The city of Yaoundé hosted an innovative initiative aimed at transforming the perception of African migration. On April 28, 2026, the first edition of the Permanent African Dialogue took place, addressing migration not only from the perspective of brain drain or the tragedies associated with exile, but as a potential lever for economic development.
Organized under the high patronage of the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education, the event brought together over 400 participants, including young leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, institutional officials, and members of the diaspora. Discussions focused primarily on how to structure and sustainably finance African youth systems, thereby transforming migration into an asset rather than a symptom of a lack of opportunities.
A key concept emerged from the exchanges: to consider migration as a journey to be organized rather than a simple departure to be prevented. The idea is to enable young Africans to leave for training, to circulate to expand their networks, and to return to undertake or invest in their countries of origin. This approach highlights the importance of facilitating the recognition of skills acquired abroad, supporting temporary or permanent returns, and channeling diaspora savings towards productive projects.
Political scientist Nadine Machikou emphasized the need to align youth policies with African realities, as migration often remains a response to a lack of local prospects rather than a strategic choice. The challenge, therefore, lies in transforming this mobility into economic, social, and institutional value.
A 48-hour hackathon highlighted the vitality of innovation driven by Cameroonian youth, while also underscoring persistent obstacles such as difficult access to financing and insufficient support. Proposed solutions include facilitating free movement in Central Africa, developing digital educational tools, and more structured mobilization of the diaspora.
In conclusion, this first edition of the Permanent African Dialogue has refocused the debate on African migration, emphasizing the creation of favorable conditions for skills development, investment, and economic growth. The event underscored the importance of not only curbing departures but also enabling young people to stay, leave, or return within better-structured frameworks. The meeting highlighted the potential of the African diaspora as direct investors in their countries of origin, thereby contributing to the development of various sectors such as manufacturing, technology, real estate, and SMEs.
