Cameroon Marriage Trends: 80% of Women Do Not Marry for Love – Agbor Gilbert

Is love still the driving factor behind marriage in Cameroon, or are economic motivations taking precedence? This ongoing debate has drawn renewed attention following remarks by Cameroonian filmmaker and Cameroon International Film Festival CEO, Agbor Gilbert Ebot.

Speaking candidly, Ebot stated:
“80% of Cameroonian girls did not marry for love; they married who was ready—financially!”

Although Ebot did not reference any formal research, his statement reflects a sentiment that is often expressed on social media and in local communities. Terms such as “Oduguwu husband”—commonly used to describe wealthy spouses—are frequently referenced in social commentary, pointing to a broader perception that financial stability is a major motivator for marriage in Cameroon.

Several commentators and observers agree with Ebot’s claims, citing socioeconomic pressures as a key driver in modern marriage decisions. A previous research article by a Cameroonian scholar supported similar views, arguing that marriage has become a financial safety net for many women, especially in a job-scarce economy. The researcher noted that many university graduates remain unemployed, and for some, marriage represents the only viable escape from poverty.

This notion is reflected even in official documentation; in certain administrative forms, women’s occupations are still listed as “housewife,” underscoring how deeply entrenched traditional roles remain.

Marrying to Migrate

Migration trends have also influenced marriage decisions. In early 2024, President Paul Biya addressed the nation’s youth on the eve of Youth Day (February 11), urging them to remain in Cameroon and cautioning that emigration is not the sole solution to economic hardship. His address came amid reports from international organisations indicating that over 34,000 Cameroonians had emigrated in just three months.

For many, marriage has become a pathway to leave the country. Agbor Gilbert commented on this trend, stating:
“80% of Cameroonian girls who married people living abroad married because they want to travel abroad.”

Reports have surfaced of cases of fraudulent marriages, such as the use of fake marriage certificates or arranged marriages with relatives to facilitate migration. Anecdotal evidence suggests some families even pay individuals abroad to enter into short-term contractual marriages with their daughters. Once they secure residency or citizenship documents, these arrangements often come to an end.

Dating for Financial Gain

Ebot also addressed dating behaviours, asserting that relationships are increasingly transactional in nature.
“80% of Cameroonian girls don’t even know what love or a relationship is. Dating for profit,” he said.
“Some women are just unnecessarily expensive and over-demanding,” he added.

Social scientists and gender experts warn that marriages primarily based on economic gain often correlate with higher rates of domestic abuse. In many cases, individuals enter relationships with partners who exhibit controlling or violent behaviour, attracted not by compatibility but by financial status or fame.

Success Nkongho, a Cameroonian residing in Nigeria, noted the influence of regional trends:
“This desperation of trying to marry rich men or people abroad is because our sisters saw it with Nigerian girls; they were not like that.”

While Agbor Gilbert’s claims remain unsubstantiated by official data, they have sparked widespread agreement across social platforms, with several commentators—both male and female—claiming the real figures may be even higher.

Mimi Mefo Info