(Business in Cameroon) – The period from 2018 to 2025 marked a significant turning point for relations between Cameroon and its diaspora, a community of about 6 million people spread across five continents. Now representing nearly 15% of the total population, the diaspora has emerged as a key player in national development, making a significant contribution to the country’s economy.
Remittances from the diaspora grew remarkably during this period. In 2024, Cameroonians abroad transferred $603 million, or more than 362 billion CFA francs, representing 1.1% of the country’s GDP, according to the World Bank. This figure, up from $525 million in 2022, demonstrates the diaspora’s growing capacity and willingness to participate in national development. These funds are used for family support, real estate projects, and increasingly, entrepreneurial ventures that boost the local economy.
Official recognition of the diaspora’s potential came in March 2025 with the launch of the National Diaspora Mobilization Strategy project. This initiative, led by the Ministry of External Relations in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aims to create a strategic framework to optimize the diaspora’s socioeconomic contributions. The project will map skills, create a directory of expatriate entrepreneurs, and provide a better understanding of Cameroonians living abroad. This approach is intended to fill the void of a national strategic framework that has long limited the full potential of these resources.
Digital Innovation and Investment Potential
Digital innovation revolutionized diaspora engagement from 2018 to 2025. For example, the city of Douala reportedly launched the Icud-Diaspora platform in June 2024, touted as the first municipal initiative of its kind. The platform would allow Cameroonians abroad to register their development projects online. However, independent sources have not confirmed the existence or actual use of this platform.
An undocumented consultation with 445 diaspora members suggests significant potential: 72% stated they would be willing to invest if conditions were right, 49% wanted a dedicated intermediary, and 81% demanded reliable information. While indicative, these figures confirm a strong pool of potential investors.
Investment sectors have diversified beyond family remittances to focus on residential and commercial real estate, urban infrastructure, and the construction of supermarkets. This shift highlights the growing maturity of diaspora engagement.
Skills, Branding, and Future Outlook
Technology and skills transfer constitute another major contribution. Highly qualified Cameroonians living abroad are helping to build national capacity in fields such as information technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance. The diaspora has also strengthened Cameroon’s image abroad. Professional and community networks play a crucial role in attracting foreign direct investment and promoting exports, effectively complementing government efforts.
The inclusion of the diaspora in the SND30 (National Development Strategy 2030) marks an institutional recognition of its role, creating a favorable political framework for structured engagement.The outlook remains positive with the expected adoption of a law on diaspora investments. This legislation, still in development, would provide a secure legal framework and attractive tax incentives, building on the progress made during the 2018-2025 period.
