Lanzarote looks to Ireland for inspiration

A pioneering initiative aimed at reconnecting Lanzarote with its natives abroad and attracting international investment was officially unveiled yesterday in Puerto del Carmen.

The Lanzarote Ireland Network (LIN) presented the ‘Lanzarote Diaspora Strategy’ during an event attended by key figures from the island’s business and political spheres. Among those present were the president of the Lanzarote and La Graciosa Chamber of Commerce, José Valle; the mayor of Tías, José Juan Cruz; and the president of the Lanzarote Tourism Federation, Susana Pérez.

The strategy is the direct result of an official visit to Ireland in February 2025, led by the President of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort. During that trip, the delegation witnessed firsthand how Ireland has successfully leveraged its diaspora for decades. A presentation from Kingsley Aikins, founder of The Diaspora Institute and a world-renowned expert on the subject, left a lasting impression on the visiting group.

Inspired by the Irish model, LIN, with support from Lanzarote Investments, Kilcullen Kapital, and Cumbre 8, commissioned the development of a bespoke strategy for the island.

Catherine Noone, speaking on behalf of LIN, explained the motivation behind the move. “Ireland and Lanzarote are, after all, two islands in the Atlantic with certain similarities and a historical bond that remains very much alive,” she said. “Ireland has demonstrated for decades the enormous value that a diaspora well-connected to its homeland can have, and we believe that Lanzarote can forge its own path in that direction.”

Over recent months, Mr Aikins has collaborated with a range of stakeholders on the island, leading a process of analysis to assess Lanzarote’s current relationship with its overseas community. This collaborative effort has resulted in a strategic roadmap for the coming years. The promoters of the initiative have highlighted the enriching nature of this dialogue, which has opened up a broad discussion on the role the diaspora can play in the island’s future development.

The document presented on Friday outlines several key lines of action. These include strengthening emotional and economic ties with Lanzarote natives abroad, promoting investment opportunities, facilitating the exchange of talent, and enhancing the island’s profile on the international stage.

Speaking at the launch, Kingsley Aikins stressed the contemporary relevance of the project. “At a time of great global uncertainty such as the present, marked by conflicts and profound changes on the international stage, staying closely connected with our global community is more important than ever,” he said. “Diasporas are not just a matter of identity; they are also a powerful network of talent, knowledge and opportunities.” Marcos Cohen, president of Cumbre 8, offered a pragmatic perspective on the talent aspect of the strategy. “For years we have talked a great deal about the return of talent, an attractive idea but one that must be approached with realism,” he stated. “In many cases, we think of bringing back Canarians who currently hold senior positions in large international companies, but our business sector does not always yet have the capacity to absorb profiles of that calibre. That is why we need to broaden our approach: rather than focusing solely on physical return, we must support the career paths of that talent wherever they may be and create other forms of return.”