Investing back home: Prof Mbarika hails gov’t support to diaspora.

The endowed Professor, who sits atop the Board of Trustees of the ICT University worldwide, showered the praises on the government Sunday. 

This was during his participation on Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV flagship Sunday programme, Press Hour.

Commenting on the topic of the day: “Is the diaspora encouraged enough to invest in Cameroon?”, Prof Mbarika, who for nearly two decades, has invested in the education in Cameroon, was of the affirmative.

Prof Mbarika who was full of praises for government, said he was a proud beneficiary of Yaounde’s efforts in encouraging Cameroonians to invest back home.

He was blunt that: “I don’t care what anybody says, the Government of Cameroon is extremely supportive of diaspora investment in our country. I have traveled across the developing world more than 99% of Cameroonians, and you only begin to truly appreciate what we have at home when you experience other parts of the world the way I have”.

Admitting that challenges exist, Prof Mbarika was quick to argue that no serious nation is without challenges. 

Recalling the recent misunderstanding between the ICT University and the University of Buea, UB, Prof Mbarika noted that: “Many of you are aware of some recent challenges I personally faced while in the country. However, I can state without hesitation that the Cameroon government went above and beyond to resolve the situation”.

“This is not hearsay, and it is not innuendo. This is my direct personal experience, with intervention at the highest levels of government,” he said stating that “…moments like that make me proud once again to be a Cameroonian and to carry the flag of our nation all over the world”.

He said despite challenges, government remains very supportive of diaspora investment, and “many of our people are taking advantage of these opportunities in a positive and productive way, instead of complaining day and night”.

“Take a serious look at what is happening across the country today- apartments going up, hotels being built, schools opening, agricultural projects expanding, filling stations multiplying…the diaspora is investing big time back home. These are men and women working hard abroad, succeeding in Cameroon and in other African countries, and bringing their successes back home to build the nation”, he said.

Don’t complain, build the nation

Prof Mbarika, during the TV programme, had regretted that some Cameroonians spend all their time on social media insulting the country and insulting the government. 

He said: “While they talk, others are building. I am making it big time, and many others are too, while some will keep running their mouths and suffering in their little corners abroad”.

“The saddest part is that this same negative diaspora sometimes encourages their younger brothers and sisters back home to do nothing; they just stay on social media insulting people, while in reality, they are struggling, sometimes with no food, no opportunity, and no direction,” he hammered.

“Look at a small town like Buea; a huge part of the development you see today is because of the diaspora- the Bush Fallers, as my people in Buea like to call them. There are houses, businesses and private projects everywhere. Buea is booming”, he added.

He praised some Cameroonians for believing in their country.

“Imagine what this country would look like if all of us decided to invest even more, instead of discouraging others? I know there are people who will never see anything good about our country or about our government. That is their choice. But one thing is certain: we must build this country ourselves. The Whiteman will not do it for us”, Prof Mbarika concluded.

Hailed for unmatched marketing of Cameroon abroad

Meanwhile, in an outing following Prof Mbarika’s TV participation, a concerned diasporan, commenting on social media, described the globally-acclaimed University don as the de facto Roving Ambassador for African diaspora.

He said in recent remarks, Prof Mbarika has been praising the role of government in encouraging and supporting diaspora investment in the country, noting that many development projects across Cameroon today are being driven by Cameroonians living abroad.

He quoted Prof Mbarika as acknowledging that while challenges certainly exist, his personal experience shows that the government can and does intervene at the highest levels to facilitate legitimate investment initiatives back home. 

The diasporan quoted Prof Mbarika as pointing to visible growth in sectors such as real estate, agriculture, education, and hospitality as evidence that diaspora confidence in Cameroon remains strong.

He said observers have increasingly noted Prof Mbarika’s active engagement with Cameroonian communities abroad, as well as his frequent travels between Africa, Europe, and the United States; to promote academic, agricultural, and economic collaborations.

“Because of this growing role, many are already referring to Prof Mbarika as the de facto Roving Ambassador for African diaspora. He is encouraging investment in Cameroon, defending the continent’s image, and promoting stronger ties between Cameroon and its citizens abroad”, he stated.

“Whether official or unofficial, one thing is clear: voices like Prof Mbarika, in the diaspora who choose to build rather than complain, are playing a major role in promoting investment back home and shaping Cameroon’s future for common good”, he added. 

The article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3740 of Tuesday March 24, 2026