The Diaspora Engagement Strategy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad is an institutional tool to enable the government to facilitate a structured and optimal interface with Gambians in the diaspora in mobilizing diaspora investment, creating a diaspora development fund, promoting both circular and labor migration and mainstreaming diaspora expertise in the socio-economic development of The Gambia.
The Strategy is pursuant to a Diaspora Policy Statement delivered by the President in September 2017 which highlighted key commitments including the expansion, enhancement and optimization of the role of the Gambian diaspora in national development as valued partners.
Further, the National Development Plan (2018-2021) has also underscored the role of the Gambian diaspora as a critical enabler and led to the establishment of the Gambian Diaspora and Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad to serve as a service delivery directorate in harnessing the potential of Gambians in the diaspora.