Enhancing development through diaspora engagement : evaluation of Malawi’s diaspora engagement policy

Abstract

This study conducts an evaluation of the Malawi Diaspora Engagement Policy from 2017 to 2022. The research was inspired by the desire to find out if the policy is being implemented, and to assess preliminary results of the policy implementation, and to provide orientation envisioning the improvement of the policy and its implementation. The data was collected using questionnaires to government Ministries, and Agencies which tracked results stipulated in the policy implementation plan. Another technique was the questionnaire that was sent to a sample of 73 Malawi diasporas in 18 countries on 4 continents. The data was also collected through a snap survey in the Mangochi district, through discussion with the diaspora, and through a review of Malawi diplomatic mission websites. The study found that most components of the policy have been implemented. A key finding was that remittances doubled from year one of the policy implementations just after implementing one of the policy objectives on reducing the cost of transferring remittances. However, coordination was not strong with other implementing agencies. The dissertation has therefore recommended strong collaboration for all the policy implementors, the need to have inter-agency Monitoring and Evaluation team to track results and to have annual reviews on the implementation of the policy.