Alliance for Brain- Gain and Innovative Development (ABIDE): Mobilizing Ethiopia’s Vital Diaspora Resources for Capacity Building and Social Change

Abstract

Ethiopia’s aspirations to fast-track sustainable development are dependent on availability of qualified and
experienced human resources. At present the country is experiencing extreme shortages of such professionals to meet
the demand of the expansion of infrastructure. The two major causes for the shortage are (a) limited capacity in
education and training programs, and (b) the massive exodus of highly qualified professionals over the last four
decades. These have depleted Ethiopia’s human capital leading to compromise in quality and global competitiveness.
Engaging the brain power of its professionals in the Diaspora is one approach to ensure the fulfillment of the country’s
quest for rapid growth. In this regard, Ethiopia requires strategic collaboration, partnership and networking among all
its stakeholders. The Ethiopian Diaspora, including their second and third generations, is among the critical resources
whose maximum mobilization and engagement are indispensible. This paper presents efforts being made by an
indigenous non-governmental organization, Alliance For Brain Gain and Innovative Development (ABIDE), to
facilitate streamlining of institutionalized mechanisms, systems, processes and policies to mainstream and increase the
ease through which qualified and skilled Ethiopians in the Diaspora and friends of Ethiopia could engage in
partnership with professionals and institutions in the country to address the knowledge, skills and technology gaps and
contribute to Ethiopia’s capacity building for sustainable development and social change; which also in the long run
could contribute to attenuating brain drain. The paper highlights some achievements and constraints.