For years the international community has recognized the potential for migration to contribute to development and economic growth in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Remittances from diaspora communities living outside their countries of origin as well as professional skills and links to private investors are important resources that migrants could contribute to their countries of origin. In 2006 remittances to developing countries reached nearly $300 billion, virtually doubling ODA.

African blogger White African raises the issue of the middleman on African Remittances which is a $billion market. Before I continue I think it is important to also note speak about the "African Brain Drain" which in one sense is the other side of the remittance issue being that those who leave Africa to work in the West are the ones largely responsible for remittances.