Mapping the Rwandan Diaspora in the United States of America

Mapping the Rwandan Diaspora in the United States of America is the report on a mapping exercise that took place in the United States of America from November 2021 to March 2022. The study aimed to gain insights into the socioeconomic profile, professional skills and expertise of this population and assess their capacity, level of interest and motivation to participate and engage in development-related activities in Rwanda. Key informants and opinion leaders (including former community leaders and other, independent leaders), as well as ordinary diasporans, through their participation in focus group discussions, provided invaluable insights. These respondents represent the complex and diverse socioeconomic profiles and experiences of the Rwandan diaspora in the United States.

This report proposes a list of recommendations on ways to match or align Government-led projects and initiatives with skills available in the Rwandan diaspora in the United States and enhance the substantial engagement already in place: (a) developing creative strategies to recruit diaspora talent; (b) devising incentive schemes to attract talent; (c) promoting short-term engagements to individuals already employed in the diaspora; (d) leveraging video conferencing technologies for synchronous e-learning and e-mentoring (strategies already mentioned in previous Rwandan diaspora mapping reports); and (e) establishing sustained and adequate communication strategies to reach the Rwandan diaspora in the United States.