At London meeting: Cameroonian Diaspora Investment Council joins gov’t to woo investors.

Among those who participated in the discussions was the President of the Cameroonian Diaspora Investment Council, CDIC, Stanley Enyih. 

His presence added a huge impact on that of Cameroonians living and working abroad.

The London engagement, organised with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, was led on the Cameroonian side, by Finance Minister, Louis Paul Motaze.

The delegation also included the Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Paul Tasong. 

Other members included the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in Charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Félix Mbayu, and other senior officials from several government institutions.

The Minister of Finance, Lous Paul Moatze, described the exercise as an opportunity to understand investor expectations and determine how projects can be structured to attract capital.

The Cameroonian Diaspora Investment Council, CDIC, said the meeting raised important questions as to "how the country better connect with the capital, professional expertise and international networks of its own diaspora". 

CDIC President, Stanley Enyih, said though Cameroonians abroad are found across virtually every major professional field, the “challenge for many has not simply been a lack of interest in Cameroon, but finding structured channels through which that interest can be translated into practical engagement."

He said the London discussions highlighted the need to make that connection more organised.

“There are Cameroonians around the world who want to invest, share their expertise, build businesses and participate in the development of the country. What is needed is a practical bridge between that willingness and the right opportunities and institutions in Cameroon," he noted. 

Enyih said CDIC network currently extends across 18 countries, supported by a digital platform through which members can connect professionally, explore opportunities, participate in meetings and engage with projects and initiatives linked to Cameroon.

CDIC has proposed that government must not communicate separately with numerous disconnected diaspora groups whenever it wants to reach Cameroonians abroad. 

"A structured diaspora platform can help circulate relevant information more widely while creating an organised channel through which professionals, entrepreneurs and potential investors can respond," the group said. 

Gov’t puts projects before investors

Government used the London meetings to present its economic fundamentals, financing requirements and project portfolio while seeking feedback from investors on risk, guarantees, financing instruments and the conditions required for capital to participate. 

According to the Ministry of Finance, the objective is to move beyond promoting Cameroon’s potential and towards projects that are properly structured and attractive to investors.

Priority areas presented during the market-sounding process included energy, transport and logistics, agro-industry, mining and heavy industry, health and pharmaceuticals, and water and sanitation.

For CDIC, the next challenge is ensuring that suitable information on such opportunities does not remain confined to institutional meetings.

The Council plans to make appropriate project and investment information received through official channels available to interested members through its digital platform.

This, they say, will allow diaspora professionals and potential investors to identify opportunities relevant to their sectors and expertise.

"This does not mean CDIC will approve investments or replace public institutions. The Council sees its role primarily as one of mobilisation, information, orientation, connection and facilitation," CDIC President explained, noting that investor confidence goes beyond presenting opportunities. 

"Investors also look at the clarity of procedures, project preparation, risk allocation, financing structures and the predictability of the investment environment," CDIC noted. 

Minister Motaze had during the conversation said the London exercise was specifically intended to hear directly from the market about perceived risks, required guarantees, appropriate financial instruments and the conditions investors need before committing capital.

CDIC president said emotional attachment alone cannot sustain investment of diaspora compatriots. He argued that diaspora investors must also be able to understand which institution is responsible for a procedure, what is required of them and how legitimate difficulties can be addressed.

“For an investor, confidence is built through experience. It is knowing the process, knowing which institution is responsible and having confidence that a serious project can move through the appropriate channels,” he furthered. 

No parallel institution

Officials say one of CDIC’s priorities following the London meeting will be to engage with Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency, IPA, and explore cooperation with existing investment promotion framework.

Under such an arrangement, CDIC officials said it would concentrate on identifying and mobilising diaspora interest, connecting potential investors to the appropriate institutions and communicating relevant opportunities internationally. 

Following the London engagement, CDIC has written to the Minister of External Relations seeking discussions on closer cooperation with embassies and diplomatic missions.

CDIC with membership spread across 18 countries, believes embassies and high commissions could provide an important institutional connection between Cameroon and organised diaspora communities.

"The proposal is not for CDIC to assume diplomatic or consular functions. Instead, the Council wants to explore how its international membership network and digital infrastructure could complement diplomatic efforts in areas such as diaspora outreach, investment information, professional networking and economic engagement," it explained. 

CDIC is also said to be preparing for the Commonwealth Business Forum in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026, where leaders from government and business across the Commonwealth are expected to discuss investment, finance, infrastructure, technology and economic cooperation.

The group also aims to engage institutional partnerships, improve information for diaspora investors, boost connections to credible projects, professional collaboration and clearer routes for Cameroonians abroad who want to participate in the country’s development. 

Diaspora key

CDIC revealed that though for decades, discussions about the African diaspora have often centrered on money sent home, emerging conversations are broader and increasingly about investment capital, businesses, professional expertise, technology, international relationships and knowledge acquired across global markets.

“The diaspora should not only be seen through remittances. There is also knowledge, capital, entrepreneurship, professional experience and international networks. The opportunity is to organise those strengths and connect them with credible opportunities in Cameroon,” CDIC president said. 

For CDIC, as Cameroon seeks to turn international investor interest into projects capable of attracting capital, the London discussions have opened another conversation alongside it. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3912 of Thursday September 17, 2026