18:21:00.001Z

Chasaya Sichilima invited to World Bank Diaspora Forum

2010-02-22T09:46:00.000Z

This is to announce that Mr. Chasaya Sichilima, in his capacity as Zambia Diaspora Connect (ZDC) Business and Government Liaison Officer has been invited to attend and represent the Zambian Diaspora at the World Bank’s Second African Diaspora Open House. The event will take place in Washington DC, on February 25, 2010. This follows collaborations in a variety of areas in which ZDC has engaged several International organisations on matters of Zambian Diaspora involvement in national development. The Open House is targeted to share progress on the African Diaspora Program (ADP). The ADP is a World Bank initiative to implement a number of specific activities which would affect directly and positively the African Diaspora and their activities in the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative was launched in November 2007.

Following this invitation, Zambia Diaspora Connect Chairman, Mr. Musaba Chailunga was happy to note that these things do not just happen but progress from work behind the scenes. He alluded to the leadership role ZDC has assumed to continue pursuing avenues in which the Zambian Diaspora can have a real voice on the international stage. He is confident that Mr. Sichilima’s participation will not only help set the stage but will also help bring about positive change in the way international organisations work with the Zambian Diaspora.

Mr. Sichilima and other participants will join Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, World Bank Managing Director, and Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region. The Second African Diaspora Open House is an opportunity to share information on progress made to date with the ADP, as well as to reflect on and seek advice on areas where progress has been less than anticipated. The Bank will also seek ideas and inputs on specific elements of the ADP. Consultation will cover:

· Diaspora Engagement Policy i.e. what African governments can do to encourage and facilitate Diaspora participation in development activities

· Remittances, especially how these can be leveraged for development

· Brain Gain, specifically how African Diaspora Professional Networks and organisations can contribute to brain gain in home countries using ICT and other virtual platforms

· Hometown Associations and the mainstreaming of their contributions to the development priorities of African governments.

Ideas will also be sought on broader African development challenges and opportunities. Discussion will be initiated on issues of:

· governance and capacity development

· private sector development

· youth and employment

· women’s empowerment, information and communications technology

· delivery of services such as health, education, and social protection.

Common Ground Initiative: Funding for UK Diaspora Organisations

2009-11-05T20:45:00.003Z

The Common Ground initiative is a £20 million fund supporting African development through UK based small and Diaspora organisations. This initiative is managed by Comic Relief and co-funded by the Department for International Development.

The initiative aims to increase access to grants for small and Diaspora-led organisations in the UK that are working to create real and sustainable changes to some of the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in Africa. This fund also aims to strengthen the capacity of small and Diaspora organisations in the UK.

Applicants can apply to one of Comic Relief’s six existing grants programmes, or to the health, education or enterprise and employment programmes that have been developed specifically for this initiative.

Eligibility:

Grants are available to UK registered charities. Applications to the enterprise and employment programme can be made from any UK registered organisation, however, for-profit organisations must demonstrate how profits generated from the funded activities are reinvested in the project.
Small organisations must have had an annual turn-over of less that £1m for the previous two financial years. Diaspora organisations may be of any size.
By Diaspora organisations we mean organisations where the majority of the trustees define themselves as being of African heritage; who live in the UK but retain emotional, financial and cultural links with their country and/ or the African continent
The scope of this funding is for work in any African country or group of African countries

For more information or to apply for a grant through this fund please visit theComic Relief website.

Enquires about the Common Ground Initiative

Comic Relief are managing the grant process for this fund and any enquiries should be referred to a member of the Common Ground Initiative Team at Comic Relief on 0207 820 5555.

Global e-Conference 2009 - Week Two

2009-10-15T17:35:00.000+01:00

Visioning Diaspora Involvement in Zambia's Development: Week two

After a busy and informative week of email deliberations following the live show on 10th October 2009, the e-conference continues this weekend with another live session on Zambia BlogTalk Radio on 17th October 2009. The delegates will make their cases before you and expand on the email discussions.

The events of the 17th will take a Round Table format with representation from the "Skills and Identity" group as well as the "Doing Business in Zambia" delegation.

A whole hour has been allocated to the general public to call in and make their contributions and ask questions, so make a date with us on 17th October 2009!

Please tune in to: Zambia Blogtalk Radio via http://www.blogtalkradio.com/zambiablogtalkradio. The Show starts at the following times:

09.00hrs New York

13.00hrs GMT

15.00hrs Zambian Time

e-Conference 2009: Zambia BlogTalk Radio 10th October

2009-10-08T07:12:00.007+01:00

Welcome message

On behalf of the Zambia Diaspora Connect Executive and the Zambia Blog Talk Radio Team, I take this opportunity to welcome everyone participating in the second annual Global e-Conference. This 2009 conference brings together Zambians and friends of Zambia alike to a platform where ideas will be discussed, questions asked and solutions sort. Most participants will look back and say as much as there are other factors; the Global e-Conference was one such event which renewed their interest in becoming involved in the affairs of Zambia. Our plan is to focus this conference on optimism and not pessimism, solutions and not questions. We agree questions need to be asked but these have to be questions of purpose not despair. Government engagement and dialogue is a major component of this process. We can't continue to wonder why others are placing stations in space and landing Rovers on Mars, while we continue to struggle with pot holes, run down schools and hospitals. These are things for which many Zambians have answers for on their finger tips. But we need to communicate and share information and acknowledging the value of that information. The education process starts now and we hope that this time next year we will have achieved just a little more. Life anywhere is about believing that it can be done.
Let's begin.

Musaba Chailunga, Chairman- Zambia Diaspora Connect

The e-Conference starts at 9:00 hrs New York Time, 13:00 hrs GMT or 15:00 hours Zambian Time.Call-in number is +1-347-237-4270.

Alfred Kamwendo Miti - Newcastle upon-Tyne- UK
One of the issues I would like to share with my fellow Zambians is the Key knowledge transfer in the fields of Science and technology especially Industrial biotechnology and chemical engineering.I have followed with keen interest the developments and scientific debates in Zambia regarding the in-depth understanding of biotechnology and its effective sustainable applications in a Zambian set up.

Please read : Conference Paper PDF

Mr. Patson Musumali

Education and Skills

Education and skills are essential developments for a nation, and government has the responsibility to guard and award its citizens with this national treasure.

Please read: Conference Paper PDF

Mr Phesto Musonda

Chairman- Zambia International Trade Fair

Mr Phesto Musonda, Enterpreneur and Chairman of Zambia International Trade Fair.Mr Musonda brings a private sector perspective to the opportunities, and an appreciation of the challenges, of doing business in Zambia. He has been the Chairman of the ZITF for the past six years. In addition, he is the Chairman and CEO of Phoenix Materials and Construction, a construction and property development company. He is Founder of Sub-Suharan Germstone and Exchange Centre. His Company is developing a Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Ndola.

Full Profile

Mr Paul Siamuzyulu Marketing Manager- Madison Asset Management Company

Zambia remains a high cost destination and reducing the cost of doing business is an urgent priority
Transport is a bottleneck the cos of exporting a container is over $3,000 compared to half that in Malawi
Retrenchment costs are double that Botswana and seven times those in South Africa
Increase access/reduce cost of telecommunications (if on par with South Africa, productivity would ncrease 13 percent)Over 500 business licenses in existence, which are a source of delay and corruption.
Need to streamline, following the ongoing review

Please Read:Conference Paper PDF

Diaspora Global e-Conference 2009

2009-09-24T23:24:00.000+01:00

Diaspora Global e-Conference 2009
Visioning Diaspora Involvement in Zambia’s Development 2009

Zambia Diaspora Connect Inc. in conjunction with Zambia BlogTalk Radio would like to announce that all aspects of the Diaspora Global e-Conference 2009 have been completed. Interested parties may now go ahead and register to be part of the e-deliberations that will take place between 10th and 24th October 2009.

Please follow the links below and register in time for the conference.

1. Skills and Identity

2. Doing Business In Zambia

We would also like to invite presenters who would like to share their vision for Zambia in the areas of Skills and Identity and Doing Business In Zambia on Zambia Blog Talk Radio on 10th October. Three participants from each group will be allocated 5 minutes each for presentation on the show to be followed by open discussions.This will provide the foundation on which the week long email contributions will be based.

To contribute to the conference radio sessions, the number to dial is +1(347)237-4270 (Zambia BlogTalk Radio)

Send your intentions to present live at the Conference on Zambia Blog Talk Radio with a summary of your presentation to Tchiyiwe Chihana at tchihana@zambiaconnect.org no later than 5th October 2009.

Rupiah Opens Parliament - Announces Diaspora Liaison Office

2009-09-21T08:02:00.002+01:00

Rupiah opens Parliament

Written by Chibaula Silwamba

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda today said his government will spend K200 billion on rehabilitating the Chipata-Mfuwe road aimed at boosting tourism in the South Luangwa National Park. And President Banda has opened a liaison office at State House to deal with issues concerning Zambiansin the diaspora.

Officially opening the fourth session of the 10^th National Assembly in Lusaka, President Banda said the tourism sector continued to rank high on his government’s development agenda as it held great potential in the diversification of the economy.

“The South Luangwa National Park is another priority area for tourism development. However, poor accessibility to and within the area continues to pose a serious constraint to further development of tourism. Government therefore, has this year embarked on rehabilitating the Chipata-Mfuwe road leading to the national park at a cost of K200 billion.

On the diapora, President Banda said he had decided to set up a liaison office at State House to deal with issues related to Zambians based in the diaspora.

“In addition, I have directed the

On corruption, President Banda threatened to fire corrupt government officials.

Framework for Zambians in Diaspora coming

2009-09-11T09:19:00.004+01:00

(As reported by the Times of Zambia 11/09/2009)

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and other relevant Government institutions are formulating a national framework that will enable Zambians in the Diaspora to contribute to national development.The Bank of Zambia (BoZ), Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education as well as the Ministry of Science and Technology would facilitate the framework.Consequently, ZDA has been tasked to initiate the development of the concept paper that would be used to secure public support for the initiative.With the passing of the clause on dual citizenship by the National Constitutional Conference (NCC), Government plans to engage Zambians in the Diaspora in monitoring investment dynamics and help in promoting Zambia’s investment opportunities.“Zambians working abroad must not only be seen in terms of brain drain. This view blinds us to benefits that can be derived from citizens abroad.There is need to open up to resources that can come in from the Diaspora. This calls for the creation of systems that can facilitate the flow of such resources,” ZDA manager for planning and policy, Chola Mwitwa said.Mr Mwitwa said since the concept was new, organisations facilitating the Diaspora engagement would be required to develop systems to meet the Diaspora dimension.BoZ would develop an effective remittance system while the Ministry of Finance would review the taxation system to address the Diaspora requirements and prepare booklets on such a taxation system for distribution through various networks.Meanwhile, 27 micro and small Enterprises (MSEs) applications for MSE certificates were approved by ZDA in August.The approved applications would inject about K1.8 billion investments into the economy.According to the latest ZDA spotlight publication, the approved investment was expected to create 224 job opportunities in Southern, Lusaka, Copperbelt, Northern, Eastern and Western provinces.The approvals present an increase of about K700 million in MSE investments in the month of August compared to July’s K1.1 billion total investment approved by ZDA.

Zambian Global e-Conference

2009-08-28T07:05:00.002+01:00

Zambian Global e-Conference
October 10- 24, 2009

After a successful 2008 e-Conference , Zambia Diaspora Connect is pleased to confirm the 2009 e-conference in collaboration with ZBTR scheduled from October 10th to 24th October. We will be joined by the organization's Chairman, Mr Musaba Chailunga and Public Relations Officer, Ms Tchiyiwe Chihana to discuss the details of this year's conference.Please join us on Zambia BlogTalk Radio for this informative session on Saturday August 29, at 1030am EST (New York), 1430 hours GMT or 1630 hours (Zambia)

Diaspora Desk established

2009-08-19T15:33:00.004+01:00

President Rupiah B. Banda establishes Diaspora Desk at State House
18^th August 2009

Following concerns raised by Zambia Diaspora Connect and subsequent participation at the National Indaba held between 4^th and 5^th April 2009, the organisation is pleased to announce that a Diaspora Desk has now been established at State House by His Excellency, President Rupiah Bwezani Banda.

The Diaspora Desk at State House is under the office of the Special Assistant to the President, Economic and Development Affairs. The desk will be in constant liaison with the Zambian Diaspora in exploring ways to enhance Diaspora participation in the development of the nation. Mrs. Ngoza Munthali, Chief Policy Analyst at State House has been appointed as the focal contact person. In their communiqué (ref. SH/101/6/3), State House also reaffirmed the National Constitution Commission’s acceptance of the recommendation on dual nationality which was another area of concern raised at the National Indaba. Further details on the operational structure of the Diaspora Desk will be communicated once State House releases them. However, when it comes to Diaspora communication and requests and in the interest of Diaspora unity and effectiveness, Zambia Diaspora Connect will continue to act as a vehicle for Diaspora - government dialogue.

Establishment of the Diaspora Desk marks a milestone in the aims of Zambia Diaspora Connect and as an organisation; our primary commitment is to push the Diaspora’s agenda.

Contact:

Tchiyiwe Chihana,

Public Relations Officer

Zambia Diaspora Connect

tchihana@zambiaconnect.org

www.zambiaconnect.org

Diaspora Experiences of Indaba : Mrs. Ing'utu Palmer (United Kingdom)

2009-05-20T21:01:00.002+01:00

Personal reflections from Mrs. Ing'utu Palmer (United Kingdom) on her experiences at the National Indaba as part of the Zambia Diaspora Connect delegation.
090520 Diaspora Experiences of Indaba - I Palmer Report 090520 Diaspora Experiences of Indaba - I Palmer Report Zambian-Economist Personal reflections from Mrs. Ing'utu Palmer (United Kingdom) on her experiences at the National Indaba as part of the Zambia Diaspora Connect delegation.

Diaspora Experiences of Indaba : Mr. Simon Sakala (Japan)

2009-05-20T20:55:00.002+01:00

Personal reflections from Mr. S Sakala (Japan) on his experiences at the National Indaba as part of the Zambia Diaspora Connect delegation.
090520 Diaspora Experiences of Indaba - S.Sakala 090520 Diaspora Experiences of Indaba - S.Sakala Zambian-Economist Personal reflections from Mr. Simon Sakala (Japan) on his experiences at the National Indaba as part of the Zambia Diaspora Connect delegation.

Diaspora Experiences of Indaba : Mr. Kazhila Chinsembu (Namibia)

2009-05-20T20:50:00.002+01:00

Personal reflections from Mr. Kazhila Chinsembu (Namibia) on his experiences at the National Indaba as part of the Zambia Diaspora Connect delegation.
090520 Diaspora Experiences of Indaba - K.chinsembu Report

National Indaba Report

2009-05-19T23:43:00.002+01:00

Zambia Diaspora Connect's report following our participation at the National Indaba held between 4th and 5th April 2009 in Lusaka, Zambia. The delegation led by Mr. Chasaya Sichilima (Canada) and Mr. Paul Lupunga (Australia) included Mrs. Ing'utu Palmer (United Kingdom), Mr. Kazhila Chinsembu (Namibia) and Mr. Simon Sakala (Japan). The executive committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to the realisation of our participation. Appreciation is also extended to the delegates who travelled and represented the Diaspora.

Zambia Diaspora Connect Report on the National Indaba

Important New Passport Announcement

2009-05-19T22:55:00.000+01:00

The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to inform the general public that the Government of the Republic of Zambia has set 31st May 2009 as the last day for the usage of the old machine readable passports.

This therefore means that the old passports will not be recognized as valid document at any immigration exit border point for the purpose of travelling internationally.

The public is also informed that the issuance of the new passports is a continuous process and citizens are free to apply for the change of passports at any time.

However, Zambian nationals living in the diaspora will be permitted to travel to Zambia using the old passports for an extra three (3) months period until up to August 31, 2009.

Furthermore, there are a lot of processed but uncollected passports at Passport Office in Lusaka. I appeal to people who have applied for passports to make an effort to collect these documents

Hon. Dr. Kalombo Mwansa, MP
Minister of Home Affairs

Overseas Volunteering Opportunity

2009-05-18T19:41:00.000+01:00

Diaspora Development Associates Diaspora Development Associates Zambian-Economist

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Business & Law world development

Dual Citizenship

2009-05-04T16:00:00.005+01:00

Dr Roger Changwe has voiced support for Dual Citizenship in Today's Post :

Consider adopting dual citizenship clause, Chongwe appeals to NCC, By Ernest Chanda, The Post (subscription), News Report :
Lusaka lawyer Dr Roger Chongwe has called on the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) plenary to consider adopting the dual citizenship clause as proposed in the Mung'omba draft report. In an interview ahead of the NCC final sitting mid this month, Chongwe said the idea of dual citizenship had more legal advantages than disadvantages.
He said it was a submission that came from the majority of Zambians and should not be overshadowed by the minority in the NCC.

"I welcome the Mung'omba recommendation for dual citizenship. In fact, it was also reflected in the Mwanakatwe report and this means that the proposal came from the majority Zambians. Legally, all those children born and brought up outside Zambia will be free to assume Zambian citizenship and bring their money here to invest. This will be a clear demonstration of respect for human rights. It will also give us some economic advantage," Chongwe said.

"We have Zambians living in countries like the United States, Australia, South Africa, Canada and many others. Already their children have been legally adopted as nationals of those countries, so why should it be a problem in this country?"

Chongwe said times were changing and it would not help Zambia to dwell on old systems.

"I know that it was opposed by a small group of people last year, among them my late brother Lieutenant General Christon Tembo. Of course as a military man he had his own reasons, but those reasons do not suffice in modern day Zambia. If we claim to have respect for human rights in this country, then we should seriously consider adopting this clause," Dr Chongwe said.

He said the NCC delegates should have adopted the dual citizenship clause instead of recommending for an appointed Vice-President to take over when the President dies.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with the dual citizenship clause. There should be no unnecessary controversy on this issue because it is straightforward. It is far much more desirable than the nonsense of an appointed Vice-President taking over automatically when the President dies. This is nonsensical and it should be rejected at the plenary. It did not come from people, but it was their own view, which has been supported by their Vice-President [George Kunda]. After all he is also a member of the NCC so I'm made to believe that they hatched it together," Chongwe said.

According to the Mung'omba Constitution Review Commission (CRC) report of 2005, there were more Zambians who submitted in favour of dual citizenship than those who opposed it.

The petitioners submitted that the Constitution should provide for dual citizenship because there was need to encourage Zambians living abroad who had acquired foreign citizenship to retain their Zambian citizenship.

In its report on page 103, the Mung'omba CRC recommends that the Constitution should permit dual citizenship only in respect of Zambian citizenship acquired by birth or descent.

And the Mung'omba Draft Constitution of 2005 states in Part V clause 20 (1): "A citizen, by birth or descent, shall not lose that citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country. (2) A citizen, by birth or descent, and who, before commencement of this Constitution, acquired the citizenship of another country and as a result ceased to be a Zambian citizen shall be entitled to apply to the Citizenship Board to regain that citizenship."

The Post Editorial also picked up the issue and offered unequivocal support :

Dual citizenship, By Editor, The Post (subscription), Commentary :
This week, the issue of dual citizenship will be back on top of the National Constitutional Conference's agenda. And this time we hope to see more rationality over this issue because people had time to reflect and meditate deeply. And moreover, we cannot understand why there should be much disquisition over this issue because the Zambian people seem to have made a decision on it. In both the Mwanakatwe and Mung'omba constitution review commissions, the Zambian people supported and recommended dual citizenship. And this being the case, why should this desire, this decision be stopped by a small group of people at the National Constitutional Conference?
We are not in any way unpatriotic by supporting and calling for dual citizenship. Being a Zambian is something that we value more than ever. But we have always placed humankind above homeland. We are internationalists, first and foremost, without ceasing to be patriots. And our people's overwhelming support for dual citizenship is not only a source of pride for us but a greater privilege than ever to be Zambian. We have very great esteem - not for the land, this isn't love of the land - and love for our people who live in this land. And to borrow from Jose Marti, "Love of homeland, mother, isn't ridiculous love of the land or of the grass under our plants; it is invisible hatred of those who oppress it, eternal animosity towards those who attack it."

For us, homeland means the people, and we have tremendous, ever-growing admiration for our people, because our people constantly improve. Sometime back, our people would have never supported or called for the idea of dual citizenship.

Dual citizenship is becoming more common in our increasingly interconnected global economy. Many countries are now seeing the advantages of dual citizenship and are liberalising their citizenship laws - India, the Philippines and Mexico are recent examples.

Dual citizenship has the advantages of broadening our country's economic base by promoting trade and investment between the dual citizens' respective countries.

And it would appear to be a waste of time to prohibit dual citizenship because so many of our people are today dual citizens. But the government doesn't know it and has no means to know and to stop it. So why try to stop the unstoppable?

Of course, opponents of dual citizenship have their arguments. They say it is dangerous for Zambia because it can lead to conflicting dual loyalties. This is not true. This overblown fear is based on two misconceptions: first, that those with dual citizenship represent misplaced loyalties that are bad for Zambia, and second, that their ties to the countries of birth are something new. But in reality, dual citizenship benefits Zambia by helping to promote our country's interests around the globe. It promotes Zambia's understanding of and connections to the world, to our own benefit economically and politically, and removes practical obstacles to naturalisation.

And also in terms of good governance, Zambians with dual citizenship will be more likely to oppose than to support despots in this country. Throughout history, governments generally have been thrilled when their opponents flee into exile. This is because those who leave a land are most likely to be displeased with its existing government. Until recently, the fiercest opponents of dual citizenship and absentee voting have been unpopular ruling governments that feared the paper votes of citizens who already voted with their feet. Emigres often have other reasons for wanting to vote in their homelands that have nothing to do with emotion but everything to do with practical issues - especially if they have left behind family they care about and want to visit and support financially. In many countries, you must be a citizen to own land, work legally, or participate materially in certain kinds of business. We today have many Zambians living in the Diaspora, why should we complicate their lives by denying them the rights and opportunities to be citizens of those countries without the fear of losing their Zambian citizenship?

It is in Zambia's best interest to allow dual citizenship. Political loyalty is far different from nolstagia and the desire to make things better in the land of one's birth, two emotions that we should not discourage. There is clear historical precedent that affection for - and even service to - one's homeland is not incompatible with dual citizenship.

Clearly, dual citizenship does not weaken Zambian loyalty; to the contrary, it strengthens those with dual citizenships' feelings that they are welcome by reassuring them that they will not be punished for loving their homeland any more than a child should be spanked for loving his or her mother. What kind of country would want to make citizens out of those who do not care about the fate of the land of their birth? The old saw that a man should no more have two countries than two wives is based on a false metaphor. The better comparison is between two different kinds of loyalties, to parent and spouse: an individual is bound to one by nature and to the other by choice. One can love both equally strongly, but in different ways.

Let us seek to utilise the advantages of dual citizenship by liberalising our citizenship laws. It's time we realised that dual citizenship has advantages of broadening our country's economic base, fostering trade and investment between the dual citizens' respective countries. One of the benefits of dual citizenship is the ability of dual citizens to influence economic and political decisions in their host countries in favour of their countries of birth and descent, in our case, Zambia.

Suppose you learn that you have, or a member of your family has, dual citizenship or that you might acquire it. Would dual citizenship be good for you? Would it have more advantages than disadvantages? For some people, dual citizenship offers practical advantages - for example, social security or employment. It may also enhance the feeling of belonging because they have strong personal ties to more than one country.

And as Lusaka lawyer Dr Roger Chongwe has correctly observed, dual citizenship is a human rights issue. And if we claim to respect human rights in this country, we cannot at the same time stand in its way by denying our people the right to live meaningfully in other countries without losing their Zambian citizenship. As we have already pointed out, in some countries, it is not possible to live meaningfully, to live a secure and dignified life if you are not a citizen. In some countries, you cannot own property in your own name, run businesses profitably, and so on and so forth if you are not a citizen. Let us not deny our people the right and opportunity to live in other countries meaningfully by denying them dual citizenship.

For these reasons, we urge the National Constitutional Conference to respect and uphold the wishes and desires of the Zambian people over the issue of dual citizenship as expressed in the recommendations of the Mwanakatwe and Mung'omba constitution review commissions.

Zambia Diaspora Connect welcomes Dr. Chongwe's call to the National Constitutional Conference plenary to consider adopting the dual citizenship clause as proposed in the Mung'omba draft constitution. We are also thankful to The Post Editorial team for putting the case forward so powerfully. The e-conference 2008 report and our presentation to the recently held National Indaba both sets out our full support for dual citizenship.

Executive Committee Minutes : 25th April 2009

2009-04-27T20:27:00.001+01:00

ZAMBIA DIASPORA CONNECT : EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES

Minutes – 25th April 2009

Present: Paul Lupunga (PL), Musaba Chailunga (MC), Chola Mukanga (CM), Chasaya Sichilima (CS), Thandiwe Chihana (TC)

Apologies: Bright Chinganya (BC)

Review of Actions of the 28th March Meeting: Outstanding action 2 – BC has still not submitted his contribution to MC on his thematic group to be put on the web. This is the second time this action has appeared on our minutes. Actions: BC to forward web material to MC by 5th May 2009.
Indaba Update: CS updated the group on the visit to Zambia and the Indaba. All members agreed that the meeting was successful and represented a marked shift in how the Diaspora engaged with government. Among the meeting held by ZDC in Zambia included a formal presentation to the Indaba and meeting at the State House with leading figures in Government to understand the government position going forward. A formal short report is being prepared by ZDC, which will be made available to members and the interested public. As part of continuous engagement with government it was agreed that a formal follow-up letter to the government should be sent. A number of issues where discussed regarding media engagement given the various requests for interviews. The Executive Committee gave full permission to CS to go ahead and organise interviews liaising appropriately with TC. Actions: CS and PL to draft post indaba submission to Government and clear it with the Executive Committee by 10th May 2009. CS and PL to complete drafting of the Indaba Report and clear it with TC by 10th May 2009. TC to prepare appropriate briefing for the wider public and disseminate report clearly appropriately with the Executive Committee by 17th May 2009.
Organisation Funding: It was noted that there was significant need to develop a coherent funding strategy, that too on board a wide ranging of different financial sources that may be available to the organisation. Actions: MC and BC to organise a brainstorm by the 15th May 2009 and ensure that a draft Funding Strategy Paper is presented to the Executive Committee by 26th May 2009 for wider agreement.
Membership Criteria: TC presented a short paper on the proposed criteria for membership. It was agreed that the paper was broadly okay, although further work was needed to reflect the criteria for membership of organisations other than individuals. Actions: TC to revise the membership criteria paper and circulate it to the Executive Committee for approval via email by 17th May 2009.
Collaborations: CM informed the group that we have received an offer of deeper collaborative working with ZASN USA. It was agreed that the aims and vision of ZASN USA was consistent with Zambia Diaspora Connect and the Executive Committee welcomes this opportunity, especially with respect to the work of the Human Capital Thematic Group. The Executive Chair was asked to lead discussions with ZASN USA in order to better understand how this could proceed. Actions: CM to arrange a meeting with ZASN USA, MC and PL to take forward the discussions and report back to the Executive Committee at the next meeting (30th May 2009).
Roles and Responsibilities: MC explained the organisation issues which need further improvement to ensure that we continue functioning efficiently. It was particularly noted that it was important to wrap up swiftly the constitution of the organisation to foster clear defined roles and responsibilities and enable the organisation to communicate its vision to the wider membership and general public. Actions: MC to produce a first draft of the organisation’s constitution and present it at the next meeting (30th May 2009).
Project Prioritisation and Policy Review Group: CM explained that prioritisation strategy had now stalled pending the outcome of discussion on the Policy Review Group. It was suggested that an offline discussion was needed by CM, PL and MC to discuss the situation and report back to the Executive Committee on the way forward at the next meeting Actions: MC, PL and CM to discuss offline the issue and report back at the next meeting (30th May 2009) on the way forward.
E-Conference 2009 : It was noted that preparations for the 2009 e-Conference should begin in order to be a strong position going forward. PL noted that there was a general expectation that the 2009 conference should include participation from government as reflected in our e-Conference 2009 draft plan. Actions: PL volunteered to take forward preparations and table a draft paper on the way forward at the next Executive Committee. This will outline: the proposed channels for the conference; prior- engagement with wider membership and Government; and the themes for the e-Conference.
Website: There was some discussion on how the website can be further developed. It was concluded that there was no need to maintain two parallel websites. As such the blog should be transferred to the website. The website will then link to our twitter, facebook and google user groups. MC invited those with any more ideas on what should be there to forward the relevant suggestions to him as soon as possible.

Next Executive Committee Meeting: 30th May 2009

Executive Committee Minutes : 28th March 2009

2009-04-25T12:04:00.006+01:00

ZAMBIA DIASPORA CONNECT : EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES

Minutes – 28th March 2009

Present: Paul Lupunga (PL), Musaba Chailunga (MC), Chola Mukanga (CM), Chasaya Sichilima (CS), Bright Chinganya (BC)

Apologies: Thandiwe Chihana (TC),

Review of Actions of the 28th February Meeting: Outstanding action 6 – BC was reminded to submit his contribution to forward his thematic group information to MC. Actions: BC to forward web material to MC by 14th April 2009.
Final Report Finalisation: PL explained progress on the finalisation of the report. Actions: PL to finalise the report and ensure that it is distributed to the relevant parties in Zambia.
Project Prioritisation: CM explained that two projects had now been prioritised to be taken forward in the short term (a school project and the Diaspora skills database). LP explained that there was the possibility of considering setting up a policy review, though care was needed on how that would be resourced and prioritisation vis-à-vis other projects. The group agreed that this issue required further discussion post Indaba as it depended on understanding the demand from the Zambian side. Thereafter decisions would be made on taking forward prioritisation. Actions: PL to report on the discussions in Zambia with regards the scope and demand for policy reviews.
Government Diaspora Awareness: PL briefed the group on the likelihood of a cross government meeting to discuss Diaspora initiatives. As this was an internal government meeting Zambia Diaspora Connect were not invited.
National Indaba 2009: CS briefed the group on the liaison with government regarding the Indaba and the travel plan. CS explained that a presentation was being prepared focused on the core areas of interest for Zambia Diaspora Connect.
Website: It was agreed that it was crucial the website was up and running fairly soon in view of the increasing publicity of the organisation. Actions: MC to ensure progress was made before the next meeting.
Administration: It was noted that the meetings where taking too long to complete and also that not all actions were being completed on time because meetings were too regular. It was resolved that the meetings will now be held for 2 hours every last Saturday of the month, with short mid-month meetings not lasting more than 45 minutes to catch-up on any pressing issues. Committee members were encouraged to organise bilateral discussions and resolve issues quickly to help reduce agenda items at the monthly meetings.

Next Meeting: 26th April 2009

Some positive press coverage...

2009-04-17T19:01:00.004+01:00

The Times of Zambia carried two interesting pieces on the Diaspora yesterday. You can access them here and here.

South Africa's diaspora vote..

2009-04-15T22:36:00.002+01:00

South Africans abroad exercised their constitutional right to vote today. In London, people waited up to two hours to cast their vote.

Diaspora Presentation to the National Indaba

2009-04-08T18:57:00.003+01:00

Zambia Diaspora Connect attended the Indaba 4th and 5th April as trailed in the media (e.g. here and here). Below is the presentation. Full report of the trip to follow. The full programme of the Indaba can be accessed here.

Diaspora and the Global Economic Crisis Presentation
Diaspora and the Global Economic Crisis Presentation Zambian-Economist

2008 Zambia Diaspora E-Conference Report

2009-04-03T21:37:00.002+01:00

On behalf of the entire Zambia Diaspora Direct Executive Committee, I am very pleased to submit the “2008 Zambia Diaspora E-Conference Report: Visioning Diaspora Involvement in Zambia’s Development”. The conference was conducted between 12th and 24th October 2008. This final report follows extensive consultation with the Diaspora that ran between 12th January 2009 and 02nd February 2009 to review the draft report.

The 2008 E-Conference sought to set the frame for Zambia’s citizens abroad holding collective dialogue with “Home”. The main theme for the conference was to explore the Diaspora’s collective aspirations for Zambia through “Visioning” and “Prioritisation” of actions.

To flag off the report, Musaba Chailunga, the organisation’s chair has this to say:
“Every journey begins with one step. I won't be that naive as to say we have taken the first step but rather, we continue to add steps to what was started by a Zambian unknown at a time unknown. Today we release the final report of the e-conference held last October. The report shares some views and desires held by most Zambians in the Diaspora and as deliberated at the E-Conference. We hope this will further trigger d ialogue and engagement with both government and private Zambian entities as witnessed in the last few weeks.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the e-conference and contributed to the document. We hope our focus on Human Capital, Investments, Culture and Land and Housing will initiate practical solutions. We believe that within these thematic groups, there is so much that can be done individually and collectively”.

We look forward to further engagement with the Diaspora and will duly inform you of the developments proceeding to the next E-Conference which is scheduled for October, 2009.
Further resources and information can be accessed from our website and blog as follows:
www.zambiaconnect.org and www.diasporaconnect.blogspot.com

The Executive Committee of Zambia Diaspora Connect is made up of:
Mr. Musaba Chailunga (Toronto – Canada) – Chairman
Mr. Paul Lupunga (Canberra-Australia) - Consultant
Ms. Tchiyiwe Chihana (Sheffield-UK) - Public Relations Officer
Mr. Chola Mukanga (London-UK) - Secretary
Mr. Chasaya Sichilima (London-Canada) – Business and Government Liaison
Mr. Bright Chinganya (Melbourne-Australia) – (Treasurer)
--
Yours Sincerely,

Tchiyiwe Chihana
Public Relations Officer
Zambia Diaspora Connect
http://www.zambiaconnect.org/
http://www.diasporaconnect.blogspot.com/

2008 Zambia Diaspora eConference Executive Summary

2008 Zambia Diaspora eConference Report

Government Engagement of Diaspora

2009-03-31T17:13:00.002+01:00

Immediate Release : Government Engagement of Diaspora

31st March 2009 : Zambia Diaspora Connect has been successful in its discussions with government on the Diaspora contributing to the National Indaba to take place on 4-5th April 2009 in Lusaka. The Indaba's theme is "Global Economic Crisis, a Wake-up Call for Transformation". The government has responded positively and in a serious sign of intent with regard to Diaspora engagement, has invited the Diaspora to participate in the Indaba. Zambia Diaspora Connect will lead this team to be headed by Mr. Chasaya Sichilima (our Business and Government Liaison Officer) from Canada and Mr. Paul Lupunga from Australia.

They will be accompanied by Mr. Simon Sakala from Japan, Ms. Ing'utu Palmer from England and Mr. Kazhila Chinsembu from Namibia. Zambia Diaspora Connect included Zambians from other networks in the Diaspora to broaden inclusiveness of the contribution. This opportunity will also be used to present the government with the paper resulting from the Diaspora e-Conference held in October of last year. It is intended that the report will be made available to everyone by the end of this week.

Mr Chasaya Sichilima hailed the development as “a marked positive shift in government and shows that whatever efforts all of us in the Diaspora have been making to ensure our voice is heard in the country's development are beginning to bear fruit”. Zambia Diaspora Connect considers this first step as vital to surmounting the challenges of our beloved nation.

###

Notes to Editors

The Zambia Diaspora Connect advocates closer engagement between Zambia and its Diaspora for mutual benefit in five ways:

Provide a vehicle for the Diaspora to leverage their human and physical resources in order to contribute towards Zambia 's social and economical development;
Provide a framework for the Diaspora to engage Government on matters affecting the Diaspora, in order to further their interests and those at home ;
Provide Government and other Zambian institutions a single point of reference for engaging the Diaspora on policies, programmes and other issues that may affect the Diaspora or where the Diaspora may add value;
Promote sharing of knowledge, skills and information among the Diaspora;
Undertake and support specific Diaspora led projects in Zambia in the areas of human capital; land and housing; commerce and investment; and, culture and identity.
Together, these goals form the basis of Zambia Diaspora Connect's approach to attaining the vision of a better and effective relationship between Zambia and its Diaspora.

Zambia Diaspora Connect is a non governmental organisation. It works in partnership with Zambia Diaspora organisations across the globe, Government, civil society, the private sector and others. It also works with multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, United Nations agencies, and the African Union.

The Executive Committee of Zambia Diaspora Connect is made up of Mr. Paul Lupunga (Canberra-Australia), Ms. Tchiyiwe Chihana (Sheffield-UK), Mr. Chola Mukanga (London-UK), Mr. Chasaya Sichilima (London-Canada), Mr. Bright Chinganya (Melbourne-Australia) and Mr. Musaba Chailunga (Toronto-Canada).

International Conference on Diaspora for Development, July 13-14, 2009

2009-03-29T22:06:00.003+01:00

The Migration and Remittances team of the Development Economics and Prospects Group (DEPG) of the World Bank is organizing an International Conference on Diaspora and Development on July 13-14, 2009 in Washington D.C.

The diaspora of developing countries can be a potent force for development for their countries of origin, through remittances, but more importantly, also through promotion of trade, investments, knowledge and technology transfers. The conference aims to consolidate research and evidence on these issues with a view to formulating policies in both sending and receiving countries.

The program committee invites economists (and non-economists as well) and policy makers to submit proposals for papers on related themes. Topics will include but are not limited to:

Demographic trends that will influence the destination and composition of the diasporas from developing countries.
Diaspora's economic and non-economic contributions to development through trade, investment, transfer of technology, skill transfer, institution building. (Ideally, we would like to cover topics other than remittances and brain drain on which much has already been written.)
Policies that deepen the diaspora's contribution to the development of the country of origin. For example, do diaspora bonds actually help mobilize financing for development? Does dual citizenship deepen the diaspora's ties to the country of origin?

Papers with a focus on Africa are especially welcome. Also papers dealing with developed countries are welcome if they draw lessons for developing countries.

All proposals will be assessed anonymously by a panel of expert scholars in the respective fields. Selected papers will be included in a conference volume to be published by the World Bank. Selected presenters from developing countries may apply for partial financial support for the preparation of papers and/or travel costs.

Timeline:
Submission of one-page proposal: April 30, 2009
Decision: May 15, 2009
Conference paper/powerpoint: July 3, 2009

Please email your abstract/papers to Ms. Sonia Plaza at splaza@worldbank.org.

Remittances : Time for payback

2009-03-18T19:00:00.000Z

Remittances: Time for payback*
18 March 2009
The Guardian

I, like many other people of African origin living in the diaspora, send money to relatives and I know at first hand the tangible lifelong benefits that this money can bring to people who do not have access to any other safety net, resources or opportunities.

It is increasingly acknowledged that remittances play a significant part of the development story because of the huge amounts being transferred and the significant impact on the recipient country's economy. According to the World Bank, remittances to developing countries totalled $188bn in 2006 - double the amount of international aid received. In 2007, remittances to Africa were more than £20bn. But the value of remittances to developing countries is acknowledged to be far higher because a significant proportion of money is transferred through informal methods, so it is not officially accounted for.

World Bank figures show that families in Uganda now receive about $0.9bn in remittances from relatives in the diaspora, which ranks the country fifth in sub-Sahara Africa in the amount of money it receives in this form. This financial inflow amounted to 8.7% of the GDP in 2006.

The resources at the disposal of recipient households make them powerful agents of economic development. Typically the money is spent on health, land, education, marriage, small businesses and food or to offset any crisis. A significant proportion is also available for investment or savings. The money strengthens social welfare and livelihoods, essential for economic development at both local and national level. Remittances are not handouts that keep the poor dependent and in bondage. Remittances are empowerment tools that lift the poor out of poverty, since they promote economic growth and access to financial services.

However, despite the significance, the contribution made by the diaspora is largely ignored in the formal debate about development. By the same token there are few mechanisms that allow senders and recipients of remittances to engage with development activities at a formal level.

The World Bank and a few African governments are slowly waking up to the huge economic potential of remittances to benefit national economies. Ways of engaging with senders and recipients to encourage them to invest in their countries are now being developed. These include the Kenyan Diaspora Bond, through which remittance money can be invested in specific projects. Kenya also boasts the M-PESA financial transfer system, which allows money to be transferred through mobile phones, at a small cost, without the need for bank accounts. In the first two weeks of its launch, more than 10,000 user accounts were set up and more than $100,000 was transferred.

In December, a diaspora investment summit was held in Gulu in Acholiland, northern Uganda, to discuss how Ugandans living outside the country could participate in private investment back home.

However, traditional government and NGO development activities lack a comprehensive strategy and policy on remittances to tackle poverty at a local or national level. There is no overt acknowledgement in Uganda, for example, of the tangible benefits of remittances to development, which can clearly be seen in the local economies of towns like Lira, in northern Uganda, where success is not down to government or international donor investment.

The time is ripe for the Ugandan government, international donors and NGOs to work together with senders and recipients of remittances, to recognise them as stakeholders and support them to take a lead in the sustainable development of the whole country. If government and international development professionals are genuine in their assertions that development is about empowerment and sustainability then they need to allow the people into the driving seat and remove the road blocks that hinder it.

* Perspective by Jenny Abura

Steering Group Minutes : 28th February 2009

2009-03-05T16:33:00.001Z

ZAMBIA DIASPORA CONNECT : STEERING GROUP MINUTES

Minutes – 28th February 2009

Present : Paul Lupunga (PL), Musaba Chailunga (MC), Chola Mukanga (CM), Thandiwe Chihana (TC), Chasaya Sichilima (CS)

Apologies : Bright Chinganya (BC)

Review of Actions of the 7th February Meeting : Outstanding actions 6 & 9 incorporated as part of agenda item (5) on “administrative issues”. Outstanding action 3 – it was agreed that TC should clear MC suggested draft answers to ZNBC and action appropriately. Actions: TC to clear draft answers to the Times query by 14th March 2009.
Proposed Governance: CM presented the draft governance paper setting out the roles for each of the members on the interim committee.
Project Prioritisation: CM presented the draft project prioritisation paper setting out the various merits of each of the suggested project. There was unanimous agreement that all the projects were well defined. However the Investment Group paper required more work to ensure it fits in with the overall vision of the group. Actions: All to provide their project rankings to CM by 14th March 2009. CM to draw on these responses and propose formally to the group the agreed prioritisation outline for formal clearance by 25 March 2009. PL to discuss with BC how the Investment Group project plan can be modified to better meet the stated goals and report at the next Steering Group meeting.
E-Conference 2008 Report Finalisation: PL explained that the Project Plans and the Blog Talk Radio discussion with Mwape.com now provided the final inputs to finalise the report. Actions : PL to send round the draft final report including work plans and annexes by the 25 March 2009.
Website: MC explained that the website was there and all that remained was provision of web-content upon which MC and CS would press on with the design with the aim of having a viable website towards the backend of April 2009. Actions: CM and BC to provide the text covering the Human Capital and Investment Group to MC/CS before the next meeting.
A.O.B : A book is being written by several members of the diaspora. It was suggested that Diaspora Connect should be involved in this venture. Actions: PL to discuss with the lead authors the feasibility of a Diaspora Connect involvement and report back to the Steering Group at the next meeting.

Africa Diaspora Scientific Conference

2009-02-25T23:46:00.001Z

The African Scientific Institute (ASI) and UNESCO are presenting a conference /workshops on June 29 - 30, 2009 in Paris, with the 3rd day scheduled to be held at a university.

The theme of this event is "The African diaspora scientific community mobilization for Africa" (Adiascom Africa) initiative.

The purposes of this conference are:

* To bring together African Diaspora scientists, futurists and technology experts who can assist towards alleviating structural poverty.

* To address developing infrastructures within Africa.

* To increase networking within the African Diaspora, and also link notable black people with the next generation of black scientists and technologists.

Topics covered will include

-Defining Africa's Infrastructure Needs

-Determining Africa's Human Resources

-Africa’s Raw Materials Minerals, Water, Land, Fuel

-Environmental Impacts on Africa

-Potable Water

-Health Conditions and Healthcare Delivery Systems

-Food Security: production and distribution; satisfying domestic consumption requirements

-Waste Handling and Treatment: Solid and Liquid (Residential/commercial garbage, collection and handling, landfills, waste water treatment systems (urban and rural); Non-point sources (storm drainage systems, agriculture by-products)

-Roads and Transportation (Domestic vehicles -private and public; ships for international trade

-Communication (Printed media; Internet (email, www, blogging, distance learning); Telecommunication: hardwire, wireless (ground based cell, satellite)

-Mining

-Energy (Sources: carbon base, alternative/renewable, hydroelectric; electrification, heating/cooling, vehicle fuel; Distribution to population centers

-Education

-Funding Projects

For more information, contact

Lee O. Cherry, ASI President and CEO

"Lee O. Cherry" asi@quixnet.net

Steering Group Minutes : 31st January 2009

2009-02-06T13:00:00.002Z

ZAMBIA DIASPORA CONNECT : STEERING GROUP MEETING

Minutes - 31 st January 2009

Present : Paul Lupunga (PL), Musaba Chailunga (MC), Bright Chinganya (BC), Chola Mukanga (CM)

Apologies: Chasaya Sichilima (CS), Thandiwe Chihana (TC)

Registration : MC explained the process of registration, including the need for signatures. The total cost for registering in Canada was estimated at $300 - $400. It was agreed that MC should press ahead and take sole control of registration process including future registration in Zambia. Actions : MC to complete registration process by 10 February 2009. All steering group members to provide MC signatures by Friday 6 February 2009. MC to liaise with PL and CM on any other detailed matters regarding application forms.

Organisation Structure : It was agreed that the original positions suggested by PL were sufficient, however the personnel needed to revised taking on board time and other personal commitments. The following interim posts were agreed, subject to formal approval by CS and TC at their earliest opportunity. Thereafter posts will take effect. Chair - MC ; Secretariat - CM; Finance - BC ; Government Liaison - CS ; and Media - TC. It was also agreed that PL would remain as a non-executive member (in an advisory capacity to the wider steering group), to avoid direct conflict of interest. Actions : CS and TC to confirm their agreement or otherwise by Friday 6 February 2009. CM to provide 3-5 line description of posts before the next meeting.

Task Sequencing : It was agreed that to maximise output and make progress we sequence actions regarding the thematic groups. Each group would provide 2 critical actions they would like to progress. The Steering Group would then discuss which of these areas we should prioritise and pull resources together accordingly. After progress has been made with one group, then we move on to another and so forth. Actions : CS, BC, and MC to supply CM by 7 February 2009 their two top priorities for action, briefly justifying the selections, including pros and cons for each. CM to table paper for discussion on prioritisation at the next meeting.

Media : It was agreed that temporary of support should be provided to TC has she balances out work related commitments. The group was invited to suggest names of people who might help, as well as anyone in the group who might like to volunteer to help. Actions: All to identify potential "helpers" before the next meeting. CM and MC to provide draft answers to the Times query to PL.

Website : It was agreed that the website needed to registered and content needs to be agreed. Cost of new domain will be shared and rebated by MC. The domain name has now been registered by MC - www.zambiaconnect.org Actions : CM to propose potential website content - short note on this to be tabled at the next meeting.

Blog Talk Radio : Information was circulated by MC. PL agreed to take forward the interviews. Actions : CS, CM, MC, BC to develop questions, propose time for interviews and pass them onto to PL before the next meeting.

Consultation Process : The consultation process for the Conference Report has now ended. However, there remains the issue of the Human Capital radio show with the Brain Drain Blog Talk Radio. Separately, there was need to begin working on the work plans. PL also noted that contact has been made with ZDA and World Bank. Actions: CM to agree way forward with the Brain Drain Blog Talk Radio show and report back to the next meeting. CM to circulate template for draft work plans by 11 February 2009.

Chairing Meetings : It was noted that the meeting were taking too long to complete. General agreement was reached that the new structure should help, with MC in his capacity to chair all meetings. Meetings should not last more than 90 minutes. CM should ensure that agendas are distributed prior to meetings with.

Dissemination of Minutes : It was agreed in the interest of transparency the minutes should be distributed on the blog and subsequently on the website when agreed.

Next Meeting : 14 February 2009.

Respond to the Budget 2009

2009-02-04T22:54:00.003Z

The Minister of Finance, Hon Situmbeko Musokotwane would value the Zambia Diaspora reaction to the Budget. You may wish to discuss how the Diaspora's aspirations with regard to development.

Email : situmbeko.musokotwane@mofnp.gov.zm.

Worth copying the Ministry of Finance Press Officer Mr Kandeta:

Email : ckandeta@yahoo.com

Ethiopia's Diaspora Bond

2009-02-04T22:00:00.001Z

Ethiopia has announced the first sub-sovereign corporate bond aimed at the diaspora. A release by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that the bond launched on December 23rd will provide funds to the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCO) for investments which will increase power supply to the nation. Good to see African governments taking a different approach to the diaspora, viewing them as resource rather than an hindrance.

Passport dealine extension?

2009-02-03T07:56:00.002Z

The Home Affairs Minister has sent a strong signal that he has heard the cries of the diaspora and may extend the passport renewal process. The real question now is how long will the period be ?

New passports deadline might be extended, says Mwansa, Daily Mail, Zangose Chambwa, News :

Minister Home Affairs Minister Kalombo Mwansa said his ministry was still studying the matter. In an interview, Dr Mwansa said renewal of passports had affected Zambians living abroad.

“We feel we have not done enough for Zambians living abroad because they are still having difficulties obtaining the new passports,” Dr Mwansa said.

He said if a decision was made to extend the deadline, the announcement would be made before February 28. Dr Mwansa said Government had heard the public outcry for the extension of the deadline.

Recently, the public raised concern regarding the deadline for issuance of new passports.
They replace those that were introduced last year. Government says the aim was to guard against forgery of passports.

A 32-paged passport is pegged at K300,000 while the 48-paged one costs K500,000. So far, Government has raised K9 billion from 24,000 passports obtained by people.

Passport Renewal Petition, 2nd Edition

2009-02-02T10:40:00.001Z

The link to the passport petition is here:

Passport Petition

The Petition : We the undersigned, hereby request Government to phase out the old passports. Let the Zambians abroad use their passports until their visas, permits or passports expire- which ever comes first. Zambians should be allowed to move in and out of Zambia freely until their passport expires upon which they will apply for the new passport.

(HT: Mrk)

Zambians abroad urged to help the govt

2009-01-28T22:09:00.006Z

January 26, 2009 , Lusaka Times

Government has called on Zambians living in the diaspora to assist implement government's efforts in addressing problems the country is currently going through.

Energy and Water Development Minister Kenneth Konga said government was committed to promoting Public Private Participation in order to enhance development in the country.

Mr. Konga said this yesterday during the launch of Europa Drilling Services (EDS), a new company involved in providing drilling services which is been spearheaded by Zambians living in the United Kingdom.

Mr Konga said EDS could not have come at a better time into the water sector than when the capital city is experiencing cholera outbreak due to lack of clean and safe drinking water.

He said the water sector remains critical to the social and economic development of the country and was optimistic that EDS will contribute positively to the water sector in the country.

Mr Konga said Zambia currently faces acute water scarcity because of the inadequate infrastructure in the water sector as a result, the country lacks water for irrigation, power generating, for energy, agriculture, domestic and other aspects of water use.

He said the issues of climate change has created droughts in the country and has resulted in the scarcity of the commodity in the country.

Speaking earlier, EDS Chief Executive Officer Nawa Sumbwanyambe said his company is responding to government's call for people in the diaspora to come and implement government's efforts in social and economic development.

He said EDS is bringing in the country a cutting edge drilling equipment which was made possible through collaboration between a leading UK based drilling company and EDS.

Dr Sumbwanyambe said the equipment will add value to people's lives as it will help people in water blue areas to access clean and safe drinking water.

ENDS//PM/PK/ZANIS

Let the People Talk: Diaspora Expectations from President Rupiah Banda

2009-01-15T00:39:00.008Z

Listen to a special edition of Radio Phoenix's "Let the People Talk" on 28th November 2008 in which Frank Mutubila engaged the Diaspora on their expectations from the new President Rupiah Banda. Participants included Dr Kaela Mulenga, Musaba Chailunga and Chasaya Sichilima in Canada; Patrick Mumba in Denmark; Bright Chinganya in Australia; Heminigild Mpundu in the US; Simon Sakala in Japan and Charles Ngandwe in England. The World Bank country manager Dr Kapil Kapoor and Chisanga Puta-Chekwe, a business executive formerly based in Canada, were the studio intervieweers.

Positive media coverage

2009-01-08T04:59:00.005Z

The Post is carrying an article on our initiative. Article reproduced below :

Zambians in Diaspora call on govt to monitor remittances
Written by Chiwoyu Sinyangwe, 8 January 2009, The Post
IT is important for the government to keep track of remittances from Zambians living abroad through the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) to enable them participate in the country’s development, Zambians in the Diaspora have observed.
According to the resolutions of the 11-day e-conference held between October 14 and 24 last year, the Zambians living abroad stated that there was need for an improved policy and institutional framework for applying intellectual capital for the mutual benefit of the Diaspora and the nation.

The conference also called for making investment information available through e-government and also to incentivise investment process for Zambians abroad through tax breaks, concessions for land and other statutory provisions.

“It was also observed as important for government to keep track of remittances through BoZ mechanisms. Given such government initiatives, members of the Zambian Diaspora with resources would be highly attracted to invest,” the resolutions read in part.

And the conference observed that the participation of Zambians in the Diaspora had been hindered as they had been generally viewed in a very negative way while economic constraints sometimes prevented them from helping, as they were often at the mercy of prevailing economic conditions in their host countries.

Among the short-term solutions that were identified included the creation of more opportunities for volunteering, beyond the very few that existed through non-governmental organisations as well as creation of a governments driven Diaspora skills network linked to universities in Zambia and other areas where the government saw fit.

On the long-term measures, they proposed a focus on legislative solutions such as the push for dual citizenship and the possibility of the government introducing a Diaspora Bill in Parliament that would send a strong signal that it was serious with engaging with the Diaspora.

It was also noted that the government could not bring change alone and as such, the Zambian Diaspora should also do more.

And according to the organisers of the conference, the concept was an inspiration drawn from the off-shoot of the finance ministry’s attempt to gauge Diaspora interest in participating in national development through a draft document called the “Project Diaspora Citizenry 2008”.

Possibility of passport renewal extension?

2009-01-07T13:19:00.005Z

The Government has opened a small window for a possible extension, with the latest indication that they may review demand for an extended period towards the end of February. If the diaspora can make a strong case for extending the period, they might be prepared to listen. Lusaka Times spearheading a petition on this.

Passport offices to remain open during lunch, Saturday Written by Masuzyo Chakwe , The Post (07/01/09)

THE Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the Passport Office to remain open during lunch breaks and Saturdays with immediate effect to expedite the issuance of new passports.
This comes in the wake of complaints from members of the public on the congestion at the Passport Office as people go to change their passports.

Home affairs permanent secretary Susan Sikaneta said yesterday that her office had received a lot of complaints from members of the public on the issuance and had since instructed the passport officers to only rest on Sunday.

However, Sikaneta said the six-month period that the people had to change their passports was enough.

"We planned well in advance and according to our plans, the six-month period was enough. The issuance of new passports started on August 12, 2008 and we gave ourselves six and a half in which people were to apply for new passports but what we are seeing now is that we have long queues of about 200 people a day and people are panicking now. The period was sufficient if everyone had cared to get a new passport," she said.

"We informed people though Parliament, we even sent letters to the missions abroad."
Sikaneta said the government could not just think of extending the deadline because relevant authorities had to be consulted.

"We consult the International Air Travel Association and these people do not want a too long period for a country to be using two different passports because it is not secure. Two passports don't go well with security, so they usually advise a short period," she said.

Sikaneta said the old passports were still in circulation but would stop being used after February 28, 2009. She said after the February deadline, the government would determine if the demand would still be high to decide on the way forward.

And Sikaneta said if there was anyone with a complaint against an officer at the passport office, they were free to report that to her office.

Zambia Diaspora E-Conference 2008 Preliminary Report (Consultation)

2009-01-06T09:19:00.002Z

We have finally got round to releasing the preliminary report of the Zambia Diaspora E-Conference 2008 for a three week consultation. Views are invited from all members of the Zambian diaspora and friends of Zambia. All exchanges reflected on this website forms part of this broader consultation. Your thoughts and comments are crucial as we put together the next steps, finalise recommendations and work with the Government in taking them forward. The report is also embedded below for ease of access .
Zambia Diaspora E-Conference 2008 - Preliminary Report

Zambians in the Diaspora urged to invest in tourism

2009-01-05T19:00:00.000Z

Zambians in the Diaspora urged to invest in tourism
January 6, 2009 [Lusaka Times]

Tourism minister Catherine Namugala inspects stacks of confiscated ivory at Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) ofices Government has challenged Zambians living in the Diaspora to take advantage of investment opportunities back home and contribute to the development of the country.

Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources (TENR) Minister, Catherine Namugala said that in the face of the current global economic crunch, investment in tourism presents immense opportunities for addressing the economic melt-down and has asked Zambians working and living abroad to consider investing in the sector.

The Minister said this in statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, by Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Public Relations Officer, Bwalya Nondo.

Ms. Namugala said investment in the tourism industry was not the preserve of foreigners alone adding that Zambians should take interest in the sector.

She added that the sector has potential to contribute to the growth of the economy which can further reduce the country’s dependence on mining that is the mainstay of the economy.

The Minister has also urged Zambians’ living abroad to create business alliances to invest in the tourism ventures in order to contribute to the economic development of the country.

The Minister also pointed out that government under the leadership of President Rupiah Banda was working hard to ensure that an appropriate environment with attractive incentives was created for the tourism industry .

Ms. Namugala also reiterated that efforts where under way to opening up the Northern Circuit through infrastructure development as a catalyst for stimulating tourism growth in the region.

She added that this was an example of how government was creating an enabling environment to attract tourists and investors in the country.

Passport Renewal Petition

2009-01-05T10:03:00.001Z

Lusaka Times is spearheading some petition to GRZ on the new passport deadlines. The audio link to the first teleconference is here. Its always wonderful to see citizens take the initiative and seek change for themselves. Our hope is that in time our current initiative would make things easier to communicate with government on these issues.

Migration Perspectives

2009-01-04T10:17:00.001Z

Last year the Zambia Institute for Public Policy Analysis dedicated a full publication to migrations issues. It touched on many areas relevant to the Zambia Diaspora Connect, in particular how Zambia may cope with the Brain Drain problem.

ZIPPA Migration Journal Jan - March 2008[1]

Brain Drain : Causes, Effects and Remedies

2009-01-03T10:12:00.001Z

Prof Henry Kyambalesa has written an interesting and relevant paper - Brain Drain : Causes, Effects and Remedies .

THE BRAIN DRAIN: CAUSES, EFFECTS AND REMEDIES

14-24 October 2008 (Global E-Conference Invitation)

2008-09-17T13:40:00.008+01:00

Quite likely if you are reading this web-log you may have been directed by an invitation circulated by the Zambia Diaspora Forum. The Forum is dedicated to the promotion of agenda setting and dialogue towards meeting the Zambian Diaspora’s felt needs concerning ‘Home’. Part of this agenda setting has in the recent past included dialogue with actors in the current constitutional reform process, seeking the introduction of explicit clauses that support dual citizenship. The NCC however is currently on indefinite break until a new government is formed following the 30 October 2008 elections, so for the moment the forum seeks to consolidate the diaspora’s vision of its place in Zambia, hence the Zambia Diaspora e-Conference.

The Zambia Diaspora e-Conference 14th -24th October 2008 seeks to explore prospective Diaspora collaborations with Zambia and how they feel government should facilitate the engagement of the Diaspora. The four posts below give background aspects to the objectives of the e-conference. If you have an interest in the development of some matters for diaspora engagement under the thematic heads Culture and Identity, Housing, Investments and Human Capital, then please fill in the pre-registration survey to your top-right titled Conference Survey1. And from there proceed to register in the thematic yahoo group of your choice, below the ‘about us’ column. Chasaya Sichilima, Musaba Chailunga, Bright Chinganya and Chola Mukanga are the respective moderators of the thematic groups discussions. The climax of the discussions will be thematic one-hour teleconferencing using Skype for those able to participate on the 24th October 2008 clustered by time zones. The Diaspora working group comprising representation from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Labour, Local Government and Housing, Zambia Development Agency and the International Organisation on Migration currently await the outputs of this process to understand the Diaspora's perspectives of where issues go from here.

We look forward to your participation in the conference deliberations as they give clarity to the vision of the Diaspora for Zambia.

World Bank Perspectives

2008-07-30T12:51:00.001+01:00

In January this year John Afele of the World Bank wrote the following in response to inquiries concerning the prospects of collaboration between the Bank, the Government and the diaspora in facilitating development in Zambia. The letter reads:

Dear Paul,

Thank you for contacting us. Please contact me at a later date, some time next week for discussions on your specific interest. In the meantime, please look at our initiative at: You'll find: a report and video proceedings of the Open House event (use the flash option for viewing the videos) - links to the Open House are reachable by clicking on Open House... in the left panel the initiative's Concept Note (AFR Diaspora program concept note)

In that Concept Note, you would notice a proposal for an African Diaspora Engagement and Facilitation Fund, which we would use in engaging Diaspora networks for sector-country actions. We are currently in the process of establishing such a fund - that process will take a while, but we'll keep the networks informed on the progress we're making. In the meantime, please visit our sub-project site www.dmade.org as a one of the models of how we would be providing financing for projects in future. Please note that our focus for such sub-projects is on networks; as the Managing Director, Ngozi, said at the Open House, we should not act as 'NGI - non-governmental individuals.'

Best,

John

In sharing this letter the emphasis we seek to make links with Johns observation of the need for net-working. How could we develop ways of working together that would still ensure the attainment of our individual aspirations? Note that any substantive development always involves groups of people. What could we say are our greatest assets as individuals abroad in relation to Zambia and how ready are we to network and with others in the long term, towards collective goals through individual efforts, yet still yielding individual benefits?

International Organisation for Migration on Zambia

2008-07-29T13:01:00.004+01:00

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) as a follow-up to consultations in 2004 with Ministry of Labour and more recently following our sounding them out on the Project Diaspora Citizenry, put together the below as a response with regard to support in diaspora issues. This tentative support needs to be weighed in the light of demand by the diaspora to benefit and participate in such initiatives. Is this something Zambians living abroad can rise to?

MOBILIZATION AND UTILIZATION OF ZAMBIAN DIASPORA FOR DEVELOPMENT IN ZAMBIA. IOM, March 2008 (CONCEPT NOTE)

Introduction

The “brain drain” and its impact on development is a serious concern to African countries. The migration of individuals from Africa to more developed countries results in a loss of critically needed and often highly skilled human resources, leading to lower productivity and increasing dependency on more developed countries. Various factors contribute to increased emigration, including adverse political, economic and social conditions, and rapid population growth.

The Zambian health sector has been adversely affected by the rapid increase in international emigration of highly skilled nationals over the last ten years, and is currently facing a ‘human resources crises. According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently as few as 600 doctors working in the public sector and severe shortages of nurses and other key staff. Many higher education institutions have experienced significant skills losses of training faculty. In addition, Zambia is losing its potential health professionals even before they have qualified - estimates in 2004 showed attrition from doctor and nurse training programmes was 30% . A growing demand for nurses in industrialized countries has led to increased migration of many registered Zambian nurses. In 2001, some 15,000 nurses were recruited in Britain and an additional 35,000 are needed for 2008. In the United States, 126,000 nursing posts were vacant in 2003 with the shortage expected to reach 500,000 full-time equivalent personnel by 2015 .

Several factors contribute to Zambia’s current shortage of health workers. In 2005 staffing levels in the health sector were estimated at 23,176, representing just 47 per cent of the recommended 49,360 . Over the past few decades, while the population has continued to grow, the number of doctors has declined, dropping from 1,283 in 1997 to 646 in 2005. The increase in the health workers’ workload is reflected in a staff to population ratio of 1:17,589 surpassing the recommended 1:4,950. The World Health Organisation states that the number of health workers would have to increase from 23,176 to 49,360 to achieve the recommended staff to population ratio . Furthermore, the existing staff is not equitably distributed across the country, leaving remote and rural areas under-serviced. It is estimated that approximately 23 per cent of rural health centres in Zambia are operating with only one qualified health worker .

The exodus of health care professionals in Zambia is driven by:
• inadequate conditions of service (pay, allowances, incentives);
• poor working conditions (facilities, supplies and equipment);
• weak human resource management systems;
• limited career advancement and professional development opportunities;
• high student to tutor ratios;
• inadequate capacity of health worker training institutions to produce enough graduates to meet the existing demands of the public health system;
• internal professional migration (from public to private health facilities);
• external migration of highly skilled workers;
• high attrition rates and losses attributed to AIDS.

Zambia has an HIV prevalence rate of 17 per cent and this has placed a strain on health care resources . The limitations incurred by increased migration of health personnel compromise ongoing national efforts to combat the AIDS pandemic. The shortage of health professionals and support staff make essential treatment and care (i.e. ART and HBC) services much more difficult to deliver. Not only does this hamper national efforts to address the epidemic but it also impedes the ability of the Government of Zambia (GRZ) to reach international targets such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has identified the temporary assignment of Zambian professionals living abroad and other members of the African Diaspora as a possible intervention in the overall Human Resource for Health Strategic Plan (HRSP 2006/10).

Members of the African Diaspora have the potential to contribute to national human and financial capacity-building, through knowledge, skills and experience-sharing and the transfer of financial resources through remittances. In 2006 it was estimated that 150 million migrants worldwide sent more than US$300 billion to their families in developing countries . Coupled with unrecorded remittances through informal channels, such contributions to developing countries amount to more financial aid than is received from any other donor or aid organization. While the funds are primarily used to meet immediate family needs, significant amounts are also available for other forms of investment and if properly targeted and filtered, could support home country development initiatives.

Lack of adequate research into the nature and scale of migration and the role of remittances, limits the government’s ability to devise appropriate policies and programmes to manage migration and harness Diaspora contributions for the national benefit. According to the Living Conditions Monitoring Survey (LCMS – V, 2006), national statistical data on migration focuses only on internal migration and lacks the international perspective. The LCMS, undertaken by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) is a base for the monitoring and evaluation of the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP 2006-2011) – Zambia’s main economic development programme. Statistical data on migration is not readily available in Zambia, and improved availability of migration data remains a priority in order to directly facilitate the Government in developing appropriate policies and laws regarding skills migration.

IOM’s Experience

“Migration for Development” is one of the main cross-cutting themes in IOM’s work outlined in its efforts to mobilize the financial and non-financial contributions of migrants and diaspora toward home country development. One of IOM’s interventions toward helping increase African countries’ capacity to improve the skills migration situation was the “Return and Reintegration of Qualified Nationals (RQAN) Programme”, which ran from 1983 to 1999. Since then IOM has launched Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) – an institutional capacity building initiative that aims to strengthen the links between African diaspora and their countries of origin. Based on the notion of mobility of people and resources, MIDA offers options for reinvestment of human capital, including temporary, long-term and virtual return.

Examples of IOM’s expertise in this area include the MIDA Ghana Health Programme. Since 2003, MIDA Ghana continues to engage expatriate Ghanaian health professionals from Europe in the development and strengthening of hospitals and other public and private health institutions through temporary assignments, as well as broadening the collaboration between institutions in Ghana and the migrants’ destination countries. The MIDA Great Lakes Programme (Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda) supports capacity building in health care, education and rural development by matching skills shortages with the availability of the Great Lakes diaspora in Europe thus enabling the sharing of expertise. The programme supports local partner institutions, distance/virtual teaching of university courses using new information technologies (e-learning), and investments in the region through dissemination of incentives and creation of secure environments for safe, effective and low-cost remittance channels. In less than three years, more than 250 Congolese, Rwandan and Burundian expatriates have taken part in MIDA programmes.

Recently IOM launched the Migration for Development in Ethiopia Prgogramme (MIDAEth). This four-year initiative (2007-2011) will develop systems and build the capacity of the Federal and Regional Government Institutions to mobilize the skills and financial resources of willing Ethiopians in the diaspora and other like-minded professionals through recruitment, selection, return and reinsertion in identified priority sectors and specific job vacancies by various modes of skills transfer options. The preparatory phase of the programme has included a diagnostic study to assess the manpower needs of the government, the potential remittance flows by the Ethiopian diaspora, and the building of a website for relevant, accurate and timely information dissemination (www.ethiopiandiaspora.org). IOM is receiving support from UNDP as one of its partner organizations providing core start-up funding, technical assistance, aiding in resource mobilization for project implementation and participating in Technical Steering Committees meetings that guide the programme’s implementation.

Programme Approach

The Mobilization and Utilization of the Zambian Diaspora programme under the arm of IOM’s Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA), has been designed to support the human resource capacities of Zambia’s health and education sectors, along with those in other professional sectors, through maximizing the contribution of highly skilled members of the Diaspora, and will consist of the following components:

1. Diaspora website and database creation – to collect and update economic and political information for Zambians living abroad and opportunities for their involvement in Diaspora mobilization, including conditions for temporary return, short-term placements, virtual links and exchanges, remittances and financial investment opportunities. The database will be used to compile professional profiles of Zambian Diaspora.

2. Information gathering and dissemination –Through a registration system and targeted questionnaires for Diaspora as well as a skills database matching system the Diaspora database will be used to generate migration profiles to be circulated among relevant government bodies and other stakeholders. Profile content will consist of demographic information, Diaspora educational background and qualifications, and professional affiliations in the host country. Information provided to Zambians living abroad will include the following: available development opportunities in Zambia (i.e. facilitated short-term, long-term physical return on a case-by case basis, or virtual involvement (e-learning, lecturing and distance courses, knowledge exchange through academic journal and research sharing); mentorship; scholarships; fundraising for the support of projects in home communities and development initiatives; partnerships and information on collaboration with the private sector collaboration; foreign investments, and twinnings between existing health/medical/academic/professional institutions in Zambia and similar establishments abroad), as well as quarterly newsletter updates on other migration-related issues (migration and labour laws, etc.).

Expected results:

1. Improved qualitative and quantitative data on the dynamics of health worker migration such as direction and scale of flows; data from country of origin and destination; capacity gaps and demands in affected sectors, and links to organizations and institutions who work in fields related to skilled labour migration and African Diaspora mobilization.
2. Interested members of the Diaspora registered online and profiled, improving the ability to assess the impact of skilled professionals’ involvement on national development initiatives
3. Diaspora database promotes further collection and sharing of migration-related data within the government through providing a forum for discussion and policy-making in the areas of migration and development, and in particular health worker migration
4. Increased recruitment and participation of Zambian Diaspora in national development efforts.
a. Contribution of Zambian Diaspora increased (through virtual or physical returns) to the improvement and strengthening of the human resource capacities of Zambian health and education institutions, and to the national development process through the realization of the MoH Human Resource for Health Strategic Plan.
b. Strengthened harmonization of information among government bodies, international organizations and other key stakeholders related to skilled migration issues and Diaspora involvement.
c. Facilitate twinning, exchange, or training programmes between academic institutions/hospitals in the sending and receiving countries

Practical information content on diaspora website:

• Outline of IOM’s MIDA programme and related initiatives
• Registration and matching system for interested applicants willing to participate in a transfer either through physical or virtual return as a function of local human resource needs, and necessary steps and required documentation for selection and participation
• Diaspora distribution information and profiles of the existing diaspora base (i.e. demographics, professional background and skills categories).
• Contextual information - Zambia’s country profile, the possible impact of skilled professionals’ involvement on national development strategies, information on the dynamics of health worker migration such as flows and direction, data from country of origin as well as destination countries, job vacancies; capacity gaps and demands in affected sectors; links to organizations and institutions who do work related to skilled labour migration and African diaspora mobilization
• Guides for opportunities for possible financial investments for Zambians living abroad including formal remittance channels

Issues driving change amongst the diaspora

2008-07-23T14:54:00.000+01:00

As one reflects on the status of the diaspora, and the discussions that tend to prevail around their concerns, one cannot help but experience a sense of frustration. The experiences of identity are always incomplete in the other worlds that are journeyed to. What then would it take to allow for effective diaspora/Zambia engagement.

The below is our rendering of the problem as we see it and seed elements of the solutions, as extracted from the Project Diasporan Citizenry concept Document. For a full draft copy kindly send an email to diasporaconnect@yahoo.com and we'll send you one.

Statement of the problem
With respect to the goal of the Project Diaspora Citizenry, it is noted that government perspectives of the problem are influenced by its commitment to the realisation of the National Vision through effective successive national plan formulation and implementation, execution of the Zambian Aid Policy and Strategy, development of sound Medium Term Expenditure Framework objectives and a rolling out of the Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MoFNP) Strategic Plan.

To ensure Zambia’s development efforts yield the desired results, resources ought to be directed in appropriate amounts at targeted activities, within successive national plans. The anticipated result is an economy that is liquid with respect to consumption, investment and Government spending and in addition manages to minimise debt and foster growth. However such levels of economic management have been difficult to attain in view of large resource gaps undermining the attainment of development priorities. From within the economy, tax revenue collection levels are at an all time record high in Zambia. However moderate inflation, rapid urban population growth, high brain-drain versus skills replenishment rate, climatic conditions, dissipating cultural values, and other issues have also had strong negative bearing on potential economic growth. In addition the lag effect of government reforms have had the consequence of delayed and conflicting policy outcomes. This combination of issues points to the unlikelihood of attaining the MDG’s and serves to undermine the ambition of the national planning implementation in rapidly bringing about development.

This paper reviews the problem as a combination of a lack of financial resources and human resources to effectively implement the FNDP. From the Zambian diaspora perspective the problem is especially viewed as a lack of institutional provision to engage directly in national development matters. Whilst as the Cooperating partners are assisting, Zambians abroad also wish to be participants in the development process. Theirs is an issue of opportunity for ownership of development.

(a) Harnessing Contributions from Zambians in the Diaspora

Remittances: Direct remittances to family members, friends, business associates and others contribute significantly to the economies of Nigeria and Zimbabwe sent by their nationals abroad compared to Zambia (WB Paper 82, 2006). Whilst this may be due to other country nationals having a higher number of nationals abroad, having higher income or being more sympathetic to the causes back home than Zambians is beyond the scope of this paper. However reported increase in remittances to homelands indicate the importance in insuring those who are sending such funds encounter the least resistance and are helped to do so. This allows for the receiving persons to spend in the economy with the effect of higher market demand and productivity and tax revenue. Other monies may also be saved allowing for an increase in the stock of investible monies. In addition the transfer of foreign exchange into the Zambian economy allows for a stronger balance of payment position. In the final analysis the remitter also gets a better deal for purchases in view of Purchasing Power Parity effect.

Investments: Economic investments in the form of capital outlay for enterprise is a key requisite for the provision of goods and services. Zambians abroad would have a much higher income level than the average employee in Zambia and as such would be more likely to have higher savings depending on their lifestyles and motivations. In addition a large proportion would have gone abroad in pursuit of tertiary studies. These factors combined with readily available technologies in the developed countries they are in, provide for both green field businesses as well as extensions and franchises of existing businesses. Use of the Lusaka Stock Exchanges infrastructure for example could be made to launch instruments and public companies with a deliberate focus on investments from Zambians abroad.

Further the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) could provide an incentive structure for Zambians, seeking to invest after living abroad for a significant period. Internet technology, call centres, packaging, market sourcing, tourist agency, construction material production, specialised medical services and other areas would provide possible opportunity for enterprise. The vast exposure to simple, relatively advanced and ‘well being enhancing’ technologies and the knowledge of the Zambia they are hailing from might present immediate cottage- and mega conglomerate-level, possibilities, which ever end of the spectrum individual competencies and capacities lie in the diaspora. However one challenge highlighted by the World Banks estimates on costs of doing business rank Zambia at 116th place (World Bank doing business, 2007). The WB data comparison methodology may not be consistent with the current discussion, but it does serve as a pointer to possible areas of improving prospects for investors. Faced with inadequate information and lengthy registration and licensing processes, amongst other factors, major constraints are faced for those seeking to set up industry in Zambia. A ‘diasporan citizen’s’ version of the one stop brochure for investors could be issued to facilitate strategic incentives to Zambians abroad.

Housing: A particular area of interest for Zambians abroad is in remitting monies to build houses. This is especially as many often look forward to the likelihood of returning home rather than enter aged nursing homes in foreign lands. However the prospects of retiring to the outskirts of one of the provincial capitals remains a major challenge to Zambians abroad. Beginning with the process of land acquisition, servicing water and electricity, land rates payments, having architects drawings approved, contracting a builder, procuring materials, through to availing property for rent in lieu of returning, all provide major hurdles to resettling.

Real estate development and management require close supervision, which is difficult to manage from abroad. Facilitation of dedicated institutional arrangements would increase the national housing stock, providing hybrid-housing designs possibly imported from all over the world, to provide for economic investment beneficial to all stakeholders.

(b) Human Capital Mobilisation
Brain-drain versus expatriate in-flows: Zambians emigrate like most peoples of the world for the purpose of finding a better standard of living. In general it is those that have been educated abroad and at times at great cost to the government of Zambia that individuals prefer to leave for developed countries or for employment opportunities that will pay more in developing countries. The significant proportion of these individuals would have attended primary, secondary and in many cases even tertiary education for free in Zambia. To the taxpayers of the generations that paid for this education it was a welfare cost in expectation of a workforce that would contribute to the future of the nations development.

Zambia has itself received expatriates to work in sectors and specialities whose capacities she does not have. The net sum of emigrants versus immigrants however reflects a great economic loss for Zambia, most evident in the health sector. Whilst as this global trend of individuals migrating from their countries to more developed countries evidences the free movement of labour, the cost of parenting, making literate, training, and providing opportunity for further training abroad is borne in Zambia by those who stay. Whilst there is no moral ground to stop those who wish to leave, there is an ethical obligation to make a return on investment through re-investing in the source of ones liberty to work or live abroad.

Volunteerism: Granted, income levels, social amenities and employment opportunities are limited in Zambia. However the fact that the diaspora have attained higher levels of education, extensive international exposure and that they are not generally risk averse (evidenced in their conquering foreign lands), places them at great advantage in setting up volunteer organisations.

Earning substantive incomes abroad should enable a ‘national service spirit’ of one months leave to come and work in Zambia. October which is just before the rains (planting season) and marks Zambia’s national day may for example be committed by the diaspora as the month to return either on a collective or individual level to implement commitments to national development. The measure of being a national or a citizen surely lies in identifying with the nation in poverty or in wealth even if it is only for a single month of every year. A plane could be chartered from every major diasporan capital with pre-booking arrangements, and where funds allow a possible subsidy. Memoranda of understanding could be entered into with civil society organizations, health and education institutions, orphanages and in-community care organizations, the fire brigades, town councils and others to compliment their expertise, and activities for that month. Individual visits can if well coordinated also yield significant returns both to those who give and those who receive. Because of the sense of belonging, this removes donor dependence and allows for self sustenance and a culture of ‘hope in hard work.’ The development of such a culture wether in October or otherwise will form the sense of nationalism required to contribute to implementing the National Vision.

Consultancies: Further opportunity is also available through consultancies offered as need arises in the major institutions such as parastatals, donors, private businesses, Non governmental organizations and others. Government consultancies are generally managed through the Zambia National Tender Board. Familiarity with the tender procedures can benefit Zambian individuals and firms abroad with the expertise to supply national needs for an economic fee.

Quite the opposite is also possible where with write ups provided by diaspora groups or individuals abroad, proposals may be retailed to foundations, think tanks, university research bodies or others, which the diaspora may have strong linkages with. As these provide the financial means, the diaspora would then be in a position to use those means to administer the engagement in FNDP implementation required.

Self-organisational arrangements: there are concerted efforts amongst some members of the diaspora to organise in-kind, financial and technical expertise, in nature, contributing to the development process in Zambia. These efforts are few and far apart and have not been integrated into the framework of the FNDP for the reason that both the diaspora and government may not have planned to collaborate on these activities.

An ideal pattern of collaboration would require to be drawn so that either by professional orientation or by geographical location the diaspora has a prefecture allowing for representative consultations. This is likely to reduce government’s transaction costs of managing every other consultation on technical contributions to development plans. Ideally such a prefecture could cover similar sectors as articulated in the plan so as not to overlap, or not to leave certain sectors as orphans if resources are overflowing in other preferred sectors.

What is your take on this?

Towards A Deliberation Day - 24 October

2008-07-22T12:56:00.004+01:00

Independence day is fast approaching and for many the memory of its meaning runs vague. It is notable that this year there has been particular focus amongst the diaspora to no longer to just get things said but also to get things done with regard to national development. To this end an email group conference is being organised for the dates 14-24 October 2008 so as to make use of our national day. So if you have the time, 15 minutes at least for now, after reading this blog-post and you wish to participate in the Zambia Diaspora e-Conference we would invite you to fill in the pre-conference registration labeled Conference Survey.1. at the top right of this blog, just under DiasporaConnect Header-title in order to contribute to the conference contents. Below is our take on where the diaspora needs to begin to go from here, kindly read on.

Deliberating National Day, 24 October: Giving Independence Day a substantive meaning for Zambians living abroad.

This paper is a draft concept note for the Ministry of Finance outlining the use of 24th October as a day of reflection on what it means to be Zambian, for Zambians forming the Diaspora. It carries two substantive considerations, firstly a reflection of the statement of the problem, that is, the challenge of globalisation versus Zambianisation and reversing the net outflow of social capital embodied in Zambians living abroad.
Secondly, it will consider engaging Zambians living abroad in an annual democratic deliberation that could re-shape their collective and individual future in the governance process of development within the contexts of their new-found homes. This second consideration will be presented under the headings of the proposal, justification and methodology.

The paper will proceed by first outlining the setting of Zambians living abroad who are the targeted constituency of the proposal, then draw from the existing governance dialogues which have been taking place in Zambia involving the discursive meeting of minds and will infuse them with tenets from democratic deliberation concepts. The primary objective is to introduce a method that could give renewed meaning to Independence Day by seeking connectivity and relevance to Zambia for the Diaspora. From a broader perspective the paper will consider the effects of Globalisation and the potential to Zambianise the globe or at least re-Zambianise the Diaspora. One of the principal elements of importance in this broader objective lies in the economic and development gains that would accrue to the nation at large through the Ministry of Finance’s coordination of such a discussion.
The value of the Diaspora to Zambia Currently Zambia’s Development is primarily financed from Tax and non-tax revenues the government enforces through the budget and statutory instruments. Complimenting this is support from bilateral and multilateral cooperating partners which together with Zambia’s own revenue is directed at supporting Zambia’s development plans. Over the past decade however with increased reorientation of government towards public sector management reforms, the role of government in managing the public sector, have seen a decrease in size and with deregulating legislation introduced in certain sectors, this has allowed for private sector expansion in traditionally government led activities. This has also had the consequence of potentially greater governance or stakeholder say in the new open market in relation to development.

The most prominent and visible stakeholders are civil society especially represented as non-governmental organizations coupled with the more silent and more self-interested private sector. Other constituencies are less visible and perhaps less cohesive such as the media, academia and faith-based organizations. With the growing momentum of the development process all these actors need to be brought on board so that the management of the nations resources and the implementation of development may be a national, shared responsibility. In part the slow process of getting more stakeholders on board may have worked in favour of government so as not to be suddenly overwhelmed by large discontented
constituencies with pre-set views which due to inadequacies in government capacities would receive little to no immediate support.

For Zambians living abroad participating in governance has been elusive for many reasons the most obvious of which is their physical geographical displacement. Sometimes just as elusive is their identity. For many, prospects, as they look into the future, point to their seeking out foreign citizenship whilst retaining their Zambian citizenship. For others still, it becomes a question of what do they have to gain and what would they have to give-up as a Zambian. The variety is wide with some nationals returning in the medium term and others with no immediate plans to return to Zambia. The Diaspora comprises lawyers, scientist’s academicians, and blue-collar and white-collar professionals. Others specialise in medicine, statistics, economics and some are unemployed or unschooled at tertiary level. Zambia’s embassies annually call for Zambians to attend independence celebrations by harnessing their collective nationalism, however there is no substantive cohesion amongst them in view of the great diversities. In addition the fact that a lot of places they have migrated to have relatively sounder economies indicates the reality of economic refuge, much like the rural – urban migration that Zambia faced in the past, so levels of indifference amongst the diaspora are high. The fundamental problem with this is the cost of human capital to Zambia. The amount of expertise lost to developed countries is quite significant with long-term
economic consequences.

On the other hand it is possible for Zambia to actually benefit from its nationals abroad. Some of those opportunities present themselves through remittances to families back home, investment in enterprise, voluntary work for the vulnerable and academic and technical skills transfer. Other areas that could benefit could be the establishment through honorary consular status and other roles that enhance Gross National Product with emphasis on ‘National’. The current National Development Plan took such an approach in its formulation allowing various stake holders to be empowered firstly through ownership of the ideas and territory as well as the implementation and oversight of the probable/identified development either directly, by proxy or elected representation, or by appointed public officials allotted to the cause at hand. In the political realm there have been Indaba’s at a cross party level as well as at a multi stake-holder level such as the ones held in 2001 and 2003 (Times of Zambia, Indaba has Resolved, 12 June 2003, p.1). Whilst as this concept augers well with those on Zambian territory, for Zambians living abroad, however, the challenge is how to channel their relevance back to Zambia, without necessarily returning to Zambia.

The cost of human capital as detailed above versus the benefits accrued, finds that the net flow of value of Zambians going abroad is that the rest of the world gains at Zambia’s expense. Confirming this in an IMFs Working paper, by Gupta, Patillo and Wagh, (2007, P.8) cites the UK National Health Service in 2002-3 as having calculated that almost a quarter of new overseas trained physicians had come from Sub-Saharan Africa and further writes that annual attrition in Zambia and Zimbabwe in the health sector lies between 15 to 40 percent. This sector alone indicates the more general extent of brain drain through the migration as an offshoot of globalisation.

On the flip side of migrations to developed countries the World Bank reports that of world remittances only Nigeria in Sub-Saharn is in the worlds top 25 countries that receive the most from remittances. However there is little significant data on remittances from Zambia (IMF World Economic Outlook 2005 p.100) showing that Zambia is in the dark over its own benefits from formal remittances.

The value of Zambia to its Diaspora At personal levels the Diaspora from Zambia will naturally have relational links to the nation. But these links may become burnt
bridges in seeking to disassociate with ones past or they may become unused bridges due other personal or economic standing abroad and at home. However links with relatives can also instead mature into stronger bonding by the Diaspora to the nation. The BBC in reporting on the findings of the World Economic Outlook above noted that remittances have maintained much more stable flows than have investment and Aid to Developing countries (2005). With Zambia not yet making its mark compared to other sub-Saharan countries, stock needs to be taken on what could be done to improve the status quo. Two approaches are here discussed the first being, the provision of a sense of diaspora-belonging to the nation and secondly through setting up or strengthening channels of institutional arrangements to accommodate Zambians living abroad in the growing spheres of governance at territorial level.

A Google search with the key words Zambia(n) yielded seven active web logs of the first thirty listings, dedicated to discussing issues on Zambia by Zambians living abroad indicating a relatively large Zambian community with an interest in discussing issues to do with Zambia. The author’s opinion is that Zambians abroad tend to coalesce around culture and a feeling of sentiment seeking self expression within and beyond the bounds of the new society that they find themselves in. Olwig puts it this way concerning Diaspora in general, that they are a community in sentiment, sharing and jostling for identity…. they are also a community of belonging with relations to the concept of nation as territory (2002 p.126-127). Vijay Agnew has edited a book whose title ‘ Diaspora, memory and identity: A search for home’ (2005) gives precision to the status of the out-there Zambians.

On the other hand, the relevance of the 24th October which is celebrated as Independence Day from colonial Britain over 40 years ago has amongst both domiciled Zambians and those abroad, become apathetic. As much may be admitted that colonialism was an evil empire set to siphon the land of its natural resources, Zambians are in general not a vengeful people and the vagaries of Britain are no longer the main focus of Independence Day, and so consequently it has lost its meaning. Zambians have more pragmatic issues to reflect on – issues of today and tomorrows bread and butter, and issues of enterprise in an economy that has been growing at an average of 5% per annum over the last 5 years. (2007 p.5)

It is that very participation in the growing economy that the Zambian abroad is in effect excluded from. If this is harnessed in a democratic deliberation framework on 24th October it may help transform the day into both an economically viable tool as well as a nation building tool with regard to the community of sentiment of the Diaspora.

The proposal for bridge building Having observed the general world trends of Diaspora communities and Zambia’s standing in relation to the costs and benefits of migration it is evident that coordinated efforts spearheaded by government are
required. As such a mechanism that is able to develop consensus and practically facilitate the delivery of that consensus to their homeland, requires being set up. This would facilitate governments’ openness to governance and management of nationals abroad, in territorial Zambia. Democratic deliberation is the author’s tool chosen for this purpose.

Deliberative democracy as a process would build conduits of financial, communication, social capital and other flows in an open and inclusive atmosphere. To develop the constructs to facilitate Diaspora involvement in national issues of this nature, the OECD (undated) attests to four areas amongst several others in the particular interest of the author that may be adopted for the purpose of this discussion. Firstly there is the establishing of Diaspora business networks to mobilise or facilitate investments and secondly encouraging the Diaspora to make intellectual capital available to home country through visits, consultancies, or internet contacts. The third is encouraging remitting agencies to shift their businesses from purely money transfers to include broader based financial institutions to afford recipients banking services and by also promoting competition amongst money transfer firms to reduce transaction costs. Lastly, the facilitation of home associations, to foster voluntary and community work.

To facilitate the building of such conduits a lot of preliminary awareness-raising discussion is necessary. This needs to be couched within a climate of expectation that any efforts to return home whether temporarily or permanently, or just financially would be easy and that government would recognise and support the contributions and institutional arrangements provided to support such flows. The opportunity to articulate reasons to support and strengthen bonding processes with Zambia if any, how tosupport and when to support, and how such processes may be reviewed and built on over time, requires a forum that is inclusive, discursive and continuum in nature – as is deliberative democracy.

There are two perspectives of deliberative democracy that Thompson and Gutmann identify as its core elements, amongst others (2004 p.3-6). The first is that the citizen should not to be passive subjects, constantly accepting the process that governs or the rules that are legislated. There should instead be an active requirement placed on the system of governance for citizens to be availed direct participation in managing public affairs. Consequently everyone that may be affected by a decision would have say in the lead up to the decision being made. A second element is that of allowing the deliberative process to lead to a binding decision on the various stakeholders for a period of time. This has the positive property of affording future re-appraisals of decisions taken earlier providing further clarity through continued reflection.

These two properties, particularly, bear the cornerstone of raising public spiritedness on public issues, thus broadening citizen’s views of moral reason above political orientation. Hence matters beyond economic statistical perspectives find themselves tabled and ethical moralities as well as societal norms have their considerations, through deliberations.

In fact it is these two elements together that Fishkin and Ackermann capitalise on in the development of the concept of Deliberative Polls® (2003 p.6). Fishkin has trademarked a process of managing public opinion through a reflexive mechanism of opinion polling deliberants of a deliberative process, both before and after discursive interactions. The rationale for this double poll is to indicate the positive influence the method has in changing peoples perceptions of issues in public affairs. For our purpose however the key elements of Deliberative Polls® that we may gain, is that of focussing on its framework of a regular debate on matters of public importance set on a particular day. Fishkin and Ackerman have since 2003 been campaigning for a deliberation day to be set on the United States presidents day. This would help the electorate to raise and table issues ideally in anticipation of the
following presidential elections. The discussants would be drawn from all the states of the US and within their respective communities they would form clusters of ten to fifteen people who would through the day have alternating working groups and larger plenary sessions, interconnected through the internet to moderate and inform discussions and to steer them to central themes and concerns from other groups.(2003, p 80-99)

In Zambia’s case given that the medium of choice with least cost would be the internet directly using a combination of select tools such as Zambian web-logs, You-tube, Skype, Yahoo groups and instant messaging. Because of being geographically dispersed across the world, deliberations would face the challenge of time zone differences. Consequently 24th October may be considered the culmination rather than the actual single day of deliberations. Hence the key concept of this exercise would be that of holding a deliberation week or month to bring to the fore what it means to be a Zambian abroad, how it can be put into practice and what can be facilitated by those still in Zambia.

In closing the proposal I would like to recommend after the first year of trial testing ie 2009 October, that the former President Kenneth Kaunda, acts as a potential overall chair of the deliberation process. Other than national patronage as the president at the time of independence the main reason for choosing him is the political philosophy that he developed of participatory democracy under Humanism in his period of office. The only significant difference between his participatory democracy and deliberative democracy that Fishkin espouses or that carried out in the authorship of the National Development Plan is that, Kaunda’s context had been under one party rule. The idea of national conventions in his time was this very element of deliberation from grassroots right through to the presidents office.(Phiri, AI 1973) However it was all limited to party membership, removing the open inclusive first principle that deliberative democracy exhibits in its contemporary form. His patronage together with the current president in sharing the platform would give substance to the process of letting go of the colonial legacy of independence day and looking forward to its use as a participatory and interactive national day, particularly for the Zambians living abroad.

Next steps and conclusion In ending this paper the brief recommendation for next steps is that through a survey Zambians abroad register their prioritisation of issues concerning their concerns and aspirations for deliberation. Following the issue prioritisation of respondents a registration process could be carried out that would categories by interest group participants to discuss a topic reflecting their interest in the diaspora-Zambia connection. These issues would be discussed in the context of thematic discussion starter papers, which would be set for discussion for the fortnight leading up to 24th October 2008. On the final day of the 24th select representatives of the deliberative groups would themselves select representatives who would have a teleconference which would be developed into a four week documentary for airing on national television after government circulation of the discussions consideration. This would be published in the context of the Ministry of Finances “Cultural Remodelling Program”. These documentaries would then provide Zambians in Zambia a framework to form the necessary networks to complement the expectations of the Zambians living abroad. The evaluation of progress in the previous years discussions and the issues raised in the registration process would together then form the following years agenda, allowing for the process to be institutionalised over the years.

In conclusion, this paper sought to conceptualise how to make meaningful the Zambian-ness of Zambians living abroad. It did this by first reviewing the challenge of globalisation and national identity, and then prescribing deliberative democracy as a viable tool in the context of Independence Day to review just how much the country has done for Zambians, and much more, how much Zambians living abroad can do for their country. The next steps comprised an elementary outline of how this process could proceed once approved.

Bibliography
Agnew, V 2005, (editor) ‘Diaspora, memory and identity: A search for home’ University of Toronto Press, Toronto.
British Broadcasting Corporation 2005, ‘Migrant Remittances Top $100 Billion’, as viewed on 27th October 2007 at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4423383.stm
Fishkin, J & Ackermann, B 2003, ‘Deliberation Day’ as viewed on 22 October 2007 at http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/~wright/deliberation%20day.pdf
Gutmann, A & Thompson, D 2004, ‘What Deliberative Democracy Means: Why Deliberative Democracy?’ Princeton University Press, New Jersey
Gupta S, Patillo C & Wagh, S 2007, ‘IMF Working Papers; Impact of Remittances on Poverty on Financial Development’, International Monetary Fund, Washington
International Monetary Fund 2005, ‘World Economic Outlook 2005’, Chapter 2, IMF, Washington.
Ministry of Finance 2007 ‘Economic Report 2007 – First Quarter’, Government Printers, Lusaka.
OECD undated, ‘Remittances as Development Finance’, Paris as viewed on 26th October 2007 at http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/62/17/34306846.pdf
Olwig, KF 2002, ‘The ethnographic field revisited: Towards a study of common and not so common fields of belonging’ Realising Community: Concepts, Social Relationships and Sentiments, Routledge, London.
Phiri, AI 1973, ‘The current Situation in Zambia’, as viewed on 22 October 2007 at
http://www.jstor.org/view/00019909/ap020122/02a00100/0 Times of Zambia, ‘Indaba has Resolved’,12 June 2003, Printpac Zambia limited, Lusaka.