Kigali, Rwanda — A high-level Liberian delegation has concluded a three-day benchmarking study tour in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Liberian delegation joined counterparts from The Gambia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Kenya to learn from Rwanda’s globally recognized diaspora engagement and national development strategies.
The visit forms part of two complementary African Development Bank–funded initiatives implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM): the Diaspora Engagement Task Force project and the SDE4R — Streamlining Diaspora Engagement to Catalyze Private Investments and Entrepreneurship for Enhanced Resilience project.
According to a release, the programs aim to strengthen diaspora-centered development and boost private-sector investment across the region.
Throughout the mission, delegates held strategic exchanges with institutions central to Rwanda’s development model, including: the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Trade and Industry, the National Bank of Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Diaspora Global Network (RDGN)
The delegation also toured Pink Mango, a major garment manufacturing firm driving Rwanda’s industrial growth.
At RCI, Dr. Willy Mugenzi, Chief Operations Officer, presented Rwanda’s transformation journey anchored in unity, accountability, and “thinking big.”
He highlighted the country’s achievements in health care, poverty reduction, financial inclusion, good governance, and sustained GDP growth. Delegates reflected on how these lessons could inform innovative diaspora engagement and investment strategies in their respective countries.
The Liberian team also participated in discussions on peacebuilding and reconciliation—core pillars of Rwanda’s post-conflict recovery. Additionally, they held an interactive dialogue with the Liberian student community in Rwanda, who appealed for greater support, including the establishment of a Liberian consulate in Kigali.
Liberia’s delegation included representatives from the Office of Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, UNDP Liberia, and IOM Liberia.
Delegates committed to applying insights from the tour to strengthen Liberia’s diaspora policy framework, enhance institutional coordination, and attract increased diaspora-led investment.
IOM Liberia reaffirmed its support for advancing people-centered, evidence-based diaspora strategies across participating nations. The broader regional initiative seeks to build resilient diaspora engagement ecosystems through South–South cooperation, peer learning, and shared development innovations.
The mission continues with ongoing exchanges and high-level meetings designed to translate the lessons learned in Rwanda into concrete policy and program improvements back home.
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