Council engages Cameroon’s Prime Minister and Investment Promotion Agency during Commonwealth meetings in Antigua and Barbuda, opening discussions on institutional cooperation and diaspora investment.
9 November 2026 | St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda | CDIC Communications
The Cameroonian Diaspora Investment Council (CDIC) has concluded an international mission to Antigua and Barbuda, where participation in the 2026 Commonwealth meetings led to discussions with Cameroonian government representatives, investment promotion officials and international business leaders.
Represented by its Secretary General, Linus Tayong, CDIC attended the Commonwealth Business Forum and related activities associated with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The mission included a brief exchange with His Excellency Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister and Head of Government of Cameroon, and discussions with Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency (API) about possible institutional cooperation.
The engagements formed part of CDIC’s work to connect investment opportunities in Cameroon with the capital, expertise and professional networks of Cameroonians living abroad.
A Commonwealth platform for trade and investment
The 14th Commonwealth Business Forum took place from 2 to 4 November 2026 at the Sticky Wicket Cricket Ground in Antigua and Barbuda under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”. CDIC’s wider mission ran from 1 to 5 November.
The official Forum brochure describes a Commonwealth network of 56 countries, representing approximately 2.7 billion people and a combined GDP of US$15 trillion. The programme brought together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders to examine global trade, investment mobilisation, the Blue Economy, climate finance, supply-chain resilience and healthcare.
Further sessions addressed small businesses, women entrepreneurs, renewable energy and technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing and digital payments. The Forum was associated with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), the Commonwealth’s accredited business network.
Engagement with the Prime Minister of Cameroon
During the Commonwealth meetings, Linus Tayong had the opportunity to meet briefly with Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute. He introduced CDIC and drew the Prime Minister’s attention to a formal request for an audience previously submitted by the Council.
According to CDIC’s official mission report, the Prime Minister welcomed the introduction and expressed openness to further dialogue. The encounter provided an opportunity to bring the Council’s work to the attention of the Head of Government and established a basis for following up through the appropriate official channels.
As an independent nonprofit organisation registered in France, CDIC seeks constructive relationships with Cameroonian public institutions while promoting responsible diaspora participation in national development.
Investment Promotion Agency and CDIC discuss cooperation
A central engagement took place during the Cameroon Investment Breakfast, a roundtable organised by Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency. Participants identified in CDIC’s mission report included Professor Cheka Cosmas, representing the Government of Cameroon; Cham Etienne Bama, associated with CWEIC; Philippa Martinelli of Financial Innovation for Impact; and Dhruv Patel of Nisai Group.
Professor Cheka Cosmas presented Cameroon’s investment potential, citing its natural resources, strategic location, bilingual business environment and access to markets within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC).
Following the session, Linus Tayong held discussions with Bitchoka Nkak Calvin Achile, representing API. Mr. Achile acknowledged receipt of CDIC’s formal request for an audience addressed to the Agency’s Board Chairperson, Dr. Diane Acha-Morfaw. Their exchange covered potential cooperation in industrial development, infrastructure, agriculture, agro-industry and energy.
The discussion also considered the possibility of a Memorandum of Understanding between CDIC and API. A future framework could address investment information sharing, diaspora outreach, project identification, investor introductions and investment promotion activities. No agreement has yet been signed, and further discussions will be required.
Energy, agriculture and investment readiness
The Forum’s emphasis on renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, agricultural production and trade connectivity was closely relevant to the Council’s investment mandate. CDIC’s wider project network includes opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture and digital infrastructure, including PriVida’s proposed 17 MW solar mini-grid programme in Cameroon.
CDIC aims to facilitate suitable introductions between project promoters, investors and institutional partners. The Council recognises that prospective investors need credible project documentation, transparent commercial arrangements and a clear understanding of applicable regulatory requirements. Discussions in Antigua underscored the value of working with established investment promotion institutions to improve access to reliable information.
Extending business relationships beyond Africa
The Forum also enabled engagement with business interests from the Caribbean and other Commonwealth markets. The host country’s investment agenda highlighted tourism, construction, agriculture, financial services and renewable energy, alongside commercial links with North America, the United Kingdom and neighbouring Caribbean economies.
For CDIC, these exchanges provided an opportunity to introduce Cameroon-related investment interests to prospective partners beyond traditional diaspora markets. Any prospective cooperation will require direct follow-up and assessment.
Entrepreneurship, women’s economic participation and technology
Discussions on entrepreneurship, digital innovation and access to opportunity also reflected CDIC’s community development priorities for 2027. The Council is developing programmes focused on graduate mentorship and employment support, women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, and digital education for children in underserved communities.
Through these initiatives, CDIC intends to connect professionals, educators, entrepreneurs and technical specialists from its international network with people and communities in Cameroon. The Council is seeking partners able to contribute relevant expertise, programme design support and resources. The Forum reinforced the importance of linking training and mentorship to practical economic opportunities.
Participation in Commonwealth leadership discussions
CDIC’s Secretary General attended high-level discussions on economic resilience, international cooperation, the Blue Economy and shared prosperity, as well as a Heads of Government Executive Session as a delegate. A plenary discussion included contributions from senior Commonwealth leaders, including Rwanda’s President and Jamaica’s Prime Minister.
These sessions offered a broader view of the policies and partnerships shaping investment and development across Commonwealth countries and provided opportunities to meet participants from government, business and international organisations.
Next steps: following through on institutional discussions
The Antigua mission has given CDIC several matters to pursue. The possible framework for cooperation with API is a principal priority, alongside follow-up on the Council’s audience request to the Prime Minister and continued engagement with business and institutional contacts made during the Forum.
The value of the mission will be measured by the quality of the relationships maintained, the proposals developed and the investment or development opportunities that can be properly assessed and advanced.
Appreciation and acknowledgements
CDIC thanks the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth organisers and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council for providing a platform for government and business dialogue.
The Council extends particular appreciation to Mrs. Lukong Mirabelle Keafon, Second Counsellor at the Cameroon High Commission in London, for her assistance in facilitating official connections with the Cameroon delegation. CDIC also acknowledges the representatives of Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency and the business and institutional stakeholders who engaged with its delegation.
CDIC will continue to pursue institutional relationships that support investment, enterprise development and opportunities for Cameroonian professionals and communities.
This is truly amazing! Kudos to CDIC for the outstanding work and for creating such a wonderful opportunity to build, empower, and support Cameroon. Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Evette, for your thoughtful message and encouragement. We truly appreciate your support and hope to see more Cameroonians join us in this effort.
This is truly impressive! Huge congratulations to CDIC for the remarkable work and for providing such a valuable platform to drive investment, create opportunities, and contribute to the growth and development of Cameroon. More grace and greater achievements ahead.
Thank you, Evette, for your thoughtful message and encouragement. We truly appreciate your support and hope to see more Cameroonians join us in this effort.
Another great milestone for CDIC! It’s inspiring to see the progress we’re making in building government relationships and creating investment opportunities for our diaspora. Thank you, Mr. President, and the entire leadership team for your dedication and hard work. The future is promising!