Guinea-Bissau seeks diaspora investment to create jobs for youth

The Government of Guinea-Bissau has intensified efforts to transform migration into a catalyst for economic growth, youth employment and national development by strengthening links between labour mobility, skills development and diaspora investment.

The renewed commitment was highlighted during the Forum on Migration and Development, held in Bissau on June 24, where government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and members of the diaspora gathered to develop a coordinated strategy for leveraging migration to drive sustainable development.

The forum was convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Youth.

According to a statement by IOM, the initiative comes as Guinea-Bissau seeks to diversify an economy that remains heavily dependent on agriculture, fishing and informal economic activities, while grappling with widespread poverty. More than half of the country’s population lives below the national poverty line, making job creation and youth empowerment urgent priorities.

Speaking at the forum, Fatuma Jau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities, said migration has always been a defining feature of Guinea-Bissau’s history and remains an important asset for national development.

According to her, Bissau-Guineans living abroad continue to support families through remittances, facilitate knowledge transfer and serve as ambassadors for the country across the world.

“We are a nation whose history has always been shaped by the movement of people. Our diaspora continues to play a vital role in sustaining households, contributing to the transfer of knowledge and serving as ambassadors of our country”, Jau said.

She stressed the government’s determination to move beyond relying solely on remittances by creating structured opportunities for diaspora members to contribute skills, investments and expertise that can stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for young people.

Participants at the forum examined practical ways of maximising the developmental benefits of migration, strengthening diaspora engagement and expanding opportunities for young people through vocational skills development, entrepreneurship and safe, regular labour mobility pathways.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of seed funding to 21 young entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish businesses and convert innovative ideas into sustainable sources of income.

The financial support, according to IOM, would encourage entrepreneurship, generate employment and demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering young people as drivers of economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the International Organisation for Migration, Aissata Kane, the organisation’s Chief of Mission in Senegal, with coordination responsibilities for Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, described the forum as an important platform for building partnerships around migration and development.

“This forum provides an important opportunity to exchange ideas, identify priorities and strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders to harness migration as a driver of development in Guinea-Bissau,” Kane said.

She noted that effective migration governance requires sustained cooperation among governments, development partners, local communities, the private sector and diaspora networks to unlock the full economic and social benefits of human mobility.

Organisers observed that migration has long shaped Guinea-Bissau’s social and economic landscape and, when properly managed, can contribute significantly to national development by strengthening human capital, promoting investment and creating new opportunities for young people.

They added that bringing together policymakers, businesses, civil society and diaspora representatives under a common agenda marked an important step toward translating dialogue into practical actions capable of improving livelihoods and supporting inclusive economic growth.