Cameroon’s Development: Luring, Engaging The Diaspora For Revelatory Results

“This is not just an opportunity, but a strategic necessity to build a Cameroon that is more inclusive, more connected, and better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Let us join forces to write a new chapter in Cameroon's history, with and for its diaspora,” said Abdel Rahmane Diop, the International Organization for Migration, IOM Chief of Mission for Cameroon, with coordination oversight of Equatorial Guinea and Sao and Principe. He spoke in the Cameroonian capital, Yaounde on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. While opening a workshop to jointly launch the project, “Diaspora engagement strategy for the socio-economic development of Cameroon.” Alongside the Secretary General in the Ministry of External Relations, Mr. Chinmoun Oumarou.

6 Million-strong Diaspora
Chinmoun disclosed that some 6 million Cameroonians live abroad or are in the diaspora, contributing 1 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP through remittances. The Secretary General commended IOM for its commitment to the “Diaspora engagement strategy for the socio-economic development of Cameroon” project and great concern about Cameroonians in the diaspora. Adding that the project will be of great support to government’s policy on migration.

IOM And Migration
Later and by video link from IOM Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Lara Larisa, the Diaspora Engagement Officer, provided insights into global perspectives and IOM's key tools for maximizing the diaspora's potential. While Maria Belenkova, the IOM Programme Support Officer, shared lessons learnt from previous projects and details about the Fund. 

Enlightened Leadership, Support
“The event that brings us together is of paramount importance: it marks the official launch of the draft national strategy for mobilizing the Cameroonian diaspora, with the support of the IOM Development Fund…Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Cameroonian government, and in particular the Ministry of External Relations, for its enlightened leadership and steadfast commitment to the involvement of the diaspora in national development initiatives.

Mobilizing Diaspora
“… the Cameroonian diaspora is an essential force. It possesses human, cultural, social, and financial capital that, when properly mobilized, can sustainably transform the country. Several countries are showing growing interest in establishing bilateral agreements with Cameroon to regulate labour migration and strengthen economic ties. It is therefore essential that the government anticipates mechanisms for mobilizing the diaspora now to ensure its active inclusion in these negotiations.

Taking Off Barriers
“… Cameroonians in the Arab world represent a significant economic and social asset. This project aims specifically to remove the barriers that hinder interaction with these diaspora members and to establish lasting connections for more effective collaboration.

Diaspora As Part Of National Policies
“As highlighted in the Pact for the Future, global challenges require collective action and inclusive governance. The Pact insists on the need for stronger multilateralism, where diaspora communities serve as bridges between their countries of origin and their host nations. Cameroon must institutionalize the role of its diaspora in all national policies, ensuring their participation in economic, political, and social development,” Abdel Rahmane Diop continued.

Beyond Remittances 
“The diaspora's contribution goes far beyond financial remittances, which, while substantial, remain underutilized relative to their full potential… But beyond the numbers, the diaspora plays a key role in building a sustainable future, bringing skills, ideas, and international networks essential to the country's transformation.

Strengthening, Structuring Connections 
“Sabrina Onana's film "Children of the Diaspora," released this year, sensitively illustrates this reality: that of young people torn between two worlds, yet remaining intimately connected to their roots. This bond between Cameroon and its diaspora is not only economic; it is emotional, identitarian, and profoundly human. We therefore have a collective responsibility to strengthen these connections, structure them, and make them a true lever for transformation for Cameroon,” he noted.

Unique Opportunity
“This is a unique opportunity to bring together the nation and its diaspora to shape a common future. IOM strongly believes that by fostering inclusive policies, we can attract investments in key sectors such as innovation, infrastructure, and education. Strengthen bilateral partnerships, leveraging diaspora expertise and networks. And facilitate knowledge transfer, ensuring that skills and experiences gained abroad directly benefit Cameroon. 

Targeted Inclusion 
“It is time to systematically integrate the diaspora into all public policies in Cameroon. This means creating concrete mechanisms to facilitate the investment and active participation of the diaspora in local initiatives. Strengthening international cooperation by aligning diaspora initiatives with Cameroon's commitments under the Compact for the Future and the Sustainable Development Goals. And encouraging local synergies by connecting the diaspora with municipalities, local businesses, and educational institutions to maximize their impact.

Keep The Momentum!
“The time to act is now. We must seize this opportunity. The IDF is a catalytic instrument, designed to generate momentum and ensure that other actors, particularly the government, take the lead in sustaining and expanding this initiative. The IOM's commitment is clear: to support this momentum, mobilize resources, and strengthen national institutions. 

Strong Ownership, Leadership 
“However, the success of this initiative depends first and foremost on strong national ownership and leadership. I therefore call on the government to strengthen this essential connection with its entire diaspora,” Abdel Rahmane Diop concluded in his speech at the opening of the workshop.

Diaspora For Development 
“After taking up office in Cameroon, officials of the Ministry of External Relations, MINREX briefed me on the national policy of mobilizing the Cameroonian diaspora for the country’s development. Ever since, we have been discussing with MINREX and thanks to the financial support of the International Organisation for Migration Fund for Development, we were able to launch the project, “Diaspora engagement strategy for the socio-economic development of Cameroon.” The project aims to assist government in its first strategy on mobilizing the diaspora for the socio-economic development of the country. This is also part of the international commitments made by Cameroon regarding the Global Pact on Migration (illegal and regular). 

Stakeholder Commitment 
'The project was launched with the online participation of some members of the Cameroonian diaspora. There is commitment to the project from the Cameroonian authorities, the diaspora and other stakeholders… The project overall funding is worth 300,000 US Dollars. In addition, there is a project financed by the European Union worth 10 million Euros. The IOM Development Fund is thus the seed funds for the project. Which will be supported by government and other partners,” Diop disclosed. 

Human Capital Mapping
“Our first task is to understand the Cameroonian diaspora by carrying out a thorough profiling of their expertise and know-how. The diaspora plays four major roles – financial (remittances), socio-cultural (the networks it creates) and the human capital. Most Cameroonians living abroad are on the African continent. We have to go to them, know them better and find out what they can offer,” he pointed out.        

Background and rationale 
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) harnesses the unique contributions of the diaspora to support governance, eco...