Titilola A. Banjoko is the Director of AfricaRecruit.Titilola A. Banjoko. She served on the editorial advisory boards of Nigerian Affairs as well as the International Development Magazine, a journal on topical development issues by the UK Parliament. Titilola A. Banjoko has received numerous awards, such as the 2006 Ethnic-Corporate European Federation of Black Women Business Owners Award, the Black Business Award 2005 and Best of Nigeria 2004.
Development actors, such as host countries and the Diaspora are working together for development, in which way are both implicated?
Generally speaking there is a mixed picture about their implication in the various countries and depending in how migrants are effectively integrated into society. Many African Countries have ministry of Diaspora aimed at enhancing the contribution the Diaspora can make to its development. Many recruiters and investors target the Diaspora with regular engagement stakeholder events with key players in Africa visit. Diaspora also host numerous events at which they engage with key players.
Some migrants are interested in coming back to Africa. What are the main obstacles? And what about the particular case of asylum seekers?
Reasons for leaving Africa are mainly professional, economic and political. Despite this, a number of scientists are prepared to return to Africa but cite various reasons, which prevent them from doing so.
Example of the results of a survey which over 2,500 Diaspora have responded, 18% consider the relocation expenses and salary offered to be insufficient incentives while 17% have not been able to find out about opportunities to work in Africa in sufficient time to apply for them. Others sited lack of professional integration (12%) and the lack of a clear recruitment process (12%) as reasons they have not returned to work in Africa.
In respect of asylum seekers the key challenge is accounting for the time outside the country and the professional experience and or value gained during that period which they are able to use when they relocate back. Given many of the asylum seekers have not be in a position to gain professional experience and or make money they tend to find it difficult to compete with other Diaspora.
Do people who participate in Africa recruit correspond to privileged social classes?
Diaspora that engage with Africa Recruit are those who want to use their skills in Africa either short-term, consultancies and or permanent return. Other areas include Diaspora seeking to engage in business ventures and other advisory roles and require signposting to key players in Africa. This includes Diaspora from a wide variety of background. What is critical is that the Diaspora is in a position to be able to do this and they tend to be those that are effectively integrated in the host countries.
How do you think its media treating consequences of migration in source countries?
The media is recognizing the impact that returning Diaspora is making in certain sectors but acknowledging the shortages in sectors such as health and the reason that people leave e.g. lack of opportunities.
How are you dealing with sensibilization?. How are you approaching your ideas to civil society?
Africa Recruit focus is with the Diaspora. Engagement, information and facilitation of key players enable stakeholders to make informed choices.
For more information:
How to successfully return to Africa:
http://www.successfullyreturntoafrica.com/
Africa recruit events:
http://www.africarecruit.com/PastEvents.htm
By: Barbara Blay
