Cameroon, IOM Seek to Turn Migration and Diaspora Funds into Jobs

Finance Minister Louis Paul Motaze received IOM Chief of Mission Abdel Rahmane Diop and his delegation to discuss how human mobility, diaspora engagement and productive investment can contribute more effectively to the country’s development objectives.

The high-level talks were held in Yaounde on August 3, 2026. According to information published by both the Ministry of Finance and IOM Cameroon, the discussions focused on aligning migration-related initiatives with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30). Both parties underscored the need for coordinated public policies capable of supporting the socio-economic reintegration of returning Cameroonians while maximizing the contribution of migration to national growth.

Diaspora resources in focus

A key issue raised during the discussions was the economic contribution of the Cameroonian diaspora. According to IOM Cameroon, remittances sent by Cameroonians living abroad are estimated at nearly CFAF 652 billion, equivalent to about USD 1.2 billion annually. These flows, the IOM said, continue to support households across the country and represent an important source of external financial resources.

The meeting also examined opportunities to channel a larger share of these resources towards productive investment, entrepreneurship and local development projects. IOM noted that migration-related policies can help strengthen links between diaspora capital, business creation and job generation.

According to World Bank data, remittance flows to developing economies remain one of the largest sources of external financing, exceeding foreign direct investment and official development assistance in many countries. The Yaounde meeting also highlighted IOM’s experience in supporting governments through programs that promote diaspora engagement, labor mobility, youth inclusion, digital migration services and climate resilience.

The Ministry of Finance indicated that migration policies should contribute to economic inclusion and sustainable growth. The institution also highlighted the importance of supporting returning migrants through measures that facilitate their reintegration into economic activity.

According to information published by the Ministry of Finance, nearly 10,000 Cameroonians have benefited from return and reintegration programs over the past four years. These initiatives have contributed to the creation of more than 4,900 businesses in partnership with national institutions.

The discussions come several months after the first edition of the Permanent African Dialogue held in Yaounde in April 2026, where policymakers, investors and international organizations called for migration to be integrated into broader economic planning. Participants argued that labor mobility, skills development and investment systems should be treated as components of economic infrastructure capable of supporting Africa’s demographic and development ambitions.

At the end of the August 3 meeting, the Ministry of Finance and IOM reaffirmed their commitment to continue technical consultations aimed at identifying collaboration mechanisms consistent with SND30 objectives and Cameroon’s sustainable development commitments. According to IOM Cameroon, the objective remains to transform human mobility into a source of resilience, economic opportunity and shared prosperity through data-driven policies and stronger institutional partnerships.

Mercy Fosoh