Labour Migration: National Dialogue Tackles Brain Drain

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Labour Migration: National Dialogue Tackles Brain Drain

Stakeholders gathered in Yaounde, on September 28 2026, discussed strategies to better govern workforce mobility and harness the economic potential of Cameroon’s migrating professionals.

30 Sep 2026 19:36

C ameroon is examining structural shifts in its national workforce. Meeting in Yaounde on September 28 2026, for the National Strategic Dialogue on Labour Migration Governance, stakeholders evaluated survey data. Figures show that skilled migration is primarily driven by active professionals seeking broader career prospects and social protection rather than the common belief of unem ployment. The summit aimed to transition national policy from brain drain to brain gain by drawing a road map to en able proactive human capital management. Studies by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reveal unma naged emigration risks drain vital sectors of specialized expertise, while a structured framework offers a way to secure migrant rights and channel diaspora resources into local growth. The discussions chaired by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Gregroire Owona, alongside his colleagues of employment and vocational training, and small and medium sized enterprises, revealed that data from 2,394 regular mi grants indicates that 85% hold higher education degrees and 73% were salaried employees before emigrating. Most of these professionals are youths aged 20 to 39 representing 88% of Cameroon’s skilled migrants. However, contrary to expec tation and common belief, most Cameroonian talents express a desire to support Cameroon’s economy from abroad, provided the laws and environment are favourable. This economic reality led lea ders to advocate reform over restriction as Labour Minister Grégoire Owona stressed, “The challenge is not to stop labour migration. Mobility is part of h...