Exploring Diaspora Contribution to North Macedonia’s Development

Abstract

The objective of this article is to qualitatively assess the scope of diaspora contribution to the economic development of North Macedonia. The author’s key argument is that diaspora presents an indispensable source of opportunities for helping the development of the country. The author collected qualitative data and used existing quantitative data, and set them in an exploratory framework. Findings suggest that diaspora works positively for the economic and, broadly societal development of North Macedonia. The contribution of the various forms of diaspora engagement has been assessed as positive. The more systematic evidence existing on the role of remittances in development supports their poverty-alleviation role, as well their acting as informal social protection for the receiving households. However, findings suggest that the potential for diaspora engagement in North Macedonia’s development remains significantly underutilized, particularly in terms of diaspora investment. The insufficiently systematic approach in dealing with the issue, government inefficiency and the perception of political uncertainty and the (deficiency in) rule of law are identified key stumbling blocks.