KIGALI - The Rwanda Diaspora Directorate is carrying out a one-year survey in Belgium that is aimed at establishing ways in which links between Rwandans abroad and the government can be enhanced.

Edward Kadozi, an official in the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Diaspora General Directorate (DGD), yesterday noted that the project which was fully launched on June 9 is about enhancing Diaspora-government linkages: "in promoting development and investment.”

"We chose to implement the project in Belgium as a pilot country, but later, we will implement it in other countries,” said Kadozi.

The official noted that apart from determining the number (quantitative data) of Rwandans in a particular country, qualitative data will look into the Diaspora’s "potential,” which includes academic qualifications and expertise that could benefit the country.

"It is all about finding the potentials of the Rwandan Diaspora, most especially issues like their academic potential, their skills and business networks.

Quantitative and qualitative data is being collected in Belgium.”

The Diaspora’s needs and interests will be assessed : "in a framework of promoting socio-economic development” in Rwanda.

"There is a need to know what they need from us so that we can help, so that they can link with us efficiently.”

The one-year study is being undertaken by an international consultant, a Rwandan-Canadian, who is expected to arrive here sometime this week for a partial joint data analysis exercise.

Meanwhile, work on the long awaited Diaspora Mutual Fund (RDMF) is said to be making headway and is expected to be launched earlier than the December Diaspora Convention.

RDMF’s mission is to mobilize the Diaspora to invest in their homeland, contribute with their financial resources to national development through wealth creation and leaving a legacy for future generations.

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