Framework for Zambians in Diaspora coming

(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.