The top French gymnast Manon Cormorand announced recently she will compete for Algeria at future international events, according to The New York Times. The 20-year-old athlete, who has dual French-Algerian citizenship and trains in France, made the decision to represent Algeria, a country where her father was born.
Cormorand is currently the French champion on vault and a medal contender in the all-around competition. She has been selected to join Algeria’s gymnastics team for upcoming events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. The move reflects a growing trend among dual-citizen athletes to represent their heritage countries at global sporting competitions.
Algeria’s sports authorities have welcomed her choice, as the country seeks to boost its presence in gymnastics after years of limited success on the international stage. Algeria’s sports ministry confirmed her eligibility to compete under Algerian colors, following the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) rules that allow athletes to switch national teams.
For entrepreneurs and business founders, Cormorand’s decision carries implications beyond sports. It highlights Algeria’s push to leverage dual citizenship as a strategic asset, not just in athletics but potentially in other sectors such as technology, finance, and culture.
Dual citizenship remains a sensitive issue in Algeria, where the government has historically restricted dual citizens from holding certain public offices. However, in recent years, there has been a gradual opening, with some dual citizens appointed to advisory roles or leading economic initiatives. The move by athletes like Cormorand could signal a broader shift in how Algeria views its diaspora, including Algerian-French professionals and entrepreneurs.
The Algerian government has also been encouraging return migration and investment from its diaspora as part of its economic diversification strategy. According to The New York Times, Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has spoken publicly about the importance of engaging the diaspora in national development. While sports offer a high-profile example, the same logic applies to business: dual citizens can serve as bridges between markets, bringing skills and capital that Algeria needs to modernize its economy.
For the Algerian private sector, Cormorand’s choice is a reminder that talent, regardless of origin, can be mobilized for national development. Algeria’s tech and startup ecosystem, for instance, has been expanding but still faces challenges in scaling up. The country’s startup ecosystem generated approximately $500 million in investment in 2023, according to local reports, yet remains undercapitalized compared to peers in North Africa. Engaging dual citizens with international experience could help fill gaps in expertise and funding.
In gymnastics, Algeria has lagged behind countries like France, which has produced world-class athletes. By bringing in talent like Cormorand, Algeria aims to elevate its performance and inspire a new generation of gymnasts domestically. The same principle applies to business: attracting skilled professionals from the diaspora could accelerate Algeria’s economic transformation.
The International Gymnastics Federation’s approval of Cormorand’s switch underscores the global mobility of talent in sports and beyond. For Algerian entrepreneurs, this mobility is a two-way street. On one hand, Algeria can benefit from the expertise of its diaspora. On the other, Algerian founders abroad may see opportunities to invest or collaborate with local partners, leveraging their dual perspective.
Cormorand’s case also raises questions about Algeria’s integration policies. While the country has made progress in easing restrictions for dual citizens in some areas, full inclusion remains a work in progress. Entrepreneurs considering returning to Algeria or investing from abroad must navigate regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles, though reforms have been introduced to simplify business registration and access to financing.
For the Algerian-French community, Cormorand’s decision may encourage more dual citizens to engage with Algeria, whether in sports, business, or other fields. It demonstrates that heritage can be a powerful motivator for contributing to national development.
Key takeaway for entrepreneurs
Manon Cormorand’s switch to Algeria’s gymnastics team shows how dual citizenship can be strategically used to strengthen national talent pools in niche sectors. For Algerian entrepreneurs, it highlights the potential of diaspora networks to drive economic growth through skills transfer and investment. Algeria’s gradual easing of restrictions for dual citizens may open more doors for cross-border collaboration in business and innovation.
💡 Starting a business in Algeria? GlobalStart guides you step by step: procedures, real costs, company forms (SARL, EURL, SPA) and CNRC registration.