CAMEROON LAW AND PRACTICE Contributed by: Serges Martin Zangue, Brandon Ntahdui, Joel Noussie, Julienne Happi, Mathias Choudjem, Maeva Pokem, Winy Felifack and Synthia Pamela Dounking Amfouo, Zangue & Partners
2. Recent Developments and Market Trends 2.1 Current Economic, Political and Business Climate Economic Climate Cameroon remains one of Central Africa’s most dynamic economies, benefitting from diverse natu - ral resources and a strategic geographical location compared to other countries in CEMAC. In its 2025 Country Report for Cameroon, the African Develop - ment Bank projected GDP growth of 3.7% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, driven by increased public investment (+16.1% in 2025) and the development of extractive industries, particularly iron and gas. Political Climate The political climate in Cameroon remains particu - larly tense following the recent presidential elections, the official results of which were announced by the Constitutional Council ending October 2025. The President-elect was the incumbent President Paul Biya, who was sworn in on 6 November 2025. The post-election period has been marked by uncertainty, fostering a climate of vigilance and tension among the population, driven by the actions of the main opposing party and the reaction of the citizens in the country and in the diaspora. During the entire electoral process, economic activ - ity slowed considerably, as many businesses either suffered damage or temporarily closed – some out of fear, others as a form of political protest. Internal secu - rity issues persist, particularly due to the anglophone crises in the Northwest and Southwest regions of the country and the Boko Haram issue in the northern part, creating risks for investments in these regions. The reaction of the population during the elections has sent a strong message to the current government. There is a clear desire for the government to take tan - gible steps to improve governance and promote the well-being of the country. The President of the Republic indicated during his swearing-in ceremony speech that his actions throughout this seven-year term will focus on the situ - ation of young people and women. Legislative and
of an existing company, an approval to carry out com - mercial activities must be obtained from the Minister of Trade. Sector-Specific Approvals Certain industries in Cameroon are subject to addi - tional regulatory control that requires further approv - als/licences from relevant authorities, including the following. • Banking and finance: Banking and microfinance institutions require a licence from the Minister of Finance with the assent of the Central African Banking Commission ( Commission Bancaire de l’Afrique Centrale COBAC). For financial institu - tions, a licence from the Central African Financial Market Supervisory Commission ( Commission de Surveillance du Marché Financier de l’Afrique Cen- trale COSUMAF) is required. • Mining: Depending on the stage of the mining project and the type of mining activity, the neces - sary permits have to be obtained from the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, or from the President of the Republic. The state also has the right to a free-charged percentage of shares in mining companies. • Real estate investment: Foreigners wishing to invest in Cameroon may acquire real estate prop - erty subject to the prior approval of the deed of conveyance by the Ministry of Lands, Cadastre and Land Affairs ( Ministère des Domaines, du Cadastre et des Affaires Foncières MINDCAF). • Gas sector: Authorisations, licences and conces - sions are required prior to (and depending on the type of) operation (transport, distribution, produc - tion, transformation, storage, importation and exportation or sale). • Other regulated sectors: Industries such as elec - tricity, insurance, transportation, forestry, health, etc, may also require additional declarations/ approvals/licences from sector-specific authorities.
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