Manyu Diaspora: Do they have a role in the Economic Development of their Division? (Part II) by Simon Etta

Simon Etta:

Advocates for Manyu Economic Revival:

It is not enough to question what Manyu has done for you. We must ask, what have we contributed to the well being and development of Manyu? How much are we giving back or investing? It is only Manyuans who can advocate for their own development. Without a doubt, strangers will not do it for us.

During visits from abroad some of us embark in Limbe, Douala and Yaoundé without ever visiting our towns and villages of origin. How do you develop a place you don’t even know? The portrayal of our division amongst us in the Diaspora has not always been positive. We fail to motivate and instead paint a picture of a division that remains under-developed and in neglect. We talk of Mamfe without a single petrol station, township taxis, decent hotels and restaurants.

The German bridge Mamfe:
It is alright to discuss all our ills, but fail to ask what we have done to produce a cure. Isn’t time we challenge ourselves to a higher order for the economic progression of Manyu? Besides, we have stakes as the educated and well financed class. Now is the time for the Diaspora to advocate for the economic rebirth of the division.

Market in Mamfe:
A Vibrant private sector:

The Diaspora has a chance to strengthen the private sector in Manyu. The existence of a vibrant private sector with warehouses, IT and industrial training centers, to cater for a 21st century workforce, shops, banks, private schools etc will benefit the masses and economy, creating jobs and employment. By us playing an active role, small businesses will operate on the basis of wealth, ideas and skills learned from the Diaspora, thus facilitating the transfer of technology and sound business practices.


In the old days, our parents cultivated and opened small size farms for food consumption. Manyu has plenty of vast forest land for us to implement industrial farm practices, cultivating hectares of farmland for palms, cocoa, coffee, and cash crops such as cassava, plantains. What about snail and fish farming, a sector with a ready market that fetches quick returns.

Tinapa - free trade zone Calabar:
Legal Cross Border Trade:

Although trade is often cited as the best solution to Africa’s problems, the irony is, many countries find difficulties trading formally with each other. Custom duties, tariffs and other barriers tend to hinder intra-country trade.

For many years, informal cross border trade between Manyu and Nigeria has manifested an inseparable economic link of the communities living along the borders. The tarring of the Ekok – Mamfe road will hence open doors for formal trading. The Diaspora can infuse capital by setting up warehouses in Mamfe. These storage facilities will be a replica of “John Holt”, and serve as distribution points for wholesale trading and employment.

Furthermore, Manyu benefits from Tinapa in Calabar, the premier Africa business and leisure resort free trade zone. Tinapa is the Dubai of Africa and no other free trade zone offers similar services in the West/Central African region. Manyu also has a dynamic opportunity to ensure food security by availing markets for its agricultural products. Large markets are good incentives for our farmers to produce more. The Manyu Diaspora can play an active role in this sector through partnerships and joint ventures.

Infrastructure development:

Many of us own and live in decent housing abroad. However, when we return home to visit, we end up in hotels or put up with friends. One simple and obvious reason is because the infrastructures we left behind are no longer comfortable and lack basic amenities.

A few years ago, former Minister of Environment Chief Clarkson Mbianyor challenged every Manyu elite to build a house in their division of origin. The idea of owning a piece of property in Manyu is meant to help us strengthen ties with our families and division. Besides being a lifelong investment, it encourages us to make frequent visits as custodians instead of passive observers in our own land of birth. There is no better pride for a Manyu person than a simple investment of owning a piece of his own property. “Show me your house, show me your farm, or better let us die in our poverty” (Clarkson Mbianyor).

All it takes is for us to engage a Nigerian or Ghanaian in a conversation and he will tell you of his investments back home. We can definitely acquire knowledge about community development from these people. The Manyu Diaspora can help boost the economy by embarking on infrastructure development projects which employ our youths and spur economic activities. If ten Diasporas per year were to invest in building construction, the net gain for the Manyu economy will be less unemployment, increased commerce and wealth distribution. Every sector of the economy will benefit as well as the investor, and even in Manyu real estate do appreciate in value over the long term.

Manyu rain forest - idle for large scale agriculture plantations:

The Diaspora needs to assist in the establishment of small and medium enterprises (SME) and engage in large scale agriculture production to accelerate economic achievement. There is no doubt the Diaspora can contribute their quota and make an impact.

What Manyu needs is development and empowerment at all levels. No single person, group or organization has a monopoly of ideas or policies that can lead to Manyu’s economic evolution. It is therefore apparent we need an inclusive strategy and not one that is exclusive. We need a development strategy founded on the ideals that unite us and core principles that can uplift our people and economy. Because there is so much that unites than divides us, we have to confront new ways of doing things. To achieve this, we have to be creative and be challenged to contribute our quota. Manyu is our pride, to help develop it; we must therefore have a shift in mindsets and not only follow but act, guide and lead.

About the writer:

Simon Etta has been an active member of MECA Washington since 1989 and served as chapter President. He strongly supports the activities of MEDWC and manages its blog and website (http://www.medwc.org/) during his spare time. Mr. Etta is a telecommunication executive; he lives and works in Baltimore, Maryland. He can be reached by email: ecotelusa2002@yahoo.com

Manyu Diaspora: Do they have a role in the Economic development of their Division? (Part I) by Simon Etta.

Justice Hilman Egbe (then Minister of Forestry) visits Washington DC and meets with Manyu community.


From the Americas through Europe to Africa, the Manyu Diaspora’s role in the development of its division continues to decline as compared to similar ethnic groupings. Groups from Cameroon, and other African countries like Nigeria, have time and again jointly committed substantial resources during conventions, and other annual gatherings to raise funds and implement major projects in their homelands of origin. Lately, instead of moving forward, the Manyu Diaspora has shown a tendency to divide and conquer, argue, bicker, belittle one another, disrespect elders and women and at the same time lack a sense of humility. We all want to be leaders with no followers even when it means burning down the same house it took us years to build. Whatever happened to the community spirit, sense of purpose and one voice (eyongemot)? Is our arrogance a curse or a genetic disposition?

Credible data on the number of Manyu elements pursuing education or working as professionals abroad is lacking. However, estimates put the number of our people overseas at close to a few thousands. The irony is that, this vast wealth of economic power consisting of students and professionals has not done much collectively to advance economic and social development back home. Whereas many belong to organizations like MECA and NOMA, the average contributions from individuals on enlisted projects has been very little to make an impact. MECA has for many years been run as a cultural organization and has been successful in promoting our rich culture abroad. However, cultural preservation alone will not foster needed development. We must start to embrace economic and social initiatives as part of the overall MECA development framework. For some, the status quo of relishing in our comfort and privileges while our division continues to struggle is simply unacceptable. We need to do much more in the long term to ensure that Manyu once again become the beacon of hope for the younger generation. This noble vision can be achieved. All it takes is the initiative, leadership and “a can do attitude”. When each of us collectively and through partnerships decides to do something, the cumulative effect can be huge. What then is our role in the development of Manyu? The answer is, there is none for now unless we reassess our priorities and become proactive.

Portion of the Mamfe - Ekok Road (soon to be tarred - ADB project)
As Manyu awaits the completion of the Numba – Bachuo road and the eventual tarring of Ekok- Mamfe, the Manyu Diaspora is well placed now more than ever to not only help in strengthening support, but more importantly make practical economic contribution to accelerate growth and development. There is no question that the Diaspora is seen and regarded as an important stakeholder. After all, it has at its disposition the highest number of intellectuals and high income earners out of the division who collectively or as individuals can make an everlasting impact in development. It is true some have started, but only a minority who truly believe they can make a difference are doing so.


Custodians of the rich Manyu culture - display Ekpe attire

Without dwelling on the role of the MECA’s abroad which have become weakened in recent times due to infighting and squabbles, the Manyu Diaspora has organized itself into a myriad of small groups. Groups such as subdivisions, villages, quarters and even families do co-exist with each involved in some form of development effort and virtual networks. Despite their small memberships, these unique groups enhance culture and provide long term commitment to the development of their communities with modest efforts. It is therefore reasonable to surmise that, grand style development programs can still originate from these groups if properly planned. Now is the time therefore for the Diaspora to wake up and provide the necessary impetus for its development. We believe such contributions can come in the following areas:


Part II – to be continued.

The modern day African Entrepreneur: Balance between success and failure.

Whereas striving to become independently wealthy is the American dream, being self employed can be termed an American destiny. Almost 70% of all U.S. business revenue is accounted for by small business. They also account for half of the private workforce and national output. Small businesses fill niche markets, boast competition, provide market innovation, and offer an opportunity to create wealth.

Every day the opportunities for self employment grow but in most Africans economies, the primary source of employment is government first and business second. The idea of of running your own business although varied and enticing is often a challenge to many. For one thing, governments in Africa make it so difficult to set up a business. The bureaucracy and upfront taxes are a compounding nightmare. Despite these roadblocks, a few daring Africans venture into small business and eventually succeed. Ideally, if you want to run a business and become an entrepreneur, you must have a passion – passion for your product or service, passion for day to day rewards and challenges of being your own boss and dealing with a diverse and demanding clientele.

For some people, the decision to start a business may be based on factors such as the need to make a living, work at your own pace, do something after retirement or simply own a business and make lots of money. To begin with, the aspiring African entrepreneur needs to firstly identify what motivates him or her. For some people, the fear of starting a business is a willingness to take risks. By taking risks, it implies working in an environment that allows you to try out new approaches that are distinctively yours. It also implies taking an approach that goes beyond conventional practice; the risk taker believes he or she can provide a service or product that can not only compete with others but goes above that which others offer.

Quite often when one visits Africa and meets a relative or friend, the first thing they demand is money to start a business. The next question one tends to ask; what type of business and how much do you need. Without any serious thought, the casual response is - I just wish to start something and any amount will do. What this indicates is that the prospective entrepreneur does not have a business plan, and there is every indication the business will fail. Sometimes we meet friends or family who were in business and after a year, they tell stories of failure. On careful examination and analysis you later discover, they did not spend much time managing the business and hired relatives who instead helped to run it down. We are therefore left to ponder, why do some small businesses in Africa stumble so fast?

At some time in the life of a business, most will experience failure due to over taxation from the government or loose financial controls. Besides arbitrary tax policies that stifle growth, most of the prevailing reasons small business fail in Africa are poor management, insufficient capital, poor location, and lack of planning and in some cases expanding too quickly. Most new business owners in Africa frequently lack the relevant business and management expertise. They tend to lack the expertise in hiring and managing employees, finance and book keeping. Because small business owners in Africa tend to hire relatives, they are not alert to fraud until the situation becomes uncontrollable. These individuals neglect their business and forget to take regular care to study, plan, organize and control all activities of the operation. Due to the excitement and anxiety in owing a business, the African entrepreneur fails to ascertain how much the business will need not only in startup cost, but operating cost. The reason is business takes about a year or two to get off the ground and therefore enough funds are needed to cover all initial cost for those early years.

Lack of business planning is common amongst Africans wishing to get into business, having a business plan is critical in setting goals. Most start up entrepreneurs are so fast to get the business running and neglect to write down their business plan. In essence, your business plan should include a detail outline that evaluates the economic viability of your business. Since a business plan is the roadmap to chart the course of the business and eventual success, it must outline your business purpose, goals, profile and economic assessment.

According to the U.S. small business administration, (SBA), you will have a better chance of entrepreneurial success if you have a passion for what you will be doing and believe your product or service will fulfill a need in the marketplace. Besides possessing a mental stamina to withstand potential challenges, success comes with having a drive, determination, patience and a positive attitude. Eventually, you will make mistakes and have failures, however do not defeat yourself by building on failures. Every small business man must strive on independence and be skilled at taking charge when a creative solution is needed. The successful entrepreneur has to be compassionate, provide good customer service, like your fellow man, show honesty and integrity when interacting with others.

Ultimately, everyone is drawn into business to create wealth and become wealthy. The reality is the African entrepreneur has a stepper hill to climb. African governments must realize as the U.S. did a long time ago that small businesses are the drivers of any striving economy. Small businesses hire more people than the government and if allowed to operate in a free market where competition reins, will contribute immensely to the national output. The success of any new business hinges on the owner. For any business that strives to succeed, failure is never an option. Armed with a determination and a positive outlook the successful African entrepreneur must view any setback as an opportunity to learn and grow. Some self made African millionaires have been known to possess average education and intelligence. However, what distinguishes them is their openness to new knowledge and willingness to learn what it takes to succeed even in a hostile environment where the tax man is overzealous and arbitrarily assess tax on income and inventory.

The Falling Standards in Manyu Schools:

Secondary high school in Manyu Division

In educational cycles, it is generally accepted that competence and commitment of teachers should be the most important determinant of learning outcomes. However, it is difficult to find any systematic studies that have been undertaken on motivational and incentive issues among teachers in Cameroon. Furthermore, it has not been possible to find a study that tracks levels and determinants of teacher motivation and deployment to schools in different parts of the country such as Manyu. Nonetheless, there is strong generalization to conclude, the standards of education in Manyu division are on a downward spiral. Solid evidence based on current GCE results and that of a few years back point a bleak picture. The truth of the matter is educational standards in Manyu schools are actually declining and the long term impact on the social and economic development of the division will be felt for many years, a situation which calls for prompt and impacting intervention.

For most University and Secondary school graduates in African countries, teaching has become employment of the last resort. Consequently, some teachers often lack a strong long term commitment to the vocation. Quite often the status and pay of a primary school teacher is much lower. Thus becoming a secondary school teacher with higher pay stands out as an avenue for social and economic advancement. This trend has important implications for the development of a critical mass of competent and experience teachers in primary schools and this is where early learning begins.

Secondary School Students.

In areas like Manyu, the problem is exacerbated because teachers at both the secondary and primary level refuse to teach in certain communities due to many prevailing infrastructure problems, notably bad roads, acute electricity, water shortages and finally pay incentives. In general, the motivation for teachers at the public education system to perform well is frequently weak due to ineffective incentives and standards. Low pay forces large proportion of teachers to earn secondary income from other sources such as private tutoring. Where teachers bribe to secure employment and desired postings, this may also impact on job commitment and motivation. In these situations, teachers do not feel accountable to school Principals, parents or the wider community. Being posted to a rural school is therefore likely to de-motivate the teacher, and with a low proportion of qualified teachers in rural areas, this amounts to lower standards and failing grades. Another problem is teacher absenteeism due to poor motivation and lack of accountability. As compared to private schools, absenteeism is lower because sanctions are imposed for those absent with no legitimate reasons.

The educational sub-committee of the first Manyu world conference in 1996 had as a term of reference to seek ways and means of promoting academic excellence. In its final report, the sub-committee suggested the following ways to redress the situation:

a) Equip schools with libraries, workshops and functional laboratories. The public should be involved in motivating our children in science based professional, vocational and technical careers. Improve the academic staff in our institutions by providing funds for teachers in disciplines that are related to desired careers.
b) Creation of academic foundations, even those at local levels could be encouraged to promote academic excellence e.g. Dr. Mengot Foundation.
c) Manyu sons and daughters teaching outside must be prepared to come back home whenever they are, to enhance performance in certain fields.
d) Finally, the committee recommended the processing of documents for the acquisition of a plot and the approval of the opening the Manyu polytechnic.

Almost twelve years later, the Manyu economic development world conference met in Eyumojock in 2008. This time around the education committee had a term of reference “poor performance in Manyu schools and how this can be avoided”. The committee identified three problems; lack of teachers, hostile environment and lack of motivation and low pay for PTA teachers. Here are some of the proposed solutions:

a) Training programs to motivate teachers should be organized as well as sourcing for necessary funds.
b) Meritorious Manyu teachers should be awarded certificates of excellence so as to motivate them.
c) Teachers should inculcate a culture of commitment and patriotism.
d) Everybody in society should partake in the training of children.

Based on these committee reports, we recognized the issue of falling standards in our schools almost a decade ago. It is true that lowly qualified and ill motivated teachers will never provide the quality of education needed. There is also evidence of lack of proper infrastructure and congenial environment for effective learning especially with schools in our rural areas. School fees are a barrier especially to our kids from poor backgrounds. Unlike fifteen years ago when the only secondary high school was in Mamfe town with good infrastructure and teachers, most of our students attend government sponsored schools in villages.

MEDWC donates technology equipment to area schools. In order to tackle the falling standards of education in Manyu since most schools are now in our rural communities, we must initiate innovation that could help schools excel in exams to enable the division take its prime position in the educational records of the country. Parents and stakeholders need to exercise control over headmasters, principals and teachers by attending PTA meetings and contributing to infrastructure development. Manyu politicians and those in positions of influence must address entrenched teacher deployment policies in Manyu. Effective decentralization over staffing is the, most effective way of ensuring a more transparent, equitable and efficient deployment of teachers to Manyu urban and area schools. The system should not only force Manyu indigenes to teach in their land of birth but also encourage and motivate them with incentives.