The Cameroonian Minister of Labour and Social Security, Grégoire Owona, chaired a national strategic dialogue in Yaoundé on September 29, 2026, to address the governance of skills mobility. The meeting, co-organized with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aims to transform global migratory pressure into a development lever. With 1.3 million job openings in Italy, over 500,000 immigrants targeted in Canada, and seven million unfilled positions in Germany, the North is facing a labor shortage, while the South, particularly Cameroon, has a wealth of talent.
The national dialogue focuses on creating opportunities for Cameroonian workers and harnessing the potential of the country's human capital. According to Minister Owona, Cameroon's significant human capital must be leveraged to address the global demand for labor. The country's National Migration Policy for Labour aims to achieve this goal, developed in partnership with the African Union and implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
The IOM's Chief of Mission in Cameroon, Abdel Rahmane Diop, emphasized that it is time for action, not further studies. He presented the profile of potential migrants based on a survey of 2,054 individuals. Contrary to common perceptions of desperate migration, the survey revealed that candidates are qualified, already employed, and contributing to the national economy. Notably, 85% of respondents hold a university degree, 73% are salaried, and 88% are between 20 and 39 years old.
The survey also highlighted the growing feminization of the labor force, with 44% of respondents being women. Diop stressed that the National Migration Policy must integrate a gender dimension to be effective. The policy aims to create a framework for managing labor migration, protecting the rights of migrant workers, and promoting sustainable development.
The national dialogue brings together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss ways to manage labor migration and harness its potential for development. The participants will examine strategies to promote the mobility of skills, protect the rights of migrant workers, and address the root causes of brain drain. The outcome of the dialogue is expected to inform the implementation of the National Migration Policy.
Cameroon faces significant challenges in managing its human capital, with many skilled workers emigrating to other countries in search of better opportunities. The government aims to create an enabling environment for workers to contribute to the country's development. By turning migratory pressure into a development opportunity, Cameroon hopes to reduce brain drain and promote sustainable economic growth.
The national strategic dialogue on migration and skills governance is a crucial step towards achieving Cameroon's development goals. The implementation of the National Migration Policy will require collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and civil society. By working together, Cameroon can harness the potential of its human capital and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government aims to transform global migratory pressure into a development lever by creating opportunities for its skilled workforce.
- The National Migration Policy for Labour seeks to promote the mobility of skills, protect the rights of migrant workers, and address the root causes of brain drain.
- The policy must integrate a gender dimension to effectively address the needs of female migrant workers.
