Colombia

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the GIZ programme "Shaping devolopment-oriented migration" (MEG) assists members of the diaspora in their efforts to promote sustainable development in their countries of origin. MEG supports diaspora experts, organisations, and entrepreneurs across 14 partner countries. Read on to discover more about the impactful engagement of diaspora members from Colombia.

Diaspora Experts

The term "diaspora expert" refers to qualified individuals with a migration background who currently live and work in Germany, but wish to support their country of origin by volunteering at a local organisation for a short period. We currently support diaspora experts who wish to take up assignments in the following countries: Albania, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Kosovo, Nepal, Serbia, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Viet Nam.

Paola Tamayo

During her three-month assignment at the “Feminist Movement of Wayuu Women and Girls Foundation”, Paola Tamayo provided valuable training on the effective use of digital media, particularly social media

Using Data to Build a Zero Waste Future

During her six-week assignment with the Environmental Secretary of Bello, Nataly Cubillos provided valuable expertise in environmental policy and the circular economy to help the municipality take its first steps toward a Zero Waste strategy.

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Colombia

During their assignments as diaspora experts, Diana Nataly Cubillos Ordoñez and Paola Tamayo worked in a wide variety of fields in Colombia, ranging from the circular economy and waste management to digital communication and women empowerment. What unites them is the motivation to give something back to their country of origin and exchange knowledge.

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Diaspora Entrepreneurs

Diaspora entrepreneurs create new opportunities – for themselves and for their countries of origin. Through the "Business Ideas für Development" initiative, we assist members of the diaspora in refining their business ideas and launching successful companies in their countries of origin. Business Ideas for Development supports diaspora members from the following partner countries: Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Serbia, Tunisia, and Viet Nam.

Record Applications for Start-up Competition: Innovative Diaspora Entrepreneurs Drive Sustainable Development

In 2025, the ´Business Ideas for Development’ (BID) start-up competition received 142 applications from members of the diaspora – more applicants than ever before.

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When parents can’t be there, their love still can

When a baby needs intensive care, parents and babies cannot always be together. Cuddling Creatures brings them closer with a voice, a scent, and a soft embrace to help them stay connected, even when they are apart.

More about Cuddling Creatures

Colombia

From plastic-free everyday solutions to the loving support of babies in intensive care, to social enterprises that create economic opportunities for producers: these four entrepreneurs show how sustainability, creativity, and humanity go hand in hand.

Tradition meets modernity

With her social enterprise Soy Bachué, the Colombian German entrepreneur Ana is building a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

More about Soy Bachué

Boost Your Business!

Are you a Germany alumni living in one of the following countries, or part of their diaspora in Germany? Have you started a business there in the past five years and are now looking to expand? If so, this offer is for you.

From the earth to the earth

Our planet is in the midst of a serious pollution and waste crisis. Kateryn Marcela Carrillo's company ‘Natupla’ is now developing sustainable, plastic-free alternatives.

More about Natupla

News

How diaspora actors are shaping development

Since June 2023, we have supported 116 short-term diaspora expert missions from Germany. Out of these, 25 have been documented so far, and found to have benefitted 3,817 persons directly.

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Twenty-five diaspora entrepreneurs selected in development-focused start-up competition

A group of 25 entrepreneurs are preparing to turn their bold business ideas into sustainable impact. Selected from over 140 applicants, these innovators were chosen as this year’s winners of the Business Ideas for Development (BID) initiative.

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Record Applications for Start-up Competition: Innovative Diaspora Entrepreneurs Drive Sustainable Development

In 2025, the ´Business Ideas for Development’ (BID) start-up competition received 142 applications from members of the diaspora – more applicants than ever before.

Learn more

Join the GFMD virtual side event

In view of increasing polarisation of migration narratives, public communication and the provision of reliable information became pivotal in achieving the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration.

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Apply as a Diaspora Expert

Would you like to pass on your knowledge and skills through a short-term development-oriented assignment in your country of origin? Then apply as a diaspora expert!

Kick-off for 14 new projects of Diaspora Organisations

From 21st to 23rd March 2025, the new cohort of 14 diaspora organisations supported by the GIZ programme "Shaping development-oriented migration" (MEG) met in Frankfurt to kick off their projects.