Africa

The "Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals" program, commonly known as TOKTEN, is a program directed to the phenomenon and the expression of interest shown by qualified expatriates in participate in the development of their country of origin, via the transfer of expertise and skills.

In Mali, the TOKTEN falls under the temporary return of scientific and technical diaspora and, on an initial phase that lasted between 1998 - 2008, targeted the field of higher education.

The African Capacity Building Centre (ACBC) was established in 2009, in Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania to enhance the migration management capacity of African States, promote comprehensive migration governance and facilitate a diverse range of immigration and border management projects and training courses. The Centre is hosted by the Tanzania Regional Immigration Training Academy (TRITA) and this unique partnership has benefited both in terms of joint training programmes and workshops as well as regional support.

The Ethiopian constitution does not allow for dual citizenship. However, members of the diaspora can apply for an Ethiopian Origin ID Card (commonly called the "Yellow card"). With this card they can enjoy several privileges, for instance they:

The Ethiopian Directorate General for Diaspora Engagement Affairs is responsible for:

• Implementating and following the Ethiopian Diaspora Policy;
• Serving as a liaison between Federal, Regional Diaspora offices and Ethiopian Diaspora;
•  Handling requests of Ethiopian Diaspora, and for;
• Disseminating information to Diaspora through Ethiopia Diaspora website and different media outlets.

The project aims to develop a coherent framework of migration policy across national boundaries in order to ensure the rights of low skilled, rural female domestic workers from the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia and Somalia) in the Middle East and Sudan. The project seeks to improve coordination and cooperation of social partners, civil society, institutions and organizations working on migration issues in Ethiopia, as well as in the receiving countries. It provides female domestic workers with accurate information prior to migration and with safe havens to turn to in emergencies.

A project operating in Senegal, Mauritania and Mali with the support of Spain in order to maximise the development benefits of migration. The project enhances the employability of migrant workers by supporting vocational training institutions as well as improved training and employment services in countries of origin. It also promotes effective reintegration of migrants in national labour markets upon return.

Kenya is working to incorporate the voluntary WHO Code of Practice into national law. It entered into bilateral agreements with certain countries (including Namibia, Lesotho and Rwanda) regarding collaborative health workforce training and promotion of circular migration of health workers (involving the temporary or permanent return to their home countries).

The 1st Diaspora Forum of Niger was jointly organized in 2012 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IOM for the people of Niger living abroad. In discussions with the government, civil society, development partners and financial institutions, Diaspora actors looked at their role and contributions to the country's economic and social development.

Ghana operates a threetier social security system. The first two tiers are mandatory and the third is voluntary. Social security contributions are portable, that is they can be transferred from one social security scheme in one country to that in another country, and are to be paid in respect to both local and expatriate staff. The guidelines issued by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust exempt the following categories of expatriates from contributing to Tier 1:

This policy is expected to reduce the rate of rural-urban migration. The Ghanaian experience shows that given the right conditions, people prefer to stay in their communities instead of migrating.