Diaspora and development: lessons from Somaliland

Abstract

The success of the University of Hargeisa in Somaliland demonstrates how the flow of skilled migrants from the developing to the developed world – once viewed merely as brain 'drain' – may in fact be more accurately described as an imperfect circular flow of skilled workers, knowledge, finance, and development. The skilled Diaspora can invoke its capabilities, networks, and access to financial resources to catalyse economic development in the home country. In Somaliland, these factors culminated in the creation of a knowledge-based institution that has the potential to substantially contribute to the development of local human capital.