Skilled Egyptian diaspora contributions to Egypt

Abstract

PurposeThe study aims to learn of the contributions of the skilled Egyptian diaspora to the development of Egypt; to understand how these contributions differ according to their characteristics; and to discover obstacles and incentives to these contributions in the areas of investment, entrepreneurship, and return migration.Design/methodology/approachA total of 384 skilled Egyptian diasporans were surveyed online using a snowball sampling technique. Data were analyzed through frequency analyses, crosstabulations, and chi‐square statistics.FindingsThe skilled Egyptian diaspora did make some contributions to Egypt; especially in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, return migration, remittances, and charity. However, their potential is not fully utilized. Contributions of the diaspora differed according to their age, industry, and prior work in Egypt. Government bureaucracy, unfair competition, and lack of innovation acted as obstacles to diaspora engagement, while the attractiveness of the Egyptian market, availability of labor, and the Egyptian culture acted as incentives.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a non‐probability sample poses challenges to the generalizability of the results. The use of questionnaires meant that more in‐depth analysis was not possible to obtain.Practical implicationsGovernment reform, market stimulation, and better outreach programs are needed for further diaspora mobilization.Originality/valueNot enough research has been conducted to gauge the effect of the diaspora in Egypt even though they represent an important development opportunity for the country.