Article one in UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity defines cultural diversity as ‘Diverse forms of culture across time and space which is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up humankind and is a source of exchange, innovation and creativity.’
Many researchers view that cultural diversity has positive impact on economic growth and development. Article by Alejandro Martinez in provoke weekly publications indicated that 80% of states with a high Gross Domestic Product Per Capita have more than 50% diversity (ESRI Diversity Index, which is the likelihood that two people from the same region belong to a different race or ethnic group).
Economists Quamrul Ashraf of Williams College and Oded Galor of Brown University in their study found that the interplay between cultural assimilation and cultural diffusion plays an important role in economic development across the globe. Their study suggested that cultural diversity and geographic openness matter significantly to economic development.
Some of areas that benefit from cultural diversification due to migration include hospitality-food, travel and tourism, research, innovation, entrepreneurship etc. Cultural diversity leads to diverse workforce. A diverse workforce would lead to different skills and mindsets, increased understanding and knowledge, creativity, generation of new ideas which in turn lead to business, technological and cultural innovation. In addition, global linkages increase as culturally diverse staff, particularly migrant workers, may have international connections aiding the flow of labour, goods and services.
Cultural diversity also enhances diversity and competitiveness of economy as most of migrants belong to youth population.
Cultural diversity and growth of global cities
Some to top Global cities including London, Singapore, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are also most cultural diversified cities in terms of migrants from different parts of world. According to World’s Cities Cultural Report 2015, Global cities are growing rapidly and this growth attracts people from a variety of backgrounds from home and abroad adding to cultural diversity. This diversity adds tremendous opportunity economically, socially and culturally.
Africa immigration and growth
Richness of Resources and expanding markets has made many African countries an important destination of immigration in post globalized era. Rwanda is one of African countries attracting people due to emerging opportunities in business and liberal policies. Over past few years population of Rwandan economy has become very vibrant. Rwanda is receiving immigrants from all over the world. Major drivers of migration among highly skilled labour include soaring education, IT and engineering services demand in Rwanda.
Among African countries immigrants have been contributing considerably to the growth of South Africa’s economy. It has been boosting employment in the country and also raising the income per capita. In addition, immigrants have a positive impact on the government’s fiscal balance, mostly because they tend to pay more in taxes.
South Africa is receiving immigrants from Argentina, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Rwanda, South Africa and Thailand. Financial services demand is main driver of migration in South Africa.
According to UNCTAD’s 2018 Economic Development Report, in 2017 the top five intra-African migration destinations were South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. The contribution of migrants to GDP was 19 per cent in Côte d’Ivoire (2008), 13 per cent in Rwanda (2012), 9 per cent in South Africa (2011) and 1 per cent in Ghana (2010).
Conclusion
Cultural diversity in globalized era is playing an important role in economic growth and development by creating expanded markets and diversified demand. Diversity in terms of ideas, innovation, skills, and capacity also speeds up the growth process. Globalization of international exchanges is leading to the integration of a diversity of multicultural services and expressions in different countries. To catalyze the benefits of growth from cultural diversity, there is need for developing in integrated growth model for proper utilization of multi diversified prospects emerging from such cultural diversity
The writer is a Kigali based economist and consultant.