Current Situation:

· Structure and Size of Cameroon’s Armed Forces:

· Defense Spending and Growth Trends:

Our Vision

Cameroon’s defense budget will gradually rise to $5 billion per year by 2042, ensuring we have the resources to modernize. This increase will not just go to buying weapons, but will be guided by a Defense Modernization Fund, managed jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense, to make sure money is used wisely.

Every contract and purchase will be audited to prevent corruption, ensuring transparency and accountability. Funds will be focused on what matters most:

• 40% for air force and naval assets such as drones, fighter jets, and patrol ships to protect our skies and seas.
   
• 25% for modernizing land forces with armored vehicles, artillery, and logistics.
   
• 20% for cyber and intelligence units to defend against new digital threats.
   
• 15% for research, training, and building modern military bases.
• By 2043 an additional $1 billion will be dedicated to equipping the military with the latest and formidable weapons and equipment.
   

Over the next 10 years, Cameroon will expand its active-duty military from 40,000 to 80,000 soldiers. This will be done through a major recruitment drive, bringing in 2,000 to 3,000 new recruits every year.

New Military Academies and Technical Training Schools will be built across the regions, specializing in cyber defense, aviation, and marine sciences, ensuring soldiers are highly skilled in modern warfare. Additionally, a reserve force of 50,000 civilians will be trained part-time, creating a pool of citizens ready to defend the nation in emergencies.

Currently, Cameroon’s military is ranked #16 in Africa, but the goal is to rise to the Top 5 by 2052. To achieve this, the country will invest in balanced military capabilities across land, air, naval, and cyber forces.

Cameroon will also strengthen its position by building international partnerships through joint exercises with highly ranked military forces. By developing a domestic defense industry—producing uniforms, light arms, drones, and patrol boats—Cameroon will become more self-sufficient. A key pillar will be the creation of Defense Technology Parks, modeled after South Korea, to drive innovation and military technology.

By 2045, Cameroon aims to break into the Top 10 militaries in Africa, and by 2052, achieve Top 5 status, standing alongside Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Cameroon will establish a Cyber Defense Command with 3,000 specialists to protect the nation from digital attacks. This includes AI-driven systems that monitor elections, government networks, and critical infrastructure against hackers.

The air force will acquire modern drones, helicopters, and multi-role fighter jets, ensuring control over the skies. Local engineers and technicians will also be trained to maintain and repair aircraft, reducing dependence on foreign contractors.

The army will be modernized with new armored brigades, stronger artillery, and better logistics networks. Elite commando units will be expanded to handle counter-terrorism and rapid deployment in conflict zones.

Cameroon will grow its navy from small river patrols into a coastal defense fleet, equipped with fast patrol boats and submarines by 2040. Strategic bases will be built in Douala and Kribi to secure the Gulf of Guinea against piracy and illegal trade.

• By 2035: Cyber Defense Command fully operational.
   
• By 2045: Naval fleet secures Gulf of Guinea waters.
   
• By 2052: Cameroon has a balanced four-branch military.
   

To keep morale high and attract talent, all military personnel will receive a 20% salary increase, with salaries indexed to inflation so they grow with the economy.

Beyond pay, the reform includes better housing, healthcare, and education scholarships for soldiers’ families. A Military Credit Union will provide low-interest loans to soldiers, helping them build homes and businesses. Finally, a Veterans Affairs Bureau will be established to support retired soldiers with pensions, retraining, and civilian job opportunities.

These benefits ensure soldiers are respected, cared for, and motivated to serve their country with pride.

• Launch the Defense Modernization Fund.
   
• Create the Cyber Defense Command.
   
• Implement the 20% salary increase and new welfare benefits.
   

• Expand personnel to 60,000 soldiers.
   
• Build two naval bases in Douala and Kribi.
   
• Begin indigenous production of arms, drones, and patrol boats.
   

• Grow to 80,000 active soldiers + 50,000 reserves.
   
• Achieve Top 5 ranking in Africa’s military power.
   
• Attain a balanced, modern force across cyber, air, land, and naval divisions.
  
  By 2052, Cameroon will transition from a mid-tier army into a modern, respected, and balanced force, protecting national sovereignty, creating jobs, and boosting global standing. Soldiers will be better equipped, better paid, and better trained—making the nation safer and stronger for future generations.