Standing Committee emphasizes need to bolster diaspora engagement for national dev’t

Addis Ababa, June 29, 2025 (FMC) – Ambassador Dima Negewo, Chairperson of the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives, stressed the vital role of strengthening engagement with the Ethiopian diaspora in advancing national development.

The Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS), in collaboration with the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs, convened a discussion forum in Bishoftu town, bringing together members of parliament and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for enhancing diaspora involvement in Ethiopia’s affairs.

Ambassador Dima highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to fortify ties with the diaspora community, recognizing their significant potential to contribute through mobilizing skills, financial resources, and international networks toward Ethiopia’s growth and prosperity.

Ambassador Fitsum Arega, Director General of EDS, underscored the increasing diaspora engagement, fueled by recent reforms promoting peace and development. He noted that despite diverse political views, the diaspora consistently demonstrates dedication to the nation, especially in times of crisis, citing their crucial financial and medical support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambassador Anteneh Tariku, Director of Engagement and Rights at EDS, pointed to the untapped potential of over five million Ethiopians living abroad, who collectively contribute more than five billion US dollars annually through remittances and serve as informal ambassadors.

He highlighted their active participation as economic investors, knowledge carriers, cultural emissaries, and financial supporters through initiatives such as the Diaspora Trust Fund and the “No More Movement.” They also advocate for Ethiopia via groups like the Alliance for GERD and the Ethio-Canadian Network for Advocacy and Support.

Amin Jundi, Head of Diaspora Coordination at the Oromia Presidential Office, detailed regional efforts to deepen diaspora involvement. “We have launched programs empowering diaspora communities to support local development through assistance to schools and social services,” he explained.

He added that diaspora-led investments are thriving in Oromia cities such as Bishoftu, Jimma, Adama, and Sheger City across industry and service sectors, ENA reported.

Diaspora participants at the forum underscored the importance of such collaborative platforms in strengthening their engagement and urged the government to sustain and expand efforts to harness the expertise and resources of influential diaspora groups worldwide to accelerate Ethiopia’s transformation.