By: Julius Konton
A high-level Liberian delegation has wrapped up a three-day regional benchmarking study tour in Kigali, Rwanda, joining peers from The Gambia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Kenya to study one of Africa’s most successful diaspora engagement and national development models.
The mission was conducted under two African Development Bank funded initiatives implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM):Diaspora Engagement Task Force Project, andSDE4R: Streamlining Diaspora Engagement to Catalyze Private Investments and Entrepreneurship for Enhanced Resilience.
Both programs aim to strengthen diaspora-driven development, enhance institutional frameworks, and increase private-sector investment across participating countries.
Learning from Rwanda’s High-Performance Development ModelDelegates held strategic exchanges with key Rwandan institutions shaping the country’s transformation, including the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Trade and Industry, National Bank of Rwanda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the Rwanda Diaspora Global Network (RDGN).
The team also toured Pink Mango, a major garment manufacturing hub contributing significantly to Rwanda’s industrialization and export diversification efforts.At the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative, Dr. Willy Mugenzi, Chief Operations Officer, presented Rwanda’s rapid transformation trajectory, anchored on unity, accountability, and “thinking big.”
Rwanda’s progress includes:GDP growth averaging 7–8% annually over the past decade.Poverty reduction from 60% (2001) to around 38% today.National health coverage reaching more than 90% of the population.
Financial inclusion increasing from 48% (2008) to over 93% in recent years.Consistently strong governance rankings, including one of Africa’s lowest corruption perception levels.Delegates reflected on how these lessons can inspire more coordinated, innovative, and investment-focused diaspora engagement strategies in Liberia and the wider region.
Focus on Peacebuilding, Governance, Diaspora Networks, The Liberian delegation also participated in thematic discussions on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and post-conflict development sectors in which Rwanda has become an international reference point.
During an interactive dialogue with the Liberian student community in Rwanda, students appealed for stronger support mechanisms, including the establishment of a Liberian consulate in Kigali to address documentation, academic, and welfare concerns.
Liberia’s delegation included representatives from the:Office of Diaspora AffairsMinistry of Foreign AffairsMinistry of Finance and Development PlanningUNDP LiberiaIOM LiberiaAmong other things; The team committed to applying insights from Rwanda to:Strengthen Liberia’s national diaspora policy framework.
Improve interagency coordination on diaspora affairs. Promote diaspora-led private investment, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer initiatives.
IOM Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people-centered and evidence-based diaspora strategies, highlighting the importance of South–South cooperation in accelerating development outcomes.
The broader regional initiative continues with ongoing peer-learning activities and high-level consultations aimed at transforming the insights gained in Kigali into tangible policy reforms and program improvements in Liberia and participating countries.
As global diaspora communities contribute more than US$100 billion annually to Africa, Liberia’s engagement in this regional effort is expected to significantly boost its capacity to attract investment, mobilize skills, and strengthen national development planning.
