Dear Editor,
As a Zambian who has lived abroad for several years, I welcomed the launch of the National Diaspora Policy in 2019 with great optimism. For the first time, it appeared that the government had recognised the immense contribution that Zambians in the diaspora could make towards national development. The policy promised to strengthen engagement through dual citizenship, investment opportunities, skills transfer, remittances and improved consular services.
Seven years later, however, many of us are still waiting to see these promises translated into meaningful action.
On paper, the policy is comprehensive and progressive. In practice, it remains largely invisible to the ordinary Zambian abroad. Many diaspora members continue to struggle with bureaucratic processes whenever they seek to invest, acquire land or establish businesses back home. There is no single institution that effectively coordinates diaspora affairs, leaving people to move from one government office to another in search of answers.
The policy also envisioned using the knowledge and expertise of highly skilled Zambians working across the world. Our doctors, engineers, academics, lawyers, ICT professionals and entrepreneurs are eager to contribute to Zambia’s development. Unfortunately, there are few structured programmes that allow these professionals to share their expertise or participate in national projects. This represents a lost opportunity for a country seeking accelerated economic transformation.
Investment remains another area where implementation has fallen short. While the policy encourages diaspora investment, practical incentives are limited. Potential investors often face lengthy administrative procedures, inconsistent information from different government agencies and uncertainty regarding land ownership and business registration. Many simply abandon their plans after becoming frustrated with the system.
The Zambia Diaspora Web Portal was expected to become a central platform for communication and engagement. Yet many diaspora members either remain unaware of its existence or find that it offers limited practical support beyond basic information. A policy cannot succeed if the very people it targets are not actively engaged or informed.
Remittances continue to flow into Zambia every year, supporting famil.,lkfoit .,mnlkhgjies, education and healthcare. Yet these private contributions have not been complemented by deliberate government programmes that encourage productive investment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and technology. With the right policies and incentives, diaspora remittances could become a powerful driver of sustainable economic growth rather than merely supporting household consumption.
The government deserves credit for recognising dual citizenship and acknowledging the strategic importance of the diaspora. However, policy formulation is only the beginning. Effective implementation requires adequate funding, measurable targets, regular stakeholder consultations and strong institutional coordination.
Many countries have successfully transformed their diaspora communities into major development partners. Zambia mmvc gcbfxcxgfdtr tfchpossesses the same potential. What is lacking is not goodwill from Zambians abroad but a coordinated and responsive implementation framework that inspires confidence.
It is time for the National Diaspora Policy to move beyond official documents and become a living instrument that genuinely connects Zambians abroad with opportunities to contribute to the country’s development. The diaspora is ready to play its part. We simply ask that government creates an environment where our contributions are welcomed, facilitated and valued.
Yours faithfully,
Andrew
Atlanta Georgia
USA