A recent study by the Liberia Diaspora Exchange (LDx) reveals that Liberians abroad have a significant impact on their host countries, with nearly 20,000 Liberian Americans working in education, healthcare, and social assistance. The report, titled "Liberian Americans: An Economic Profile," provides an in-depth analysis of the demographics, education, and employment of Liberian Americans. According to the report, 86,657 Liberian Americans live in 28,881 households across the United States, earning a combined annual income of approximately $2.2 billion.
The study, conducted by Professor Bruce P. Corrie of Concordia University-St. Paul, draws on U.S. Census Bureau survey estimates for 2017 to 2021. The data shows that Liberian Americans are highly educated, with 91% of those aged 25 and older having completed high school, and 34% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This level of education translates to a workforce that matches the Human Capital Development pillar of the Liberian government's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which focuses on education, health, and skills training.
The report highlights the potential for Liberian Americans to contribute to their home country beyond financial remittances. With 43% of employed Liberian Americans working in education, healthcare, and social assistance, there is a significant pool of skilled professionals who could be leveraged to support Liberia's development. The authors of the report argue that skills can do what cash alone cannot, if there is a system to carry them. To facilitate this, LDx proposes a Diaspora Knowledge Transfer Programme, which would match diaspora professionals with requests from Liberian institutions.
The proposed programme would involve ministries, universities, hospitals, and TVET institutions requesting lectures, training, or mentoring from diaspora professionals. LDx would vet the professionals and match them to the requests, with the host institution approving each session and its honorarium. The programme aims to build a structured bridge for two-way social and business engagement between Liberia and its diaspora. A pilot programme is already underway, with the University of Liberia and LDx signing a memorandum of understanding for a 12-month pilot that includes diaspora guest lectures and mentorship.
Despite the potential benefits, the report notes that there are still significant barriers to diaspora engagement. These include mistrust between Liberians at home and abroad, disputes over land and inheritance, and investment rules with capital thresholds that are too high for most diaspora savers. The report recommends publishing clear guidance through foreign missions, focusing outreach on the five largest state communities, and tracking results with simple indicators.
The Liberian government has taken steps to engage with its diaspora, including hosting the second edition of the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference. The government has also established a Diaspora Engagement Policy, which aims to build a structured and productive relationship between Liberia and its citizens abroad. However, the report notes that more needs to be done to address the lingering uncertainty over what rights the diaspora actually holds.
The LDx report provides a comprehensive analysis of the demographics and economic profile of Liberian Americans. The study's findings have significant implications for Liberia's development, highlighting the potential for diaspora engagement to support the country's growth. By leveraging the skills and expertise of Liberian Americans, Liberia can build a more sustainable and equitable development model that benefits both the country and its diaspora.
Key points
- A new report highlights the potential for Liberia's diaspora to contribute to the country's development beyond financial remittances.
- The report proposes a Diaspora Knowledge Transfer Programme to match diaspora professionals with requests from Liberian institutions.
- The programme aims to build a structured bridge for two-way social and business engagement between Liberia and its diaspora.
