'Diaspora partners important in the implementation of Burundi's 10-year development plan

Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) - The 2019 edition of Burundian Diaspora Week will take place from July 22 to 26, under the central theme of "The Diaspora, an important partner for the implementation of the multisectoral national development plan (2018-2027), a report from Burundi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said on Thursday. Burundi Embassies and Consulates General across the world have been instructed to mobilize the diaspora for the success of the week, established since 2014. The program indicates that the week will be officially opened by the Burundian head of state, Pierre Nkurunziza, in a place on the edge of Lake Tanganyika. The week will be furnished with thematic presentations and field visits of some members of the Burundian diaspora. During the week, participants will draw lessons from the Senegalese and Moroccan experiences in the management of their respective diasporas. Unlike these two African countries with long experience in the management and the profitability of the diaspora, Burundi has only recently adopted a national policy on diaspora and migration. The general objective of the new policy is to take into account the needs and aspirations of the diaspora, to maximize its contribution to the development of the country. Recent figures from the World Bank (WB) indicate that Burundi's diaspora contribution to the national economy remains low compared to other diasporas in the sub-region. The diasporas from the six countries of the East African Community have transferred more than US$ 17 billion between 2013 and 2018, according to the WB. Kenya leads with diaspora transfers with US$ 10.7 billion, followed by Uganda US$ 6.2 billion, South Sudan US$ 2.8 billion, Tanzania US$ 2.3 billion, Rwanda US$ 1.1 billion and Burundi only US$ 257 million. In the six countries combined, the volume of transfers increased by 60%, from US$ 2.8 billion to US$ 4.6 billion between 2013 and 2018, according to a report from the World Bank. -0- PANA FB/BEH/KND/VAO 18July2019