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Zambia’s Development Approach Targets the Diaspora

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. Consequently the Zambia Development Agency has been tasked to initiate the development of the concept paper that will be used to secure public support for the initiative.

With the passing of the clause on dual citizenship by the National constitution 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.

The framework will be facilitated by the Bank of Zambia, Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education as well as the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Bank of Zambia will develop an effective remittance system, while the ministry finance will review the taxation system to address the Diaspora requirement and prepare booklets on such a taxation system for distribution through various networks.

(Source: ZDA Spotlight, August 31 2009)