Our Vision for Industry And Economy

Current Situation:

 Cameroon’s economy is moving forward, but the progress has been steady rather than fast. In 2023, the country grew by 3.3%, just a little below the 3.6% we saw the year before. Most of this strength comes from our service sector, with industry and agriculture following behind. Manufacturing, however, still plays a fairly small role, contributing only about 10–13% of our GDP.

our public debt is still heavy at 41.8% of GDP. Industrial growth has inched forward at an average of 1.8% per year since 2000, though the progress hasn’t been consistent. Overall, the story is simple: Cameroon is growing, but not yet at the speed or strength our people deserve.

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Industry & Manufacturing:

Cameroon’s key industries include petroleum refining, aluminum, timber, food processing, and agriculture-based manufacturing like cocoa and palm oil. A recent bauxite mining deal (Minim-Martap project) is expected to boost exports, jobs, and infrastructure, while gas production also offers new opportunities. However, oil output is declining due to aging fields and insecurity. The share of industry in GDP has been shrinking over time, with services growing faster and overtaking it.

· Constraints & Challenges:

Industrial growth is held back by weak infrastructure such as unreliable power, poor transport, and limited logistics. Corruption and governance gaps reduce efficiency and discourage investors. Skills shortages make it harder to grow advanced manufacturing, while ongoing security challenges in Anglophone regions disrupt business and supply chains. Heavy reliance on global commodity prices makes the economy vulnerable to shocks.

Our vision 2032-2052

· We will fosters the creation of 200-300+ global Cameroonian brands

across food, textiles, technology, energy, entertainment, and consumer goods. These brands become household names not only in Africa but internationally, signaling the country’s self-sufficiency and competitiveness in the global market. Industrialization reduces dependency on imports and positions Cameroon as a key player in global supply chains.

 
· Retail Protection

To safeguard local industries, Cameroon enacts strategic tariff increases on foreign commodities that are already manufactured locally by 2037. This policy protects Cameroonian businesses from unfair competition while encouraging consumers to “buy local, build local.” The result is stronger domestic companies, higher job creation, and a sustainable cycle of reinvestment into the national economy.

 
· Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Cameroon becomes a hub for thriving SMEs in textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT, Textile, Entertainment, and food industries. With government-backed financing, incubators, and business-friendly regulations, local entrepreneurs rise to compete with global firms. SMEs not only employ millions but also ensure innovation and resilience within the economy, turning Cameroon into a continental model for grassroots industrial empowerment.

 
· Petty Trader Empowerment

Every year 1000 petty traders from each of Cameroon’s 10 regions are earmarked to receive 1 million CFA each as a grant. This initiative uplifts 10,000 traders annually, enabling them to expand their businesses, provide for their families, and grow into larger enterprises. By targeting the grassroots economy, the government ensures that prosperity is not just for the elites but reaches the everyday marketplace, creating a ripple effect of growth in every town and village.

 
· Ease of Business Registration

To encourage entrepreneurship, Cameroon introduces 2 business days company registration. This policy cuts through bureaucracy, ensuring that legalities no longer choke innovation. With instant registration, businesses can operate quickly, strengthening collaboration between entrepreneurs and government. This reform creates a fertile environment for start-ups, SMEs, and investors to thrive in transparency and efficiency.

 
· Transportation Empowerment Program

 As part of strengthening our transport sector, we will launch a yearly program that gives aspiring entrepreneurs access to credit to own their first taxi. Every year, 1,000 brand new taxis will be made available, 100 per region, with repayment spread comfortably over 5 to 10 years.

We will partner with trusted auto manufacturers to make the application process simple and affordable, so hardworking men and women can finally step into business ownership with confidence.

This initiative will create thousands of jobs over time, improve movement in both cities and rural communities, and open real doors for families who simply need a fair chance. By investing in transport entrepreneurs, we not only reduce unemployment, we strengthen our entire national transport system and empower everyday Cameroonians to build a better future.

   .Free Business Mentorship for Petty Traders and Entrepreneurs 

One of the key economic empowerment policies to be implemented in Cameroon will be the establishment of free business mentorship classes for petty traders and small-scale entrepreneurs.

This initiative aims to equip everyday market traders, street vendors, and small business owners with practical knowledge in financial management, customer service, savings, marketing, and growth strategies. Through structured mentorship and hands-on training, participants will learn how to manage resources wisely, expand their businesses, and transition from survival-based trading to sustainable enterprise.

By providing access to free business education, this policy seeks to reduce poverty, stimulate local commerce, and promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level — ensuring that every hardworking Cameroonian has the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.

· Manufacturing of EVs, Bicycles, and Motorcycles

Cameroon invests in the production of electric vehicles (EVs), bicycles, and motorcycles, aligning with global shifts towards green energy and sustainable mobility. Domestic factories produce affordable transport options for African markets, reducing reliance on costly imports. The industry positions Cameroon as Africa’s mobility innovation hub, while also reducing carbon emissions and fostering a clean-energy future.

· Ship liners/ Cargo Ships Acquisition

The government and private investors jointly acquire 20 modern cargo ships, transforming Cameroon into a shipping and logistics powerhouse. These vessels not only service Cameroon’s exports but also provide income by carrying goods for other nations, making them income-generating assets. The expansion strengthens Douala, Kribi, Tiko and Limbe ports as regional maritime hubs and reduces dependency on foreign shipping companies.

 
· Luxury Enterprise Investments

Cameroon invests strategically in luxury iconic enterprises at home and abroad, from high-end hotels and resorts to global fashion houses, real estate landmarks, and entertainment venues. These investments secure Cameroon’s financial footprint in global markets while also building prestige and international recognition. At home, iconic luxury enterprises attract tourism, international events, and diaspora investment, fueling cultural pride and national branding.

 
· Startup Ecosystem Development

The government commits to investing $2 billion annually into homegrown start-ups, with priority given to technology, renewable energy, healthcare, Manufacturing, and creative industries. This sustained injection of capital ensures Cameroonian innovators have the resources to compete globally. By 2040, Cameroon becomes Africa’s Silicon Valley, where ideas are nurtured, scaled, and exported worldwide, driving both wealth creation and youth empowerment.

Cameroon’s Forest Renewal Vision

To address Cameroon’s alarming forest loss of nearly 250 million trees each year, we are launching an ambitious reforestation program. Our goal is to plant 300 million trees annually, ensuring that future generations inherit thriving forests and a balanced environment. This effort will not only reverse deforestation but also preserve Cameroon’s position as the nation with the second largest dense forest in Africa.

Reforestation also secures the future of our timber and wood industry, protecting jobs and livelihoods while positioning Cameroon to have abundant raw materials for its wood-related industries over the next 3 to 10 decades. By planting today, we are building resilience for tomorrow, strengthening biodiversity, sustaining industry, and ensuring that our forests continue to serve as a foundation for economic growth, cultural identity, and climate stability.

 Tax Policy and Business Incentives 

Under our economic and industrial vision, Cameroon will create an environment where small businesses can thrive and grow into engines of national prosperity. By 2040, taxes will be reduced for petty traders and businesses operating with less than 1 million CFA in capital. By 2045, these businesses will be fully exempt from taxation, allowing them to reinvest their resources into expansion and innovation. By 2052, this exemption will extend to businesses with operating capital of up to 5 million CFA.

In addition, Cameroonian-owned businesses will receive tax incentives and targeted tax breaks based on defined parameters such as local job creation, reinvestment in communities, innovation, and contribution to national development. These measures are designed to encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen local industries, and accelerate economic growth by empowering small enterprises to reinvest, expand, and create jobs for a stronger Cameroon.

Mining & Natural Resources Development

To complement our forestry and industrial initiatives, Cameroon will also launch large-scale gold mining and mineral resource projects. This is not just about extraction , it is about building a sustainable, future-focused industry that strengthens our economy and secures wealth for generations.

We will focus on:

1. Gold Reserves Expansion
   Cameroon’s gold reserves will be deliberately expanded through modernized exploration and carefully regulated mining operations. Our goal is to increase the national gold reserve by at least 30% within the next 10–15 years, positioning Cameroon among the leading gold-holding nations in Africa. This reserve will serve as a strong financial backbone, supporting our currency stability, boosting investor confidence, and preparing us for greater participation in global markets.
    
2. Mineral Diversification
   Beyond gold, Cameroon is rich in bauxite, cobalt, iron ore, and rare earth minerals essential for the global energy transition. We will open projects that explore and responsibly exploit these minerals, ensuring that the benefits flow first to Cameroonians. Partnerships with international firms will be structured to prioritize local content, technology transfer, and national ownership.
    
3. Industrial Integration
   Mining will not operate in isolation. We will integrate it with local refining and processing plants to reduce raw exports and create value-added products. For example, gold refineries, aluminum smelters, and cobalt processing hubs will be built within our borders. This ensures job creation, export diversification, and raw materials for domestic industries such as jewelry, electronics, and energy storage.
    
4. Economic Impact
   The mining sector is expected to add billions of CFA francs annually to our GDP, directly employ over 200,000 Cameroonians across exploration, refining, logistics, and services, and indirectly create opportunities for small businesses. These revenues will finance national priorities such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technology.

· Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth

 We will transform Cameroon’s economy in a way our nation has never seen before. By  2052 we will grow from today’s $56 billion to between $500 billion and $1 trillion. This will happen through deliberate, diversified investments in agriculture, energy, technology, and manufacturing , the pillars that create real jobs and real wealth for our people.

By 2052, Cameroon will no longer be called a developing nation. We will stand as a global contender with strong domestic industries, high-value exports, and powerful investment partnerships around the world. This is the future we are building, and together, we will make it a reality.