DfAD is actively working to effectively contribute to the shaping of development policies and delivery processes as they relate to Africa’s development. We understand that in order to achieve this aim, we have to master the art of lobbying which is an integral part of engaging policy and decision makers.

DfAD is therefore one of the strong Diaspora voices engaging policy and decision makers in Africa, UK and globally. To ensure that we increase our engagement with decision makers and that our Diaspora voice is included in Africa’s development, we work in collaboration with other Diaspora and International Organisations, and through forums and networks both locally and internationally.

Global Forum on Migration and Development 2012

Chibwe Henry was a delegate at the GFMD Civil Society Days 2012 which was held in Port Louis, Mauritius from 19th – 22nd November 2012 with more than 800 representatives from civil society and governments from some 160 countries. The forum gathered to discuss changes needed in labour migration, protection of migrants, promotion of their rights and development. Chibwe’s trip was funded by Comic Relief as part of the Africa-UK initiative to enable greater Diaspora contribution to the debates which directly affect them.

GFMD-CSD-Swiss-Logo

Chibwe was part of the Working Sessions that produced Recommendations under 2A: Diaspora and Development and 2B: Development and Migration. “For change, there must be a clear mandate for migrant participation in policy-making in countries of origin and destination on the full range of development planning, with meaningful attention to diaspora priorities, investments and other engagement, including entrepreneurial endeavours, investment guarantees, social remittances and knowledge exchange, capacity building, business networking and legal protection.” Find her full report, co-authored with Susan Oldman from MIFUMI UK,  here.