Gov’t, IOM explore economic opportunities linked with migration.

According to information published by the Ministry of Finance and IOM Cameroon, discussions focused on how migration, diaspora engagement and human mobility can contribute to the country’s sustainable development objectives.

During the meeting, the two parties examined ways of reinforcing collaboration in areas linked to migration and development, mobilisation of diaspora potential, productive investment and entrepreneurship. They also stressed the need for policies that support the socio-economic reintegration of returning Cameroonians and maximise the economic benefits of migration.

According to the Ministry of Finance, migration is increasingly being considered as an economic variable requiring coordinated public action. The discussions highlighted the links between human mobility, investment, human capital, climate resilience and economic growth.

Focus on diaspora remittances 

One of the key issues raised during the meeting was the contribution of the Cameroonian diaspora to the national economy. According to IOM Cameroon, Cameroonians living abroad send nearly FCFA 652 billion, equivalent to about USD 1.2 billion, back to the country each year. These remittances, the IOM noted, support households across the country and represent a significant source of external financial inflows.

The meeting also explored opportunities to channel a greater share of these resources into productive sectors, entrepreneurship initiatives and local development projects. 

IOM shared its global experience in helping governments maximise the benefits of migration through programmes promoting diaspora engagement, labour mobility, youth socio-economic inclusion, digital migration services and community resilience.

The organisation noted that migration can contribute to development through investment, skills transfer and knowledge sharing. The approach is reflected in the IOM’s broader work on migration and development, which identifies migrants and diasporas as contributors to economic growth and sustainable development. 

The meeting also reviewed ongoing efforts to support the reintegration of returning migrants. According to the Ministry of Finance, IOM has assisted nearly 10,000 Cameroonians through return and reintegration programmes over the past four years. These initiatives, the ministry said, have contributed to the creation of more than 4,900 businesses in partnership with national institutions.

It is worth mentioning that the discussions come amid broader policy reflections on migration and development in Cameroon. During the Permanent African Dialogue held in Yaounde in April 2026, policymakers, investors and international organisations called for migration to be integrated into economic planning through systems that link skills development, employment, labour mobility and investment.

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 aligned with the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 and Cameroon’s sustainable development objectives.

According to IOM Cameroon, the objective is to strengthen partnerships and data-driven solutions that can transform human mobility into opportunities for economic inclusion, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3869 of Wednesday August 05, 2026