On July 8, 2026, Cameroon will host the second edition of the international conference organized by the Higher Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship of Douala. Announced by RD Agency, the meeting aims to explore how diaspora communities can spark sustainable transformation on the continent, focusing on key sectors of the Cameroonian economy.
With more than 2.5 million Cameroonians living abroad, the diaspora represents an invaluable source of capital, skills, and ideas. Remittance flows amount each year to nearly 1.2 % of the national GDP, a financial lever that, if intelligently channeled, can support large‑scale local projects ranging from agro‑industry to renewable energy.
Diaspora entrepreneurs have already shown their ability to create tech start‑ups, introduce innovative business models, and mobilize networks of international investors. Initiatives such as the Douala‑Paris incubators or crowdfunding platforms illustrate the potential of these actors to energize Cameroon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The conference is issuing a call for contributions, inviting researchers, business leaders, and civil‑society representatives to submit their work ahead of the plenary session. This approach is part of the Institute’s research programme, which seeks to produce concrete recommendations for public and private decision‑makers, aligning diaspora projects with the country’s sustainable development goals.
Nevertheless, several obstacles remain. Brain‑drain, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and a lack of digital infrastructure hinder the full exploitation of diaspora human capital. Strengthened cooperation between Cameroonian authorities and diaspora organisations is essential to create an environment conducive to innovation and investment.
Organisers anticipate that the conference will result in a multipartite action plan, including targeted tax incentives, the establishment of regional centers of excellence, and the strengthening of local capacities. These measures aim to turn ideas into concrete projects capable of generating sustainable jobs and boosting Cameroon’s competitiveness in global markets.
Ultimately, this second edition of the conference represents a unique opportunity for Cameroon to capitalize on its diaspora capital. By converting the skills and resources of Cameroonians abroad into engines of growth, the country can chart a resilient path toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.
