Cameroonian Diaspora Entrepreneurs Showcase Success Stories

A delegation of Cameroonian diaspora parliamentarians, led by Louis Henri Ngantcha, has been visiting Douala since May 5 to explore businesses launched by fellow diaspora members. The goal is to assess the challenges faced by these entrepreneurs and provide support. The tour aims to encourage hesitant diaspora members to invest in Cameroon. The parliamentarians visited the Douala Grand Mall, an initiative by Mathurin Kamdem, a Cameroonian diaspora member who invested in the country.

The Douala Grand Mall, guided by its director Caroline Bapeck-Yoba, a diaspora member herself, impressed the parliamentarians with its modern infrastructure and vast array of services. The mall employs 700 to 1,000 people daily and features 140 shops, stores, and restaurants. Ngantcha praised the mall, saying it rivals those in Europe and showcases the potential of Cameroonian diaspora entrepreneurs.

The parliamentarians also visited Kingue Bapeck's high-tech equipment sales and distribution store within the mall. Bapeck's innovative sales solutions have enabled him to establish a strong presence in the rapidly evolving industry. He cited the influx of multinational companies setting up in Cameroon as motivation for returning to launch his logistics and distribution structure.

The Rep-Cod network's visit aims to demonstrate that investing in Cameroon is possible and to identify areas where diaspora entrepreneurs need support. By engaging with successful business owners, the parliamentarians hope to encourage more diaspora members to invest in the country. This initiative aligns with the Cameroonian government's efforts to promote economic growth and development.

The tour also highlights the growing trend of diaspora members returning to Cameroon to invest and contribute to the country's economy. This shift is driven by the government's investment incentives and the growing consumer market. As more diaspora members return, they bring new skills, ideas, and capital, which can help drive economic growth.

According to Ngantcha, the Rep-Cod network will continue to support and promote diaspora-led businesses. The network aims to create a platform for diaspora entrepreneurs to share experiences, access resources, and receive guidance. By doing so, they hope to foster a thriving ecosystem of Cameroonian diaspora entrepreneurs.

The visit by the Rep-Cod network demonstrates the government's commitment to engaging with the diaspora community and promoting economic development. As Cameroon continues to attract investment from diaspora members, the government must ensure that the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place to facilitate growth and success.

Key points

• The Rep-Cod network's visit showcases successful Cameroonian diaspora-led businesses, aiming to encourage more diaspora members to invest in the country.