Diaspora Returnees Recommend Investment in Ethiopia

By Phillip Barea

Addis Ababa, January 29, 2011 (Ezega.com) -- In recent weeks representatives of both the Ethiopian Diaspora and the Ethiopian Government met in order to discuss the relationship between the two. They also entered into serious talks about Ethiopia´s development, as well as government policies regarding the rights of Diaspora Ethiopians and future investments in the country.

The potential role of the Diaspora in the government´s new development and transformation plan has been highlighted by some observers. Moreover, some believe it is already a crucial component of the country´s current development process.

 In order to investigate the Diaspora perspective further, Ezega.com met with two Diaspora returnees in Addis Ababa and asked them about their recent return to Ethiopia and investment here.

Resettlement in Ethiopia

Abiy Belachew left Ethiopia in 1982 to pursue higher education in America, and at the same time find a better life than the one available in Ethiopia at the time.

After 27 years of a comfortable and successful life in the United States, Abiy returned to Addis Ababa and opened his own business. He created the Lulit Internet Café, named after his daughter.  Most recently, his wife and daughter left the United States to permanently join him here in Ethiopia.Read More