Report - Diaspora Centre€¦ · Report . The EADPD project is financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, ... EUNOMAD European

The EADPD project is financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Dutch Ministry of

Foreign Affairs and the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

1

Establishing a well-functioning Network

1

st African Diaspora EXPERT MEETING

5 - 7 March 2012


1st African Diaspora Expert Meeting

5 - 7 March 2012 in Eschborn (Frankfurt am Main), Germany

Report



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5 - 7 March 2012

Table of Content

Table of Content ............................................................................................................................................. 2

Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................................... 4

1. Background ................................................................................................................................................. 5

2. Objectives of the 1st African Diaspora Expert Meetings ............................................................................. 6

3. The proceeding of the 1st African Diaspora Expert Meeting ....................................................................... 6

3.1 Presentation of the ‘Rules of engagement’ and e-Consultation report ............................................... 8

3.2 The AEP Website presentation ........................................................................................................... 11

4. Network Building: Best Practices, Lessons Learnt and Challenges Encountered ..................................... 13

6. Establishing a well functioning Network ................................................................................................... 21

6.1 Working Group I: Coordination and Communication Structure of the AEP ....................................... 21

6.2 Working Group 2: Defining the Objectives, Role and Responsibilities creating a Framework for

Cooperation .............................................................................................................................................. 25

7. Training on Network and Alliance Building ............................................................................................... 27

8. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................. 30

9. Annexes ..................................................................................................................................................... 33

Annex 9.1: Profiles and contacts of participants & staff........................................................................... 33

Annex 9.2: ‘Rules of Engagement’ ............................................................................................................ 47

Annex 9.3: ‘Agenda of the 1st Expert Meeting’ ......................................................................................... 51



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Acronyms

AB angola-bridge.org

ACTD Angola Center for Trade and Development Cooperation

ADO African Diaspora Organisation

ADPC African Diaspora Policy Centre

AEP Africa Europe Platform

AFFORD African Foundation for Development

AVP Africa Vernetzungs-Plattform

BMZ Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

CASC Coordinadora d'Associacions Senegaleses de Catalunya

CEMIS Centre d'études et de mémoire des migrations subsahariennes

CGMD Coordination Générale des Migrants pour le Développement

CONFESEN Confesercenti Senegal

CSO Civil Society Organisation

ESAAG Ethiopian Students and Alumni Association Germany

EADPD European wide African Diaspora Platform for the Development of Africa

ESM Estifanos Samuel Media

EUNOMAD European Network on Migration and Development

FASCP Fundo de Apoio Social de Caboverdianos em Portugal

FORCE Confédération des organisations rurales pour un Cameroun économiques

FORIM Forum des Organisations de Solidarité internationale issues des Migrations

GAME Groupe d’Appui de la micro à la moyenne entreprise

GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH

ICMPD International Centre for Migration Policy Development

IDD Immigration Développement Démocratie

MANSAG Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain

NEF National Employment Fund

SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

VKII Cameroon Association of Engineers and Computer Scientists



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Acknowledgements

I wish to express my gratitude for the generous support by the European Commission, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale

Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), for the realization of the 1st

African Diaspora Expert Meeting held in Eschborn from March 5th to

March 7th, 2012. Without their support, this unique and historic event would not have been possible. Especially the GIZ,

which did not only host the Meeting but also supported us as well with the logistical arrangements, deserves my

appreciation. I would also like to thank the African diaspora experts who accepted our invitation to participate in the

conference. They shared with us their knowledge and practical experiences and identified key elements which contribute

directly to the successful establishment of a European-wide African Diaspora Platform for Development. I am particularly

grateful to my colleagues at the African Diaspora Policy Centre and our consortium partners, notably, the African

Foundation for Development (AFFORD), the Forum des Organisations de Solidarité internationale issues des Migrations

(FORIM), the Coordination Générale des Migrants pour le Développement (CGMD) and the International Centre for

Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) who worked around the clock and made the Expert Meeting a very successful

endeavour.

Dr. Awil Mohamoud

Executive Director, African Diaspora Policy Centre

EADPD project partners



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1. Background The European-wide African Diaspora Platform for the Development of Africa (EADPD) is a project that aims to

promote the important contribution of the African Diaspora to the development of Africa and to build a

sustainable and strong network of African diaspora organisations from the 27 EU member states, Switzerland

and Norway. This network was named the Africa Europe Platform (AEP). The three year EADPD project started

on 1st January 2011 and is implemented by five organisations, notably the African Diaspora Policy Centre

(ADPC), the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD), the Coordination Générale des Migrants pour le

Développement (CGMD), the Forum des Organisations de Solidarité internationale issues des Migrations

(FORIM), and the International Centre for Migration Policy

Development (ICMPD). For the establishment of the AEP a

number of key activities have been identified. Among those

are three African Diaspora Expert Meetings which provide a

platform for African development practitioners, experts and

opinion leaders of the 29 countries to reflect and discuss on the

methods, structures and procedures of setting up the AEP. From 5 to 7 of March 2012 the 1st African Diaspora

Expert Meeting took place in the GIZ premises in Eschborn, Germany and was fundamental for the framing and

formation of the AEP. The aim of the meeting was to discuss and agree on the coordination and communication

structure and to define the goals and objectives of the AEP. To this aim challenges and good practices of

network building were addressed in panel discussions and reflected in working group sessions. African diaspora

experts from 25 EU Member States plus Switzerland as well as government and civil society representatives

from five African pilot countries1 joined and actively contributed to the conference.

Presentations on tools developed to facilitate the platform building process, panel discussions, keynote

speeches, and workshops enabling the participants to express and exchange their views on the establishment of

an African Diaspora platform, shaped the format of the conference. Plenary sessions, coffee breaks, meals and

evenings became arenas for formal and informal exchange where advice, concerns and opinions on platform

building were voiced. By inviting government and civil society representatives from the project’s five pilot

1 The five pilot countries of the EADPD project are Angola (for Southern Africa), Cameroon (for Central Africa), Ethiopia (for East Africa),

Morocco (for North Africa) and Senegal (for West Africa)

EADPD KEY ACTIVITIES Mapping of African diaspora organisations (ADOs) in

Europe Research on ADOs in the EU for a better understanding of

Co-development Website building Training & Capacity building Publication of e-Policy Briefs Networking (Expert meetings, meetings African CSO & government representatives in Africa)



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countries in Africa, namely, Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Morocco and Senegal first steps were taken towards

more efficient cooperation not only among diaspora organisations but also regarding the engagement of these

organisations with their counterparts in Africa and vice versa. The service and capacity building aspects of the

project were attended to via a training on networking, alliance building and policy engagement on the final day

of the conference.

2. Objectives of the 1st African Diaspora Expert Meetings

3. The proceeding of the 1st African Diaspora Expert Meeting

Peter Bonin (GIZ), Head of the Sector Migration and Development

Awil Mohamoud (ADPC), Director & EADPD Project Coordinator

Facilitate networking between African Diaspora Experts from Europe

Raise awareness among the participants on objectives of the EADPD project

Create ownership among the participants of the network building process

Establish links between governmental and CSO representatives of the five pilot countries and the African Diaspora Experts

Discuss and agree on a coordination and communication structure and on a framework for cooperation

Present, discuss and validate the Rules of Engagement, eConsultation and AEP-website

Deliver training on network and alliance building



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In the morning of 5 March 2012, the 1st African Diaspora Expert Meeting was officially opened by the hosting

organisation GIZ and ADPC, the latter as representative of the consortium of implementing organisations of the

EADPD project. Both highlighted the uniqueness of the initiative, emphasising the following points: for the first

time the African diaspora in Europe came together to build a sustainable platform to foster its contribution to

the development of Africa. Moreover, the building of strategic partnerships between the African Diaspora and

the counterpart from the African continent was highlighted as well as the objectives of the project: learning

from each other, joining forces and connecting the diaspora in Europe with the African countries of origin. The

African diaspora „should try to find common grounds on relevant issues in order to feed into the policy debate

as well as request donor and government support coherently. The platform supports this process and provides

a visible contact point to European policy and decision makers.“

As part of the development circle, e.g. through the transfer of

remittances, the African diaspora should be included in

mainstreamed development processes and able to execute its

influence. Through a platform, African diaspora organisations

can strengthen their network, link up with other actors and join

forces. In sum, lobby and advocacy are needed and a platform

is an appropriate tool to achieve this. The aim is that this

platform becomes a leading actor for development.

1

st Expert Meeting Audience 1

st day

After this opening the topic of “Diaspora Engagement for Development” was presented in an inspiring and

informative keynote speech by Malin Frankenhaeuser, ICMPD. It was emphasised that governments of origin

and destination countries began to recognise the potential of

development contributions of migrants and developed policies

to encourage migrants’ involvement in the development of

their home countries only recently. Technology and transport

make it possible for migrants to be involved ‘here and there’,

including increasingly in trade and investment,

entrepreneurship, tourism, education, sport and culture.

During the presentation, the diaspora was encouraged to

always be firm regarding their right to be involved, heard and

Malin Frankenhaeuser (ICMPD), Keynote speaker



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understood as an actor and active participant in the development process of the countries of origin. Most

positive development contributions by migrants occur at the individual level, independently or irrespectively of

government interference or development strategies. But just as governments should continuously try to

understand and meet their diasporas halfway, the diasporas should seek to do so. The limited capacity of state

structures was mentioned as a major constraint engaging the diaspora in longer-term development planning.

If governments develop strong policies and partnerships, preferably with assistance from the diaspora, the

diaspora is enabled to implement and cultivate development for Africa. In that sense, the Platform may

function as a tool to strengthen the Diaspora’s capacity for engagement.

3.1 Presentation of the ‘Rules of engagement’ and e-Consultation report

The afternoon session of the first day of the Expert Meeting was was introduced by Arthur Yenga (CGMD) who gave

a presentation on ‚The Rules of Engagement‘, and the AEP expert Dr. Erick Tambo (The Cameroon Associations

of Engineers and Computer Scientists-) who presented his report on the 1st e-Consultation.

Arthur Yenga (CGMD), EADPD Project Officer & Keynote speaker

Erick Gankam Tambo ( VKII/UNU), e-Consultant

The ‘Rules of Engagement’ of the EADPD have been agreed to:



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For more information, please consult the annex ‘Rules of Engagement’

Arthur Yenga (CGMD) stated that in order to establish a well-functioning network, in addition to the consortium

partners ADPC, AFFORD, FORIM, ICMPD and CGMD, other organisations have to be involved at an early stage of

the platform building process. If many organisations and actors are involved, there has to be a minimum set of

rules to follow. He further continues that agreeing on a set of principles helps to facilitate concrete cooperation,

coordination and information exchanges between the stakeholders interested in the activities of this project

and, hence, the ‘Rules of Engagement’ guide the well-functioning of the AEP.

The main objective of the 1st e-Consultation was to validate the ‘Rules of Engagement’ as well as the thematic

and geographic clusters of the EADPD project identified so far and to include them into the framing process of

the Africa-Europe Platform. Next to the ‘Rules of Engagement’ and the thematic and geographic clusters, the

questions addressed the background of the African diaspora organisations interrogated and the activities they

performed. The questionnaire consisted of 37 open and closed questions and was made available in English and

French. 447 actors received the questionnaire; the response rate was 17,6% (78 responses; 51 complete and 25

partial responses). The main findings of the e-Consultation highlighted by Dr. Erick Tambo in his presentation

were the following:

Almost all thematic clusters covered by the Platform were considered relevant2, especially

2 The full list of thematic clusters : (1) rural & community development, (2) microfinance, (3) education, (4) health &

social assistance, (5) diaspora and entrepreneurship – business & investment, (6) democracy, peace – participation of the diaspora in Europe, (7) lobbying, capacity building, (8) networking and collaboration with other African diaspora organisations, (9) diaspora & media, (10) brain drain – migration/inclusion and (11) access to and distribution of water

Highlight the rules and objectives of the AEP

Indicate the structure and work plan of the EADPD and the thematic and geographic clusters

Explain the working methods of the AEP

Clarify membership issues (rights and obligations, membership procedure, types of members)

Define the ‘Code of Conduct’ between the members of the AEP



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education, networking and collaboration with other African

diaspora organisations. Microfinance, democracy & peace,

diaspora & media as well as access to and distribution of

drinking water were categorized as being least significant. The

countries selected as pilot countries for each region of Africa

(Morocco - North, Senegal - West, Cameroon - Central, Angola -

South and Ethiopia - East) were endorsed. Respondents were

only in disagreement about the grounds on which Morocco

was selected: due to their experience in Co-development.

Audience of the 1st

Expert Meeting 1st

day

The ‘Rules of Engagement’ were largely accepted by all respondents. The objectives, procedures and working

methods mentioned were appreciated. Opinions were however divided about the obligations and the Code of

Conduct between the members of the Platform. Almost all (99%) of the respondents would like to be informed

about and involved in the project in the future. A good basis for AEP is that collaboration with other African

diaspora organisations was considered highly relevant by the respondents. Both, the ‘Rules of Engagement’ and

the report of the first e-Consultation provided a basis for further discussions during the working group sessions

(see chapter 5).

For further information, please find the e-Consultation report under:

In French: http://ae-platform.org/document/publication/fr_EADPD%20Consultation%20en%20ligne%20Rapport%20FR.pdf

In English: http://ae-platform.org/document/publication/en_EADPD%20e-Consultation %20Report%20EN.pdf;

http://ae-platform.org/document/publication/fr_EADPD%20Consultation%20en%20ligne%20Rapport%20FR.pdf

http://ae-platform.org/document/publication/en_EADPD%20eConsultation%20Report%20EN.pdf



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3.2 The AEP Website presentation

The main communication and interaction tool used to establish

the Africa-Europe Platform is the AEP website www.ae-

platform.org, which caters to both English and French speakers.

Estifanos Samuel and Esayas Gebremedhin presented and

launched the interactive website during the second day of the

Expert Meeting in Frankfurt. They were assisted by ADPC, the

partner responsible for this project activity. Three principles

form the basis of the website’s structure:

Estifanos Samuel (ESM), AEP-webside building company

Essentially there are three main areas to the site, (1) Home – the landing page with several teasers connected to

the other areas of the website, (2) Members – the section for registration and, hence, becoming an AEP

member, maintains users’ profiles and allows them to browse through other members’ profiles; and (3) AEP –

the Africa-Europe Platform section with all information on and output of the project itself. The AEP discussion

forum which is accessible via the landing page, invites users to exchange and discuss about important and

current matters. In addition the AEP website offers the option of signing up for the AEP e-Newsletter, links to

AEP social media sites and many others. One of the main features of the landing page is a rotating teaser which

portrays registered members of the AEP randomly to raise their profile/ increase their visibility. In the ‘Country

Profiles’ section information on African diasporas in EU member states (plus Norway and Switzerland) will be

displayed. In order to highlight the website building philosophy KISS (Keep It Simple and Save) and to

demonstrate how easy it is to register and to create a profile, a participant registered live on stage and created

PROMOTE •the strong contribution of the African Diasporain Europe to the development of Africa

CONNECT

•people and organisations working in the development field in Europe and link them to their CSO and governmental partners in Africa

INFORM

•the African diaspora in Europe and Co-development actors in Africa about who is actively engaged in the AEP and the development of Africa and about the Co-development policy in Europe

http://www.ae-platform.org/





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his own profile online. Pictures, videos and text documents could be used to create attractive and striking

profiles to showcase activities and projects. A number of documents on development and the African diaspora,

updates about proposals, the latest news about migration, and an event calendar are accessible on the website.

It was suggested to add other languages such as Portuguese or Spanish to cater to further African diaspora

groups. Technically, up to 10 languages can be installed on the website. However, current project funds limit

the website’s availability to the two most used languages of the African diaspora in Europe, English and French.

In summary, the website www.ae-platform.org received positive feedback and met the expectations of the

audience.

AEP-website – Homepage

www.ae-platform.org

AEP-website Event-Calendar

http://www.ae-platform.org/modules/aep/event.php



http://www.ae-platform.org/modules/aep/event.php



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4. Network Building: Best Practices, Lessons Learnt and Challenges Encountered Three keynote speakers experienced in network building

were invited to share their best practices and challenges

encountered for the establishment of the Africa-Europe

Platform: Brice Monnou (FORIM), Malick Diop (EUNOMAD

– European Network on Migration and Development) and

Samuel Guane Ackah (DFD – Diaspora Forum for

Development). The speeches were followed by a short

discussion moderated by Lukas Gehrke (ICMPD).

The FORIM platform, created in 2002, regroups

organisations engaged with countries that were colonised

by France. Brice Monnou outlined that after the creation

of the network, it took two years to make the network

functional. First, migrants were identified and a dialogue

From left: Samuel Ackah (DFD), Panellist; Lukas Gehrke

(ICMPD) Moderator; Malick Diop (EUNOMAD/GAME),

Panellist; Brice Monnou (FORIM), Panellist

was established. Then, a referencing system was set up to define the profile of the members and the common

objective. This platform was not supposed to detract from the activities of the member organisations that

joined the platform but, instead, give added value and refresh existing initiatives. The main obstacles to the

structured organisation of migrant groups in France were the lack of geographical proximity, insufficient

organisation, and the simultaneous rise of competing platforms which made it difficult to decide which one they

should join and engage with. Also, when migrants and public authorities decided to cooperate political issues

remained. It was emphasised that it is important to take time to involve the migrants in the platform building

process at the grass root level. A bottom-up approach is essential. A continuous dialogue with

these and other stakeholders on how migrants can develop

their home countries needs to be in place. Every individual

member needs to feel empowered whereas a core group of

people has to sustain the network and responsibilities have to

be shared accordingly. A challenge migrant organisations are

facing, is the negative perception of migrants in the “North”.

This relates to another problem migrant groups encounter:

Brice Mounnou (FORIM), Panellist

http://www.forim.net/

http://www.eunomad.org/

http://www.eunomad.org/

http://www.d-f-d.org/

http://www.d-f-d.org/



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the lack of access to funds, especially from governments and bigger development organisations. Often, donors

want to provide funds for activities they deem useful only. But Brice Monnou argued that “the action plan

needs to take into account the interests of the migrants and not

mainly the interests of the donors.” With a powerful final statement

she concludes her speech.

The keynote speech given by Malick Diop focused on his experiences with the EUNOMAD network. As the

owner of a start-up business in Senegal the advantages of joining a network are visibility and aggregated

strengths through joined forces. Thus, in order to create a support structure for his own business, with other

Senegalese he created a network to support business creation. To further enhance support structures, this

organisation took the decision to join the EUNOMAD network. EUNOMAD consists out of country platforms

with national and regional organisations as members.

In order to establish a well-functioning network, there is

the need of a common topic attractive to all potential

members. A platform should be based primarily on

members’ participation. When the EUNOMAD network

was looking for partners, there were predefined goals and

partners were not integrated in the agenda-setting

process. This caused obstacles to involving members at a

later stage. Since it is the members who give life to the

network, they need to be involved in the planning process.

Malick Diop (EUNOMAD/GAME), Panellist

It is beneficial for EUNOMAD that, issues are now addressed at the grassroots level and all members from the

bottom to the top level are involved in collective

decision-making. In order to respond to the needs

and constrains outlined by members changes in

the management of the platform took place. Thus

the flexibility to adjust to members needs is indispensible for the creation of a sustainable platform.

Diaspora Forum for Development (DFD) is a forum of 48 organisations from 32 different countries on 4

continents. Before DFD was established, a number of different diaspora groups brainstormed about a common

identity. Different expectations, goals, backgrounds, ways of working and fragmentation posed challenges at

the beginning. To overcome the challenges, a collective decision-making process as well as accountability and

Brice Monnou’s final statement: “Only by working together and as empowered actors, we can really progress.”

Malick Diop’s advises for the network building process: - Collective decision making from the bottom to the top level - Intensive discussions at the grassroots level on network issues - Identification of common objectives at the earliest stage - Founding members should open the direction to other members



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transparency measures was put into place. Furthermore, effective

communication mechanisms were set up and the purpose and goals

of the platform clarified. Hence, a collective identity has been built

and ownership of the activity ensured. Samuel Ackah further pointed

out that the platform needs to listen directly to all stakeholders

involved. If these rules are followed, the benefits of being a member

of a network are manifold and include: information sharing, visibility

and promotion, speaking with a stronger common voice, access to a

Samuel Ackah (DFD), Panellist

pool of experts, and saving costs by using a common network infrastructure. In this sense the AEP is an

innovation for all African Communities in Europe. The sub-

sequent discussion highlighted the importance of a

constant dialogue between members, of making decisions

and defining goals at the grassroots level and of facilitating

empowered and active membership. Further challenges

which will need to be addressed include the diversity of members, the establishment of good communication

with governments from both Europe and Africa and definition of prerequisites for becoming a board member

Other important points that have been discussed were how to define the concrete target groups of the AEP and

ensure their active membership, how to create ownership among the members for the involvement in essential

processes, how to ensure transparency and last but not least how to manage the diversity of African diasporas

in a effective and constructive manner.

4.2 Networks of Diaspora Organisations in Europe –

benefits from platform membership

The discussion was moderated by Lukas Gehrke, EADPD Project

Coordinator from ICMPD. The panel consisted of Mohamoud

Bellafkir from the German Moroccan Competence Network

(DMK), Amadou Bocar Sam – Senegalese associations in

Catalonia (CASC), Erick Tambo – (VKII), Eskinder Mamo -

Ethiopian Students and Alumni Association in Germany (ESAAG)

and António Frank (Angola Bridge.org) and the Angola Center

for Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands.

Panellists on stage (from left): Eskinder Mamo (ESAAG); Mohamoud Bellafkir (DMK), Lukas Gehrke (ICMPD), Moderator; Erick Tambo (VKII), Amadou Bocar Sam (CASC), António Franck (ACTD/AB)

Samuel Ackah’s view on the Africa Europe Platform - The AEP is an innovation for African communities in Europe - All members should be empowered and active members - Visibility, sharing capacities and information as well as speaking

with a common voice are the attracting reasons to join the AEP - It needs to be listened directly to all stakeholders - The diversity of the members is the biggest challenge for the AEP

http://www.dmk-online.org/

http://www.vkii.org/

http://www.daesav.de/

http://angolabridge.org/



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The panel agreed that members benefit from each

others’ experiences, are able to collaborate in setting

up projects on a Pan-African level, broaden their

scope of action, network and establish new contacts

with academics (students as well as practitioners),

share information, and can work on mechanisms

increasing the mobility of the diaspora and their

access to funds. Through the platform, the diaspora

can build and function as a bridge between Africa and

Europe and establish mechanisms to get Africans

more involved in their host societies.

From left: António Franck & Amadou Bocar Sam (Panellists)

António Frank noted further that a tool is needed to better support Africans in becoming involved in political

parties and other governmental institutions in order to be better involved in the system. Mohamoud Bellafkir

summarized that “interaction between Africans can lead to a level where we can benefit and not reinvent the

wheel again and again. Why not look at existing networks and associations? Much can be achieved at the Pan-

African level without passing through Europe.” The audience further highlighted the problems arising from the

African diaspora’s differing levels of integration in different European countries. African diasporas in Lithuania,

for example, have devoted themselves to issues such as non-discrimination and racism, a topic that is of much

less relevance in France. In addition, the need for greater mobility (including persons and financial means) to

facilitate knowledge transfer from (and to) the African Diaspora, the importance of addressing discrimination

and integration issues and the formulation of statutes were highlighted. The perception is that an Africa-Europe

platform has the potential to become a beacon of hope for greater intellectual exchange and a stronger

contribution to development in Africa.

5. Testimonies from the Pilot Countries: Diaspora Engagement for Development

In order to consolidate the links between African diaspora organisations in Europe and African governments

and civil society organisations (CSO), governmental and CSO representatives of the five pilot countries3 were

invited to exchange ideas on the nexus of diaspora and development. In two panels focusing on the progress of

3 Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Angola



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(co-)development policies and the implementation of (co)-development projects, the role of, and the

opportunities and challenges for the diaspora were discussed.

a) Testimonies from African governmental representatives

The first panel consisted of African government

representatives in charge of diaspora policies and affairs.

All panellists highlighted the rising awareness of their

governments about the contribution of the diasporas to

development. In all countries different approaches and

programs have been established to maximise benefits and

engagement and to minimise the challenges of

cooperation with development practitioners form the

diaspora. In the past thirteen years the Cameroon Unit of

International Cooperation, together with the National

Fund for Employment, have established a project that

supports highly skilled Cameroonians to return to their

country. More than 200 people have made use of this

opportunity so far. Furthermore Cameroon signed an

1st

Expert meeting disussion panel of governmental representatives, from left: Tesfaye Wolde Hussen - Ethiopia, Amadou Lamine Faye - Senegal, Gibril Faal - AFFORD (Chairman and EADPD Project Coordinator) - Moderator, Rachida Aboumehdi - Morocco, José Ndziga Obama - Cameroon, Anónio Franck (Interpreter for João Fortuna Pessela - Angola)

agreement with Germany within the framework of the ‘PARIC’ programme4 to facilitate return migration and

job creation in Cameroon. In Germany about 64% of the African students are from Cameroon. Still sustainable

structures have to be established and the working environment for diaspora returnees improved to attract

more highly skilled Cameroon diaspora members to return. Angola has recently established the Institute of the

Angolan Communities Abroad and Consulate Affairs which investigates the relevant aspects for Co-development

engagement and return of Angolan diaspora members. In collaboration with IOM, the institute collects data on

the terms under which the Angolan diaspora would be willing to return and to execute Co-development and

business projects. The institute is working on a middle and long term strategy and the establishment of focal

points for the diaspora, where they could apply their skills and participate actively in the development of

Angola.

4 Within the programme, so far, 217 diaspora members (e.g. doctors, pharmacists, dentists, etc.) returned to Cameroon, 14 created

their own businesses and one returnee established a business with 40 employees. Thanks to programme, technology transfer and knowledge transfer takes place. It is planned to sign contracts with more host countries.



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The Moroccan government expressed its highly political

intention to involve the diaspora in the development of

Morocco. The close proximity to Europe is the reason why

the Moroccan diaspora is one of the largest in Europe (more

than 4,1 million people); representing an important asset

for the economic development of Morocco. The Moroccan

government has already established a global strategy for

the inclusion of their diaspora in development planning. A

web portal has been set up for Moroccans abroad and

several geographic and thematic networks among

Moroccans in, e.g., Germany, Canada, the U.S.A. and

Belgium as well as networks among Moroccan doctors,

lawyers, students, and other groups. So as to keep the

1st

Expert meeting discussion panel of governmental representatives, from left: José Nziga Obama – Cameroon, João Fortuna Pessela – Angola, Rachida Aboumehdi – Morocco

dialogue ongoing, events with diaspora communities are organised regularly. However, the need to setup

operational partnerships between government institutions and diaspora organisations has been identified. In

addition, the government’s plans were mentioned to launch a website for Moroccans abroad to play their role

as mediators, and to make it easier for the diaspora to participate in projects and to get in touch with other

stakeholders. Morocco, similar to the Angolan government, is convinced that to be more effective, concrete

development needs and demands have to be identified and matched with the skills of all development

practitioners, including those from the diaspora, in a global strategy. The Moroccan Government also

cooperates with other international actors such as GIZ to enhance their engagement with diaspora

organisations in their country of residence5. In Ethiopia and Senegal, voluntary return and circular migration

programmes for migrants are implemented by signing bilateral agreements with countries of destination. In

Ethiopia, diaspora policy issues are no longer only dealt with by the Ministry but as well by regional government

departments. Furthermore, a ‘Person of Ethiopian Origin Identity Card’ (PEOIC), also called a ‘Yellow Card’, was

created. With this card, Ethiopians living abroad, without an Ethiopian passport, have the option of doing

business in Ethiopia like a domestic investor, i.e. to own property, to open a bank account, and not needing

need a visa or a work permit. Currently Ethiopia is formulating a diaspora policy linked to national development.

The diaspora has been actively consulted to contribute to the conceptualisation of this policy.

5 Morocco and the GIZ are working together in programmes initiated by Germany’s Moroccan Diaspora organisations like

the German Moroccan Competence Centre



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Other projects in e.g. Angola and Ethiopia focus on attracting migrants’ skills to promote brain gain as opposed

to brain drain. Furthermore, investment opportunities for the diaspora and business programmes are sought to

enhance the transfer of knowledge and

technology. Like several African states,

Senegal has acknowledged the

importance of the diaspora to national

development, by establishing a diaspora

department at the ministerial level and an

agency that supports the Senegalese diaspora to invest in their country of origin. A bilateral agreement has

been established with Spain, allowing Senegalese to work in Spain for a limited time, especially in the

agricultural sector,. Also, the Senegalese government has started a program of decentralisation to offer greater

regional autonomy on regional and local Co-development projects, acknowledging the strong regional

affiliations of Senegalese abroad.

The audience responded positively to the presentations from the government representatives but, at the same

time, raised several critical remarks. Despite initiatives such as the ‘Yellow Card’, diaspora members still feel as

if they are treated more like foreigners than as nationals when returning to the country of origin. Many have to

apply for a visa. Administrative barriers such as visa problems also hamper the effective implementation of

migrant-led projects. Therefore, establishing dual citizenship agreements with host countries could bring

benefits for (co-) development. Another option raised was an ‘African passport’ facilitated by the African

Union. The issue of mobility is crucial for the engagement and the return of migrants. Concerning voluntary

return policies, it was remarked that people might not want to go back without having the chance to return to

their host country, especially when projects or businesses fail. In addition, Diaspora practitioners are often not

aware of the administrational procedures, business practices, or project implementation in target regions.

Here the government has to play its role as facilitator of diaspora engagement by providing them with support

agencies. It was concluded that it is indispensible for home countries to know their diaspora better and enable

them to take part in the development of their countries of origin.

Statements from pilot country governmental representatives - An engaged diaspora is a factor of success and an asset for development - Global strategies to include the diaspora have been established recently - Partnerships between governmental institutions and diaspora organisations

on the operational level are required - Mobility is a crucial factor for an effective involvement of the diaspora - Return programs should be established jointly and focus on young migrants



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b) Testimonies from African CSO representatives

Many projects presented were financed by contributions

from the diaspora and to some extent by European

governments. Corruption, a lack of trust and

discrimination remain a problem for the diaspora when

raising funds. In some European countries African

migrants have no visibility and are not recognised by

government institutions. The recent financial crisis in

Europe causes yet another obstacle for fundraising.

Cooperation with other (diaspora) organisations and

dialogue between migrants, local actors and other

stakeholders should be tapped into to enhance collective

knowledge-sharing. Migrants often bring innovative

solutions to countries of origin and should be considered

1st

Expert meeting discussion panel of CSO

representatives, from left: Jean Mbarga - Cameroon,

Gibril Faal - AFFORD (Director and EADPD Project

Coordinator) Moderator, Bara Mboup - Senegal,

Youssef Haji - Morocco, Genet Loulseged – Ethiopia

as consultants for local development plans. While the diaspora is not responsible for, or in charge of, the failure

of governmental policies, governments should

listen to the diaspora and use their own

resources to tackle grievances that migrants

encounter. Better governance would allow for

the coordination of projects and initiatives

which are spread across the home countries, to involve young people more effectively, tackle youth

unemployment and take gender issues better into account . To illustrate this matter, Youssef Haji stated “Men

talk a lot and women work.” Furthermore, it was demanded that a

focus was put on projects in rural areas, e.g. in the form of training

for farmers. Diaspora support to rural entrepreneurship, support

for small businesses and follow-up projects can significantly

contribute to the development of rural areas. Regions with

strongest immigration in the past now have the strongest growth

because migrants invested in their regions of origin. Throughout

the panel discussions, the opinion that migration has a positive

Panellists of 1st

Expert Meeting discussion with CSO representatives from Africa. From left: Dr. Bara Mboup - Senegal, Youssef Haji – Morocco

Statements from pilot country CSO representatives - Diaspora Co-development organisations should support the agriculture

sector and the rural development first - Women should play a bigger role due to their strong impact on development - Not lot governance is needed but good governance - The diaspora is the vehicle of innovative approaches and methodologies - Regions of origin of strong emigration in the past now have the strongest

growth due to the contribution of the diaspora



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effect on development received strong affirmations.

6. Establishing a well functioning Network

In order to provide enough room for personal contributions, the platform framing process was discussed in two

separate working groups. Working Group 1 dealt with the “Coordination and Communication Structure of the

AEP” and Working Group 2 dealt with “Creating a Framework for Cooperation: Defining the objectives, roles

and responsibilities”. Two working group sessions were organised for both working groups. The results of the

working group sessions are summarized in the following paragraphs:

6.1 Working Group I: Coordination and Communication Structure of the AEP

Working Group 1: Session 1

The first session aimed at identifying challenges and strengths obstacles as well as positive aspects to the

establishment of AEP and how the building of a coordination and communication structure could overcome any

weaknesses. In addition, a common understanding of the coordination and communication structure was to be

reached through an intensive discussion of the following guiding questions:

Firstly, at a very early stage of the discussion the lack of Portuguese language content in the project was

challenged and identified as a major obstacle to involving the Lusophone African diaspora from Angola, Cap

Verde, Guinea Bissau and Mozambique. Secondly, the diversity of the challenges and obstacles that African

(1) How should this structure manage the diversity of the situation and working environment of African diaspora organisations in the different 29 countries?

(2) How should the structure be set up supporting a democratic representation and active involvement of the African diaspora in 29 European countries in a sustainable and well functioning manner?

(3) How could the required adaquate capacity for the well-functioning of the network be realised especially after project period ended?

(4) Which concrete administrative structure should the AEP coordination and communication structure consist of (positions, bodies, committees, commissions, task forces)?

(5) How (through which procedures) should this structure (periodic elections, nominations) be put in place to be representative?



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diaspora organisations from different countries encounter was recognized as a key challenge for the platform

building process. Participants from East European and South East European countries like Lithuania, Malta,

Hungary, Poland and Slovakia pointed out that they are facing existential and essential challenges, such as weak

structures at the national level, weak support of the host country’s civil society and institutional discrimination.

They do not benefit from supporting structures as do members of the African diaspora residing in countries like

France, Germany or the UK. It was agreed to focus on this aspect of diversity more intensively during the

workshop and take it into account on all levels of the network building process.

Thirdly the lack of a media campaign concept to promote AEP was mentioned as well. Afterwards, workshop

participants from different countries and organisations expressed their specific views of the role they want to

play and the benefits they expect from a well-established AEP. Differing positions and opinions were detected

in this intensive discussion. Some participants expected support from AEP for platform building on the national

level, others regarding the topic of integration. With respect to the latter issue, other participants stated that

this could not be part of the aims and the objectives of the AEP. At the end three clusters of expectations had

been shaped. In line with the diversity aspect mentioned above, lobbying and advocacy on a national level as

well as an exchange of best practice was requested from participants from EU Member States which do not, or

have only recently involved and supported the African diaspora in (co-)development. Networking and

influencing policy and decision makers and speaking with a stronger voice on the European level was expected

from countries where the African diaspora is structured, supported and recognised as strong (co-)development

actors. One of the main strengths of the platform is that it enhances the achievement of common objectives

through ‘unity’ and the combining of resources. Also, the pool of experts drawn from various backgrounds could

enrich and drive the platform towards achieving higher goals. It could ignite a stronger lobbying impact and a

common voice to address common issues. The platform could also ensure that it ‘builds on reality’, considering

its ‘demand-driven approach’. Diversity among organisations means ‘disagreeing to agree’, which is enriching

and builds common understanding. The platform offers a network, and the e-consultations and the

establishment of a database can serve as tools to reach various groups and as a liaison that connects homelands

and host countries. Having a single platform avoids the duplication of activities and proper orientation of

available resources. The last aspect of this session concerned the identification of the tools capable of ensuring

that the various components are coherent with the main structure and its sustainability. The Internet and

electronic media were considered to be indispensible as time and cost-saving means of disseminating and

sharing information, and creating awareness. Board meetings could be organised via Skype and other



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multipliers across various cities and countries.

Working Group 1: Session 2

Despite the prevailing diversity of opinions, members of this working group managed to achieve consensus on

the issues identified during session and drafted the following picture of a structure plan:

It was emphasised that the proper functioning and sustainability of the AEP depends on regular and adequate

funding. This introduction inspired the other participants to draft the following recommendations:

General Assembly

- elected by the representatives

- communicating, taking decisions, coordinating the structure (internal)

- communicating, representing the AEP (external)

Representatives of the African Diaspora of country 1

electing & updating the GA


electing & updating the GA ....


electing & updating the GA

Secretary/Office

- performing the administrative work

Transparency of information and communication is essential to create ownership among stakeholders

An intensive diversity management of African diaspora organisations is fundamental for the well functioning of the AEP

Democratic and equal representation of the diasporas in the 29 European countries is a key objective

Building national platforms is essential for the effectivity of the AEP coordination and communication structure

Introduction of Lusophone languages is fundamental to include important African diasporas

Establishing regular face to face events and meetings during the implementation phase for the development of an associative culture of the AEP

Focus on gender issues and women have to play am equal role in the decision making of the AEP

The use of innovative media tools and PR (e.g. radio, TV, internet, social networks) are indespensible to disseminate messages and enhance the visibility of the AEP



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Members also proposed the possibility of setting up structures centred either around clusters [Central Western

Europe, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe] or around thematic areas. Existing networks would share good

practices and experiences and serve as umbrella bodies for the new organisations. New organisations would

join in as value was added to the Platform. Lessons could also be drawn from the structures of existing

international institutions, such as the UN/EU for the purpose of decentralization or separation of powers —

Executive, Legislative and Judiciary, bound by constitution or Charter. The key observation of this working group

was the ‘diversity ‘of presented ideas and participants. In an attempt to structure the different outcomes, the

moderator established the following four different categories of diaspora organisations:

At the end of the workshop a declaration of intent to participate actively in the building of the coordination and

communication structure was expressed by the following experts:

Andredina Cardoso

Portugal

Miriam Ekiudoko

Hungary

Samuel Ackah

Netherlands

Bonaventure Kagné

Belgium

Eskinder Mamo

Germany

Abdirizak Mohamed

Finland

Erick Yao

Ireland

Cluster 1

•Classical EU countries with outstanding historical relations with African countries, like Western European countries e.g. France, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

•The organisational level is strong and in most of the cases well established national platforms exist and could be used as connecting points.

Cluster 2

•EU countries without intensive historical links with African countries but with a strong engagement of African migrants like Scandinavian countries, Austria and Switzerland.

•Regarding the organisational level national platforms are not established or are about to be built. African Diaspora organisations are benefitting from an intensive support for the networking and for Co-development projects.

Cluster 3

•Eastern European Countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia) and South-East Mediterranean Europe (Malta, Cyprus, and Greece).

•Lacks in support of Co-development and networking from governmental institutions and the civil society. The African migrant organisations from these countries have developed own ways to perform projects without funding or are extremely creative in raising funds through other activities like organising cultural events or local campaigns. The networking level is in most of the cases weak and national umbrella organisations are not existing or not functioning.

Cluster 4

•Portugal and Spain, both countries with historical links to Africa and a large African Diaspora.

•On some levels the governmental support of African diaspora organisations is weak or not existing. However, the African diaspora established strong umbrella organisations and created strategies for fundraising and getting the attention and the support of the civil society.



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6.2 Working Group 2: Defining the Objectives, Role and Responsibilities creating a Framework for

Cooperation

Sarah Schlaeger - ICMPD, Rapporteur Workshop 2

Arthur Yenga - CGMD, Moderator Workshop 2

Arthur Yenga - CGMD and Sarah Schlaeger - ICMPD, EADPD-Project Officers, moderated the second working

group. In the following the conclusions of the discussions of the first and the second day of the workshop have

been summarised.

A plethora of thoughts were collected regarding question number one, the role the AEP could play in improving

the work of the African diaspora in their respective host countries. Capacity building through trainings

particularly on fundraising, workshops which would provide room for sharing experiences and support to

organisations during calls for tender were identified as the most relevant support mechanisms. It was further

agreed that a website or any other form of external visibility tools would enhance the advocacy of migrants’

rights and defend migrants’ interests. In addition and besides creating an institutional memory, a website

owned by the platform could render service to its members through sharing information on project

implementation, informing members about issues of concern as well as supporting and engaging them in

discussions. It was also highlighted that the participants understand themselves as actors and true stakeholders

who want their voice to be heard on EU level. Therefore a strong information policy which promotes the role of

the diaspora within Africa was said to be indispensible and should be achieved via the following three tools:

education, training and research.

The second question collected the main challenges diaspora organisations are confronted with when

cooperating with other co-development actors such as civil society organisations, Diaspora organisations and

government actors. A major finding related to an unsaid superiority emanating from international organisations

and governments when cooperating with diaspora organisations. Lack of track records proving their capabilities

The EADPD project is financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Dutch Ministry

of Foreign Affairs and the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

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bring about and reinforce the notion that members of the diaspora are not considered experts. Lack of

coordination between diaspora actors and inconsistent access to information create additional handicap. In

addition, the European civil society in migrants’ host countries generate unfair competition, leave migrant

organisations alone during calls for tender and are perceived to think for rather than with the African diaspora.

Also, host countries’ activities seem to be mainly geared towards short term goals and high visibility rather than

building durable support structures. However, it is not only the other development actors who have to revisit

their engagement strategies. A critical voice raised the issue that diaspora organisations have to learn to accept

criticism and to give each other feedback.

Concrete initiatives that could be addressed to support the diaspora were inquired with the third question. As

in question one, empowerment via capacity building and enhancing the visibility of the African diaspora’s work

in Africa were strong components. A final statement highlighted that all stakeholders need to be included and

participate in the endeavour to successfully enhance the development of Africa.

Further relevant issues raised during debates were the following:

On the second day of working group sessions, the main focus was on the participants’ vision for the platform

building process. How to engage members, ensure legitimacy, built a solid constitution and organisational

structure were at stake.

Clear definitions of rules, procedures, objectives, structures, functions and functionalities of administrative

management were of major concern. It was agreed that the foundation should be laid through statutory

documents such as an organisational Charta and a constitution. Communication, promotion of the platform and

information sharing, so the proposal, need to be ensured via mailing lists, blogs and newsletters. It was further

proposed that a delegate could be designated to report back from international and national meetings which

are to be highlighted in a common meeting calendar.

The legitimacy of the platform should be safeguarded via e-consultations which have to be conducted in a way

ensuring the equal representation of all five geographic clusters. In addition, a steering group responsible for

guiding the process and defining deadlines needs to be put into place. Equality as a basis for platform building

Strict criteria on membership should be established to ensure that the network remains strong and coherent.

No development can be successful without taking into consideration the migrants’ perspective.



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was also discussed; groups prone to be excluded need to receive special attention such as women and the

youth.

A further point made was the requirement to create sustainability. A strategy for long term funding would be

required; it should go hand in hand with the promotion of the project on a larger scale which would also include

international organisations and governments.

The work of the EADPD project team was greatly appreciated by working group 2 participants. The tools

provided so far and until the end of the project will establish a solid basis for the future work of the platform.

7. Training on Network and Alliance Building

On the last day of the 1st Expert Meeting the training on network and

alliance building took place. The training was delivered by Gibril Faal,

chairman of AFFORD and EADPD Project Coordinator, and taught as

three Master Classes. In order to reach a wider audience, e-Learning

modules and corresponding master classes will be provided on the AEP

website. The three classes taught focused on networking, alliance-

building and policy engagement and advocacy. Merging innovative and

interactive with traditional training methodologies, he ensured active

and dynamic participation in the training sessions.

Gibril Faal-AFFORD, Instructor of the training on Network and Alliance Building

Training material was distributed in English and French and for each one of the three Master Classes working

definitions were defined. The structure of the training was the following :

http://www.reconnectafrica.com/5-minute-interview/gibril-faal-business-adviser-founder-of-remitaid.html



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a. General training topics and expected overall outcome

b. Themes and content

Enhanced capacities of African diaspora organisations working in development-related activities

I. Networking

II. Alliance-Building

III. Policy Engagement and

Advocacy

Networking

•Structure of Development Networks

•Opportunities and Challenges of Networks

•Elements of Successful Networks

•Networking for Diaspora Development

Alliance-Building

•Understanding the Nature and Stages of Partnership

•Understanding Negotiation and Brokering

•Challenges and Opportunities of Alliances

•Elements of Successful Alliances

•Alliance-Building for Diaspora Development

Policy Engagement and

Advocacy

•Definitions and key Components of Policy Advocacy and Influencing

•Understanding the Policy Community

•Policy Processes in Democratic and Non-Democratic Countries

•Conventional and Non-Conventional Advocacy Techniques

•Framework for Planning and Undertaking Policy Engagement



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c. Training features and approaches

The working method was very interactive. Participants discussed questions posed by the trainer together and

were able to raise their personal comments and concerns.

The experts were encouraged to translate the knowledge acquired into practice in their daily work and

encourage other members of the African diaspora to take part in the e-Learning modules on the AEP website.

Participants of the 1st

Expert Meeting’s Training on Network and Alliance Building

Presentation and discussion on traditional, current and emerging concepts and definitions

Presentation and explanation of analytical, observational and factual information

Illustrations through examples, scenarios and case studies

Presentation of aide-memoires, quizzes and questions to aid revision and reinforce learning

Teaching of generic skills to enhance the technical competencies of participants

Linking generic skills and best practices specifically to African diaspora development



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8. Conclusion

The EADPD Roadmap

After a two-day session filled with speeches, panel discussions, experience-sharing, presentations and workshops, Dr. James Nwabineli of the Nigerian Association of Medical Doctors based in the UK, was called upon to propose, with the assistance of Rahime Diallo (ADPC), a strategy for the road ahead. He linked the platform-building-process to an empty building-site from which a gigantic building would emerge as soon as the proper foundation is laid. He proposed a roadmap compatible with the overall ideas which arose during the Meeting:

Moderators of the closing session(from left):

Dr. James Nwabineli (MANSAG), Rahime Diallo (ADPC)

1) A steering committee made up of experts should meet to further work out the ideas raised during this Expert Meeting. This entails the adjustment and expanding of the ‘Rules of Engagement’.

2) The outcome of this meeting should be circulated in the form of a ‘Statute‘ or ‘Draft Constitution’ for comments and feedbacks from African diaspora experts.

3) A second steering committee meeting should be planned to amend the initial proposal in line with the comments received and draft a final document drafted.

4) The second Expert Meeting in November can be used to debate and adopt the document. This should signal the birth and the establishment of the EADPD platform.

5) The rest of the project period should be dedicated to the implementation and follow-up of all activities. It should aim at putting into practice the decisions made and a coherent management structure which is strong enough to carry on the AEP after the official project ends in December 2013.

6) A smooth hand over of the African Europe Platform from the EADPD implementing organisations into the hand of the African Diaspora Europe, with the establishment of a communication and coordination structure until the end of the project period is the overall goal of the road map.



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Outcomes

Several outcomes were achieved during the 1st African Diaspora Expert Meeting. Judging from the interactions

of participants, Day 1 was characterised by presentations, questions and discussions some of which expressed

African migrants’ frustrations especially in Central and Eastern Europe but created as well a deeper awareness

and a better understanding of the difficulties African diaspora organisations are facing in different European

countries. According to the diversity of African diasporas in European countries represented by the experts, an

intensive effort has been undertaken to find the same groove and understanding of structure building. By

contrast, Day 2 saw a drastic change in approach as the same members instead of posing questions were

contributing and interacting with constructive ideas and solutions on how to build a coherent and sustainable

AEP platform. The experts, workshops, and the interpreters supported this process by helping participants to

stay focused. Another positive aspect was the declaration of intend of several experts to participate actively in

and contribute to the building of the coordination and communication structure of the AEP. In a nutshell,

participants who came to Frankfurt with doubts about this project returned home with confidence in the AEP

project and expressed their commitment to the Platform.

Additionally, the launching and positive acknowledgement of the AEP website was a successful step forward.

Henceforth, AEP should be further promoted on a larger scale. The networking has kicked off and participants

were encouraged to register as AEP member on the website and also to continuously update their profiles.

The strong and active participation of the representatives from the 5 pilot countries highlighted the importance

of the African diaspora in Europe as a partner, as a facilitator and as a competent actor for the development of

Africa. Relationships between the diaspora members and the pilot country representatives have been

established through lively exchanges and networking.

Another important outcome was the common understanding of the process and progress of the AEP as a

project. The smooth handover of the platform at the end of the project period into the hands of the African

diaspora of Europe has been concerted. Therefore a strong and sustainable structure has to be put in place by

the implementing consortium, with the creative and active contribution and support of African diaspora

organisations of the 29 countries.



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Finally, a roadmap was sketched out and with a view to elaborating it in further detail over time. Many concrete

solutions for issues such as the legal status and the membership of AEP, long term fundraising, and especially

the contribution of women and youth were suggested by the participants. These all need to be further specified

and eventually implemented. The two other Expert Meetings planned for the end of this year and next year will

further support the establishment of a solid and sustainable Africa-Europe Platform.

“If we are strong in Europe, our ability to develop Africa grows”. Dr. Gibril Faal’s statement summarised both

the rationale for platform building and the need to strengthen this process in the future. To this end and with

the involvement of the diaspora actors present, the constitution of the platform will be developed in the

coming months.

Participants of the 1st

African Diaspora Expert Meeting



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9. Annexes

Annex 9.1: Profiles and contacts of participants & staff

Rachida

Aboumehdi

Pilot country

Government

representative

Ministère chargé

de la Communauté

Marocaine

à l'Etranger

Morocco [email protected]

Rebecca Adelaine

Staff

ICMPD Austria [email protected]

Samuel Ackah

Keynote Speaker

Diaspora Forum for

Development (DFD)

Dutch Network of

Migrant

organisations

Netherlands [email protected]

[email protected]

Mohamed

Bellafkir

German Moroccan

Competence

Network (DMK)

Germany [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]







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Peter Bonin

Hosting & donor

organisation

GIZ – Gesellschaft

für internationale

Zusammenarbeit,

Head of the Sector

Migration and

Development


Sayon Camara Slovakia [email protected]

Andredina Gomes

Cardoso

FASCP - Fundo de

Apoio Social

de Caboverdianos

em Portugal

Portugal [email protected]

Amadou Bocar

Sam Daff

Associació per la

Cooperació, la

Inserció Social i la

Intercultaritat

(ACISI), Senegalese

associations in

Catalonia (CASC)

Spain [email protected]; [email protected]

Yera Dembele

Staff

EADPD Project

Coordinator/

Officer

FORIM France [email protected]







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Stephanie Deubler

Hosting & donor

organisation

GIZ – Gesellschaft

für internationale

Zusammenarbeit,

Project Officer of

the Sector

Migration and

Development


Abdou Rahime

Diallo

Staff

EADPD Project

Officer

ADPC The


Aissatou Diallo Insanola Sweden [email protected]

Alioune Diop

Staff

EADPD Project

Officer

CGMD Belgium [email protected]

Malick Diop

Keynote Speaker

EUNOMAD / GAME France [email protected]






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Mamadou Diouf Afryka INACZE'J Poland [email protected], m.dioufafryka.org

Franck Dossa

Staff

EADPD Project

Officer

AFFORD United

Kingdom [email protected]

Victoria

Endeshaw

German-Ethiopian

Student Association

and Academicals

Forum (ESAAG)

Germany

Miriam Ekiudoko

Ebony African

Cultural, Arts and

Human Rights

Organisation

Hungary [email protected]

mailto:[email protected],%20m.dioufafryka.org




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Gibril Faal

Staff

EADPD Project

Coordinator

AFFORD United

Kingdom [email protected]

Amadou Lamine

Faye

Pilot country

Government

representative

Consultant of the

African Diaspora

Ministry of Senegal

Senegal [email protected]

António Frank

Angola Bridge.org,

Angola Center for

Trade and

Development

Cooperation

The


Malin

Frankenhaeuser

Keynote Speaker







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Esayas

Gebremedhin

AEP Web designer

Estifanos Samuel

Media (ESM) Germany [email protected]

Lukas Gehrke

Staff

EADPD Project

Coordinator


Youssef Haji

Pilot country

CSO representative

Immigration

Développement

Démocratie (IDD)

Morocco [email protected]

Tesfaye Wolde

Hussen

Pilot country

Government

representative

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ethiopian Expatriate Affairs -

Directorate General Addis Abeba

Ethiopia

[email protected]





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Raul João Angolan-Estonian

friendship society Estonia [email protected]

Bonaventure

Kagné

Centre d'études et

de mémoire des

migrations

subsahariennes

(CEMIS)

Belgium [email protected]

Madisi Kasongo

President of the

Administration

Council, ACTION

CONGO HELLAS

Greece [email protected]

Ali Konaté

Migrants'

Network for

Equality

Malta [email protected]







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5 - 7 March 2012

Chantal Lacroix

Staff

EADPD Program

Manager

ICMPD

EADPD Program

Manager

Belgium [email protected]

Monique van

Lancker

Staff

EADPD Project

Officer


Prince Totoro

Kulimishi Lomeka

Association of

Recognised

Refugees

Cyprus [email protected],

[email protected]

Genet Loulseged

Pilot country CSO

representative

(Ethiopia)

New Life

Community

Organisation

Ethiopia [email protected]







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5 - 7 March 2012

Eskinder Mamo

German-

Ethiopian

Student

Association and

Academicals

Forum (ESAAG)


Jean Mbarga

Pilot country CSO

representative

(Cameroon)

Confédération

des organisations

rurales pour un

Cameroun

économiques

(FORCE)

Cameroon [email protected]

Dr. Bara Mboup

Pilot country CSO

representative

(Senegal)

Diaspora

Développement

Migration

(DIADEM)

Senegal [email protected]

Abdirizak Hassan

Mohamed

Finnish Somalia

Network Finland [email protected]

Saido Mohamed Finish Somalia

Network Finland [email protected]








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5 - 7 March 2012

Dr. Awil

Mohamoud

Staff

EADPD Project

Coordinator

ADPC The


Binouri Brice

Monnou

Keynote Speaker


Awa N'Diaye Espace Afrique

International Switzerland [email protected]

José Ndziga

Obama

African Pilot

country

Government

representative

(Cameroon)

International

Cooperation Cell,

National

Employment

Fund (NEF)

Cameroon [email protected]

[email protected]

Alexis Neuberg

Africa

Vernetzungs-

Plattform (AVP)

Austria [email protected],

[email protected]






http://www.afrikaplattform.at/index.php/ueber-uns-vorstand

http://www.afrikaplattform.at/index.php/ueber-uns-vorstand



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5 - 7 March 2012

Chijioke Nkemka

Lithuanian

African

Community

Lithuania [email protected]

James Nwabineli

Medical

Association of

Nigerians Across

Great Britain

(MANSAG)

United

Kingdom

[email protected]

Guénolé Oudrey FORIM France [email protected]

João Fortuna

Pessela

Pilot country

Government

representative

(Angola)

Institute of the

Angolan

Communities

Abroad and

Consulate Affairs

- Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

Angola [email protected]

Estifanos Samuel

AEP web designer

Estifanos Samuel

Media (ESM) Germany [email protected]









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5 - 7 March 2012

Sarah Schlaeger

Staff

EADPD Project

Officer

ICMPD Belgium [email protected]

Albert Suh

Staff

ADPC Researcher

ADPC The


Oumar Syll CONFESEN Italy [email protected],

[email protected]

Dr. Erick Tambo

eConsultant

Verband

Kamerunischer

Ingenieure und

Informatiker

(VKII)


Derick Louis

Sevidzem Tatah

Good Will

Initiative

Cameroonians

Online Forum

Scandinavia

Denmark [email protected],

[email protected]










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5 - 7 March 2012

Eyachew Tefera

Institute for

African Studies,

Slovenia

Slovenia [email protected]

m

Sara Vennekate

Staff

EADPD Knowledge

Management

Officer

ADPC

The


Nora Witt

Hosting & Donor

Organisation

GIZ Germany [email protected]

Bisrat Melaku

Wolde Radio Afrika Austria [email protected]

Eric Yao Africa Centre Ireland [email protected]

[email protected]










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5 - 7 March 2012

Arthur Yenga

Staff

EADPD Project

Officer

CGMD Belgium [email protected]

Stephane Ndjomo

Youkep ACSAL Luxembourg

Anina Zahn

Donor

Organisation

Swiss Agency for

Development and

Corporation

(SDC)

Switzerland [email protected]

[email protected]






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Annex 9.2: ‘Rules of Engagement’

Rules of Engagement of the

European-wide African Diaspora Platform for Development (EADPD)

The current document is a draft prepared by the EADPD project partners, based on their experiences in

network building at national and transnational levels. The Rules will be discussed with prospective

members of the Platform, during an e-Consultation (to be carried out in early 2011) and at the first African

Diaspora Expert Meeting (to be held at the end of 2011).

INTRODUCTION

These rules of engagement are formulated to serve the following purposes:

1. Highlight the Rules and Objectives of the EADPD 2. Indicate the structure and process schedule of the EADPD and the thematic and geographic

clusters 3. Explain the working methods of the EADPD 4. Illustrate membership issues (Rights and obligations, Membership procedure, Types of members) 5. Presenting the Code of conduct between the members of the EADPD

1. Rules and objectives

a. Rules The global rules of EADPD project based on democratic, ethical and moral guidelines:

i. Equality of all members ii. Democratic behaviour outside and inside

iii. Rejection and condemnation of discrimination of any individuals and groups iv. Freedom of expression as far as it does not violate state constitutions, human

rights and ethical and moral values

b. Objectives

i. Promoting the contribution of the African Diaspora as a development actor by improving

1. coordination 2. communication 3. participation and cooperation of African migrant organisations working

on development issues in Africa 4. the visibility of African migrant organisations (website, databank,

newsletter)



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5 - 7 March 2012

ii. enhancing capacities of African Diaspora organisations and experts by

1. performing workshops and training 2. facilitating the building of strategic partnerships 3. providing a pool of best practice to all the network members and

exchange of experiences on specific issues

iii. improving the networking of African migrant organisations working on development issues by

1. performing conferences, meetings 2. developing network methods and tools (twinning, virtual networking,

etc.) 3. providing profiles of competent African migrant organisations to

development organisations and institutions 4. conducting research on African Diaspora Co-development organisations

as Co-development actors 2. Working methods of the EADPD

EADPD must be built such that African Diaspora organisations can easily identify with the platform

EADPD must be built such that requirements of African Diaspora organisations will be satisfied

Therefore African Diaspora organisation should be involved in the network building process as key actors during the inception phase as during the implementation of the platform

Their comments and suggestions have to be taken into account by building the network

Specific African methodologies, approaches should have enough space within the network

The diversity and the characteristics of African societies must be taken into account by building the network

3. Membership issues

a. Rights and obligations i. Every EADPD member has the right to represent the EADPD network in his field of

activity ii. Every EADPD member has the right to promote his own profile, Co-development

activities and expertise, insofar as it is in accordance to the rules and objectives of the EADPD mentioned in point 1 a. and 1 b.

iii. Every EADPD member has the obligation to act constructively and to avoid all activities that could jeopardise the network

b. Membership procedure (to be discussed and decided)

c. List of selection criteria of EADPD beneficiaries members



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Select ion cr iter ion Spec i f ic ity / param eter va lue

Type of or gan isat ion Afr ican Diaspora

o Afr ican Diaspora network

o Afr ican Diaspora associat ion

o Afr ican Diaspora company

o Afr ican Diaspora expert

Afr ican Co -development pract it ioners

o Governmental Co -development inst itut ion

o Nongovernmental Co -development organ isat ion

o Co -development network

o Afr ican Diaspora Co -development partner CSO

o Co -development expert / consultant

Type of or gan isat ional

status

Legal ly registere d

Work ing group

Advocacy group

Project a l l iance ( t ime l imited)

Employee

Type of network status

Member o f internat iona l Co -development networks

Member o f European Co -development networks

Member o f t ransnat iona l Co -development networks

Member o f nat ional C o-development networks

Member o f regional Co -development networks

Member o f local Co -development networks

Interested in EADPD membersh ip

Type of Co-

development pro jects

Health

Infrastructure and bui ld ing

Educat ion

Environment and energy

Democrat isat ion a nd po l it ica l educat ion

Agriculture

Finance and microf inance

Leve l o f Co -

development

exper ience

High exper ienced in Co -development

Experienced in Co -development

In it iator in Co -development

Expected EADPD ro le Contr ibutor , tra iner , expert

Receivers, tra ine es

Interested part ies



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4. Code of conduct between the members of the EADPD

Each and every beneficiary shall:

a. Adopt a transparent, inclusive, supportive, professional, and respectful approach in its

dealings and engagement with other beneficiaries, partners and interested parties

b. Promote the value of cooperation and networking with all groups in the platform

c. Act constructively and avoid all activities that could jeopardise the network building

process or conduct members to resign from the network

d. Not to compromise organisational integrity or cause disrepute to the platform



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Annex 9.3: ‘Agenda of the 1st Expert Meeting’

1st Day - 5 March 2012

08:30 Registration of participants

09:00

0:45

Welcome and opening

Opening speeches, Peter Bonin - GIZ, Head of the Sector Migration and Development

Welcome, presentation of the EADPD project, Awil Mohamoud - ADPC, Director

9:45 0:30 Coffee break

10:15 0:45

Key note Speeches

Diaspora engagement for development, Malin Frankenhaeuser - ICMPD

Network building: good practices and challenges encountered Malick Diop –EUNOMAD,

Samuel Ackah – DFD, Brice Monnou – Forim

11:00 1:15

Networks of diaspora organisations in Europe

GERMAN MOROCCAN COMPETENCE NETWORK – DMK, Mohamed Bellafkir

SENEGALESE ASSOCIATIONS IN CATALONIA – CASC, Amadou Bocar Sam Daff

CAMEROON ASSOCIATION OF ENGINEERS & COMPUTER SCIENTISTS – VKII, Erick Tambo

ETHIOPIAN STUDENTS AND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN GERMANY – ESAAG, Eskinder Mamo

ANGOLA CENTER FOR TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION – ACTD, António Franck

12:15 0:30

Panel Discussion: advantages of network building (Moderator Lukas Gehrke – ICMPD)

Questions&Answers to Panel

12:45 1:15

Lunch

14:00 0: 20

Presentation of the preliminary Rules of Engagement of the Africa-Europe Platform,

Arthur Yenga – CGMD



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5 - 7 March 2012

14:20 0:25

Presentation of the results of the eConsultation, Dr. Erick Tambo – VKII

14:45 1:30

Working groups Session 1

Strengthening Network building – establishing an African diaspora platform for development in Europe

Working Group 1: “Coordination and Communication Structure of the AEP” Abdou Rahime Diallo – ADPC (Workshop Instructor) Frank Dossa – AFFORD (Rapporteur)

Working Group 2: “Creating a framework for cooperation: Defining the goals and objectives of the AEP” Arhtur Yenga – CGMD (Workshop Instructor) Sara Schlaeger – ICMPD (Rapporteur)

16:15 0:30 Coffee break

16:45 0:30

Interim report of working groups

Rapporteurs: Frank Dossa – AFFORD, Sara Schlaeger – ICMPD

17:15

0:15

Wrap-up day 1

Briefing on objectives of working group sessions 2

From 18:00

Walking Dinner

At Mamoona Cuisine in Frankfurt



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5 - 7 March 2012

2nd Day - 6 March 2012 8:30

Door is open

9:00 0:15

Start: Good morning!

Presentation of the agenda of the 2nd

day and general instructions Moderation Yera Dembele – FORIM

9:15 0:45 Presentation of the website of the Africa Europe Platform

Estifanos Samuel & Esayas Gebremedhin (ESM) Questions&Answers session

10:00 1:30

Working Group Sessions 2

Working Group 1: “Coordination and Communication Structure of the AEP” Abdou Rahime Diallo – ADPC (Workshop Instructor) Frank Dossa – AFFORD (Rapporteur)

Working Group 2: “Creating a framework for cooperation: Defining the goals and objectives of the AEP” Arhtur Yenga – CGMD (Workshop Instructor) Sara Schlaeger – ICMPD (Rapporteur)

11:30 0:30

Coffee break

12:00 0:30 Presentation of the results of the working groups

Frank Dossa – AFFORD, Sara Schlaeger – ICMPD

12:30 1:30 Lunch break

14:00 1:00

Panel discussion with African government representatives of the 5 pilot countries Moderation Gibril Faal – AFFORD)

The pilot countries respective engagement with their diaspora ( Rachida Aboumehdi – Morocco, Amadou Lamine Faye-Senegal, José Ndziga – Cameroon, João Fortuna Pessela – Angola, Tesfaye Wolde Hussen – Ethiopia

14:30 0:30

Coffee break

15:00 1:00

Panel discussion with African civil society representatives of the 5 pilot countries Moderation Gibril Faal – AFFORD

The pilot countries respective engagement with their diaspora (Moderation Gibril Faal – AFFORD) Youssef Haji – Morocco, Genet Loulseged – Ethiopia, Jean Mbarga – Cameroon, Bara Mboup – Senegal

16:00

0:30

Closing Ceremony, James Nwabeneli – MANSAG, Abdou Rahime Diallo – ADPC

Evaluation of the 1st Africa Europe Expert meeting and the way forward



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3rd Day - 7th of March 2012 08:30 Door is open

09:00 0:15 Welcome & Brief Introduction

Gibril Faal – AFFORD (Moderator and Workshopinstructor)

09:15 1:15

NETWORKING

Structure of development networks

opportunities and challenges of networks

Elements of successful networks

Networking for Diaspora development

10:30 0:30

Coffee Break

11:00 2:00

ALLIANCE BUILDING

Understanding the nature of partnership

Negotiation and Brokering Skills

Challenges and Opportunities

Elements of Successful Alliances

Alliance-Building for Diaspora Development

13:00 1:00

Lunch Break

14:00 1:00

POLICY ENGAGEMENT

Definitions and Key components of Policy Advocacy and Influencing

Understanding the Policy Community

Policy Processes in Democratic and non Democratic Countries

15:00 0:30 Coffee Break

15:30 1:00

ADVOCACY

Conventional and Non conventional Advocacy Techniques

Framework for Planning and Undertaking Policy Engagement

0:15

CONCLUSION, Gibril Faal – AFFORD

Documents

Report - Diaspora Centre€¦ · Report . The EADPD project is financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, ... EUNOMAD European