15/07/2026
The role of the Zambian Diaspora and migrants in the Electoral process for sustainable development in Zambia
The need for the African Diaspora to participate in the development Agenda of the African continent cannot be over emphasized. The African Union and United Nations Agencies have over time guided member states through protocols and international agreements to support implementation of existing diaspora and migration policies that would increase African diaspora participation in the African development Agenda. There is an increased need for African countries to consider innovative ways on how the diaspora can help add value and by ensuring their participation in the diaspora policy integration and development agenda of the continent. We note this call have not been taken seriously by many of the African states.
Research and scholars have demonstrated importance of the African Diaspora and migrants alike in support of the the African sustainable development. The African Diaspora have demonstrated their significance in the areas of knowledge and skills transfer, remittances, capital investment and market linkages and trade facilitation. Indeed they can play an important in realisation of the African Free Trade Area protocol. It is critical for Africa to explore further innovative policy areas that will facilitate rapid integration of the African diaspora into respective national development agenda of their respective countries. Electoral polices and governance should be one of the sector areas that needs attention.
Zambia will be holding General elections that occurs every five years mainly to enable citizens to elect a President and other elective leaders to take them for another five years.
However, despite the importance of migration and diaspora in Zambian development, we note with concern that many political aspirants have not considered diaspora and migration governance on their campaign messages. Many political parties have been silent during their campaign to explain to the importance role of diaspora and migration governance and its role in achieving sustainable development or Vision 2030.
Over the past few years, Zambia has attracted large number of legal and illegal migrants and foreign direct investors from out of Africa.
Key Issues:
- The influx of migrants can have positive or negative impact on the countries social and economic development.
- Currently Zambian diaspora currently have no access to voting and this plays negatively and excludes the Zambian diaspora from effective participation in the the national affairs.
- How will the next government treat migration and diaspora polices
- The Zambian diaspora if integrated into national governance, they will help support the economy through financial remittances, investments, and knowledge transfer, they bridge global resources with local African economies. their diaspora and migration networks facilitate critical foreign direct investment, technology exchange, and advocacy for sustainable socio-economic growth.
Finally
We urge our current and future government to look into the following areas:
- Put into action a robust national Diaspora and Migration policy plan
- Actualize Zambian Diaspora online voting
- Identify and reward active diaspora individuals to play a critical role of investment lead to support government in the Foreign Direct Investment agenda
- National diaspora civil society policy implementation platform to enable citizens participate and allow inputs into the migration and diaspora policy implementation agenda
Dean Mulozi
Zambia Diaspora and Migration Foundation
