Connecting Diaspora

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On Thursday the 17th of December, we officially closed the ED4D project with a celebratory and virtual closing session. Celebratory because, despite a global pandemic, ED4D succeeded in kickstarting the businesses of 20 Ghanaian and 20 Ethiopian diaspora entrepreneurs.

IOM the Netherlands’ Chief of Mission, Antonio Polosa, opened the floor with a speech in which he commended the diaspora entrepreneurs for being powerful agents of development that vitalize the private sector in their country of origin. Dorien Deketele, project manager of ED4D, gave an overview of the project results. She furthermore highlighted that the project’s success was also made possible by its partners; PUM, Impact Hub Accra, North-South Consulting, Zidicircle and IOM colleagues in Ghana and Ethiopia.

‘To start a business you will have to get your hands dirty’
Afterwards, two ED4D participants and two PUM mentors gave testimonies. To quote one of the PUM mentors; ‘I told him that to start a business you will have to get your hands dirty and begin with something concrete. He took my advice and now his business is flourishing, it was good to see my mentee’s business grow.’

The testimonies were followed by a Q&A session with panellists composed of trainers from Zidicircle (NL), Impacthub (Ghana) and North-South Consulting (Ethiopia). The trainers talked about the challenges diaspora entrepreneurs face in their country of origin, the unique business opportunities countries of origin offer and the best qualities an entrepreneur should have.
Moreover, during a symbolic diploma ceremony, the attendees became more acquainted with the entrepreneurs and their business stories.

The session was closed by Andy Wehkamp (Managing Director PUM), who congratulated the entrepreneurs with their flourishing businesses and remarked on the excellent collaboration with IOM.

We wish all the entrepreneurs the best of luck with their businesses and thank everyone who made this project possible.

Were you not able to make it but still like to view this session? See below for a recording.