Mboa Paris has launched a call for projects aimed at Cameroonian entrepreneurs ahead of its fourth edition, scheduled for May 23–26, 2026, in the French capital. The initiative was presented in Douala by Fatimatou Ousmanou, president of the Mboa Paris association.
Open to associations, startups, artists, and creators, the call aims to identify promising initiatives, connect them with partners, and provide support in financing and structuring, according to organizers. Through this approach, Mboa Paris is seeking to expand its role beyond a visibility platform for the Cameroonian diaspora, positioning itself instead as a hub for business connections.
This shift reflects a broader trend. In recent years, African diasporas have moved beyond family remittances and symbolic engagement, taking on more direct roles in investment, entrepreneurship support, and the circulation of opportunities between home countries and international markets.
With this call for projects, Mboa Paris is trying to align with that trend by offering what it presents as a practical support mechanism for entrepreneurs. The goal is to turn the event into a meeting point for founders, investors, experts, and members of the diaspora.
In partnership with JFN Center, Mboa Paris says it has already trained about 30 young Cameroonians in entrepreneurship, applied innovation, and digital transformation since its launch in 2023. Organizers also highlight more than CFA1.4 billion in real estate transactions and sales announced during the 2025 edition. For 2026, they expect more than 4,000 visitors, around 100 companies, and 42 speakers.
These figures point to the event’s growing scale, but they also raise questions about its long-term impact. Beyond attendance and announcements, the credibility of such initiatives depends on measurable outcomes, including projects that secure funding, businesses that grow, partnerships that materialize, and jobs that are created.
The 2026 program includes around 20 masterclasses and several conferences focusing on topics such as women’s leadership, investment, and cultural industries. Côte d’Ivoire has been invited as guest country, signaling a broader regional ambition at a time when transnational business networks are playing a growing role in economic cooperation among African diasporas.
Through sector-focused meetings in fashion, sports, music, and technology, Mboa Paris aims to foster networks that can support talent and facilitate investment. Whether this ambition translates into lasting, structured mechanisms beyond the event remains to be seen.
Frederic Nonos
