By Kemo Kanyi
A Gambian foreign policy specialist based in the United Kingdom, Zindi Anthony Levi, has called on the government of The Gambia to develop policies that ensure greater inclusion of the diaspora in national development.
In an interview with The Voice on the line from London on Tuesday, Mr. Levi said a policy shift was needed to create a “new compact” between the state and citizens abroad, arguing that diaspora contributions to the tax base should translate into greater participation in decision-making.
He said voting rights for the diaspora should be considered essential for long-term investment and development.
“Voting rights for the diaspora are not a luxury,” he remarked.
Mr. Levi also criticized what he described as excessive bureaucracy faced by diaspora investors, contrasting it with incentives often offered to foreign multinational companies.
He proposed innovative financing mechanisms, including “identity bonds,” which would allow citizens abroad to directly fund national development projects through transparent systems.
While acknowledging the significant role of remittances in supporting the Gambian economy, he said diaspora expertise in sectors such as health, governance, technology, and education remained underutilized.
“What if diaspora doctors helped design health systems, not just pay medical bills?” he asked, adding that similar engagement could be extended to academia and entrepreneurship.
He said Africa’s development would depend less on external assistance and more on effective mobilization of its own human capital, including its diaspora population.
Mr. Levi further argued that many African governments continue to view diaspora communities primarily as financial contributors rather than strategic partners in national development and decision-making.