Engaging the Maghrebian Diaspora

Context

Diaspora Connect is an application launched by the World Bank and the Center for Mediterranean Integration as part of the project "Engaging the Maghrebian Diaspora".

The aim of the project is to create opportunities for economic development in the Maghrebian countries and to support talents, experience and "capital" in the diaspora to help drive this development through 7 main objectives:

  • Home-grown trade and investment
  • Inward trade and investment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Disruptive innovation
  • Regional integration and collaboration
  • Globalization / internationalization
  • New international markets

Aims and values

The digital companion application is an interactive web application which is designed to function as a "companion" tool for Maghrebian diaspora professionals and project leaders in Maghreb.

Diaspora Connect contains a handful of high-value individuals - executives, entrepreneurs, specialists and professionals in different sectors; all originally from Tunisia, Morocco or Algeria - who are now living and/or working abroad.

The aim of this application is the matchmaking between those professionals and the project leaders in Maghreb to develop future projects together (creation of firm, investment, coaching, advising …).

Purpose

The use of the application is very simple. In order to connect with people through Diaspora Connect, you will need to add your profile - either as a Diaspora professional or as a person/business seeking support (project leader) - to the Diaspora Connect database.

Profiles will be validated by the World Bank and CMI team regarding several criteria:

  • Professional influence and reputation (leadership, experience, functions, connections)
  • Motivations to work at an international level or with the country of origin
  • Diversity of profiles : professional sectors, skills, gender, age.