CAMEROON TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS Contributed by: Zangue Serges Martin, Brandon Ntahdui and Joël Noussie, Zangue & Partners
Zangue & Partners – Avocats 156, rue 2.371 Avenue de Gaulle (opposite Energy Club) Bonapriso Douala Cameroon Tel: +237 699 50 83 65 Email: serges.zangue@zangueandpartners.com Web: zangueandpartners.com
Economic outlook The Cameroonian economy was expected to strength - en in 2025, with real GDP growth projected at 4.4% compared to 4.1% in 2024 ( 2024 Country Report for Cameroon , African Development Bank). This improve - ment would be driven by infrastructure development, agriculture and natural resource exploitation. Overall, Cameroon’s economic outlook in 2025 remains dependent on global, regional and sub- regional macroeconomic dynamics. At the international level, according to the World Eco- nomic Outlook , released in April 2025 by the Interna - tional Monetary Fund (IMF), global growth is expected to slow again in 2025 due to heightened uncertainty affecting the global economic environment. In Sub-Saharan Africa, economic activity is also expected to experience a slight slowdown in 2025, reflecting persistent geopolitical tensions and increas - ing climate vulnerabilities. Within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa ( Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique centrale CEMAC) sub-region, a similar trend is anticipated, driven by declining hydrocarbon prices, political instability and adverse climate conditions. Against this backdrop, the government of Cameroon has framed the preparation of the state budget for FY 2026 as a “socio-economic impact budget”. As set out in the Presidential Circular of 18 July 2025, the government will focus on the continuation and consolidation of key measures, including:
Introduction Located in the heart of Central Africa, Cameroon is a country with many natural assets. Cameroon’s geo - graphical position, with its Autonomous Port of Doua - la ( Port Autonome de Douala PAD) and Deep-Water Port of Kribi ( Port Autonome de Kribi PAK) opening to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, makes it the main gateway for international trade and invest - ment into the Central African Economic and Monetary Community ( Communauté Économique et Monétaire de l’Afrique Centrale CEMAC), which comprises six member states: Cameroon, Central African Repub - lic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. However, despite these advantages, Cameroon faces persistent social, economic and political challenges that influence its economic attractiveness. Social landscape With an estimated population of 29.12 million in 2025 (according to the National Institute of Statistics), Cam - eroon has a youth-dominated demographic. While this represents a potential labour force for economic growth, high unemployment rates and significant social inequalities are major obstacles. These eco - nomic disparities are fuelling internal tensions, par - ticularly in large cities where young people are strug - gling to find job opportunities. Addressing these social issues is necessary to improve the country’s overall economic and sociopolitical climate.
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