Mr. presentation was based on the framework depicted below developed by Context Bangura’s Masters, a Dutch training institution that specialises in training for migrants. In Figure 1 below the wide spectrum of diaspora enterprises that exist is depicted. Based on this framework and drawing from the experiences of diaspora entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone, he highlighted that the endeavours of diaspora and migrant entrepreneurs combine profitable business initiatives with charity/social enterprises with low profitability both in The Netherlands and in Sierra Leone/in countries of origin. In responding to the four questions raised above, he articulated further on : What makes migrant/diaspora enterprises different: Drawing from the experiences of returnee migrants in Sierra Leone, migrant/diaspora entrepreneurs run businesses that require high education and start-up capital. Their focus is on hot spots and targeted sectors mainly agriculture and service sectors for instance ICTs to fill gaps in the supply chain which in many developing countries are weak. They are organized through informal and formal business networks The nature of their operation: that facilitate connections to the supply chain. In Sierra Leone for example there are diaspora networks, business SMEs that use their connections to lobby for policy change. Amongst diaspora in Sierra Leone, the connection to supply chain is strong. In Sierra Leone for example, a number of diaspora enterprises came together to provide transport to the mining sector by grouping together and used their unique advantage to penetration the market. In addition, as is the case elsewhere, diaspora entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone have powerful political orientation and being diaspora they remain sensitive towards the social impact of their interventions and ensuring community participation. How diaspora enterprises position themselves within the domestic environment in the homelands: They are truly transnational and have cultural, social and financial capital that facilitates their undertakings. Diaspora entrepreneurs are risk oriented. They are often more willing to engage in business activities in high-risk or emerging markets. They also have the advantage “First mover” because they know where opportunities are, and make use of such opportunities when investing in or
Mr. Bangura’s presentation was based on the framework depicted below developed by Context Masters, a Dutch training institution that specialises in training for migrants. In Figure 1 below the wide spectrum of diaspora enterprises that exist is depicted. Based on this framework and drawing from the experiences of diaspora entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone, he highlighted that the endeavours of diaspora and migrant entrepreneurs combine profitable business initiatives with charity/social enterprises with low profitability both in The Netherlands and in Sierra Leone/in countries of origin. In responding to the four questions raised above, he articulated further on : What makes migrant/diaspora enterprises different: Drawing from the experiences of returnee migrants in Sierra Leone, migrant/diaspora entrepreneurs run businesses that require high education and start-up capital. Their focus is on hot spots and targeted sectors mainly agriculture and service sectors for instance ICTs to fill gaps in the supply chain which in many developing countries are weak. The nature of their operation: They are organized through informal and formal business networks that facilitate connections to the supply chain. In Sierra Leone for example there are diaspora networks, business SMEs that use their connections to lobby for policy change. Amongst diaspora in Sierra Leone, the connection to supply chain is strong. In Sierra Leone for example, a number of diaspora enterprises came together to provide transport to the mining sector by grouping together and used their unique advantage to penetration the market. In addition, as is the case elsewhere, diaspora entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone have powerful political orientation and being diaspora they remain sensitive towards the social impact of their interventions and ensuring community participation. How diaspora enterprises position themselves within the domestic environment in the homelands: They are truly transnational and have cultural, social and financial capital that facilitates their undertakings. Diaspora entrepreneurs are risk oriented. They are often more willing to engage in business activities in high-risk or emerging markets. They also have the “First mover” advantage because they know where opportunities are, and make use of such opportunities when investing in or
FINAL%20REPORT_Webinar_20Nov2014.docx