The first is a Competition of innovative projects, presented by the diaspora for projects that will empower the poor, women, and the youth, are results-oriented, and scalable.

Videos of the Competition Launch ceremonies
17 September 2007 - Brussels, Belgium
21 September 2007 -  Paris, France : Presentation of the competition - Questions and answers

The second component is the Knowledge Exchange Forum, which will bring together the diaspora, civil society organizations, government, the business sector, development partners and donors to exchange views, best practices, and explore ways to work together in fighting poverty in Africa. Its objective is to leverage the ideas and skills brought together through the competition to cause new thinking and collaboration that will continue beyond the competition.

In support of this, a number of learning events and preparatory consultations will be held prior to the competition with diaspora organizations in order to gain maximum benefit of successful projects across Europe. These knowledge sessions will serve to mobilize diaspora organizations around development objectives in Africa and will help to professionalize existing development efforts.