What's Happening?
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking an International Consultant to support a Continental Stocktaking Consultation in Addis Ababa. This consultation aims to review the implementation of the 2012 Global African Diaspora Summit
(GADS) Declaration and Programme of Action. The GADS Declaration, adopted on May 25, 2012, established a foundational framework for Africa's engagement with its global diaspora, focusing on political, economic, and social cooperation. The consultant's role will involve preparatory engagement for a virtual consultation, followed by extensive post-consultation information gathering, analysis, validation, and finalization of stocktaking and consultation reports. The virtual consultation is tentatively scheduled for November 23-25, 2026, and will provide an opportunity for African Union Member States and other stakeholders to assess progress, identify achievements and outstanding issues, and discuss future implementation strategies in light of evolving continental and global geopolitical contexts.
Why It's Important?
More than a decade after its adoption, the 2012 GADS Declaration requires a comprehensive review to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. Africa's landscape has significantly evolved, with the acceleration of the African Union's Agenda 2063, the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the AU's seat in the G20. This stocktaking consultation is crucial for aligning diaspora engagement strategies with these new realities. It will help identify best practices, lessons learned, and practical approaches to strengthen diaspora engagement, which is vital for leveraging the skills, investments, innovations, and global networks of the African diaspora for the continent's growth and prosperity. The consultation will also prepare the groundwork for the 15-year commemoration of the GADS in 2027.
What's Next?
The International Consultant will play a key role in facilitating the virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation, which is planned for November 23-25, 2026. Following the consultation, the consultant will be responsible for post-consultation information gathering, analysis, validation, and the finalization of comprehensive stocktaking and consultation reports. These reports will inform future strategies and actions for implementing the GADS Declaration. The consultation will also contribute to ongoing programming and partnerships, including the AUC–IOM–AfDB joint diaspora-engagement initiative in several transition states. The outcomes are expected to influence policy decisions and resource allocation for diaspora engagement initiatives across the African continent, ensuring that the diaspora's potential is fully harnessed for development.
Beyond the Headlines
This initiative underscores the growing recognition of the African diaspora as a critical force for development and progress on the continent. Beyond remittances, the focus is shifting towards leveraging the diaspora's intellectual capital, professional networks, and entrepreneurial spirit. The stocktaking consultation reflects a strategic effort to institutionalize and optimize this engagement, moving beyond ad-hoc initiatives to a more structured and impactful framework. The emphasis on reviewing and adapting the 2012 Declaration highlights the dynamic nature of international relations and the need for continuous evaluation of long-term strategies. This process could serve as a model for other regions seeking to better engage their diasporas for national and regional development.
