Diaspora and innovation

Diaspora return: come back, contribute, invest

Status: In design
Many diaspora professionals want to contribute to the development of the region they come from, and some are thinking of going back. We are designing support for a gradual return, at each person’s pace: first contribute remotely, then on missions, for a long stay or to resettle.

At a glance

Who it is for
Professionals, entrepreneurs and graduates of the Great Lakes diaspora, especially Congolese, living in Canada or elsewhere
Where
Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region
Opening
No service is open yet; you can register your interest now

A gradual return, in four steps

Everyone moves at their own pace; each step prepares the next.

  1. Contribute remotely

    A few hours a month

    Mentoring, advice, online teaching: keep a useful link without leaving your job.

  2. Short mission

    Two weeks to six months

    A specific need on the ground: train a team, set up a service, carry out an audit.

  3. Long stay

    12 to 24 months

    Lead a team or build a service, with support before you leave and on site.

  4. Lasting return or project

    At your own pace

    Settle, start a business or invest, once you know the ground and the rules are clear.

What we are preparing

These services are being designed; none is open yet.
  • Information on procedures: legal status, residence, work, registering a business
  • Career preparation: a skills review and the needs of employers and institutions on the ground
  • Introductions to employers, institutions, incubators and the Center’s network
  • Preparing business and investment projects, with rigorous information before any commitment

Good to know before you go

  • Nationality: the DRC Constitution (article 10) states that Congolese nationality is “one and exclusive”. A person of Congolese origin who became Canadian is therefore, in principle, a foreigner in the DRC, with consequences for residence, work or property.
  • Security: the situation in eastern DRC can change quickly. Check the travel advice of your country of residence.
  • Investment: a diaspora holding company or an investment fund are ideas under study. No investment product is offered today.

Making return easier also depends on public policy: it is one of the issues we advocate for. Our advocacy

Thinking about returning?

Let us know about you: your skills, your project, your timeline. We will get back to you when needs match.

Share your skillsRead the discussion paper
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