CAMEROON Trends and Developments Contributed by: Aurélie Chazai, Paul Ariel Kombou, Vanina Fonga and Dylan Dave Tchouankeu, Chazai Wamba
SCP Chazai Wamba De Gaulle Avenue Onyx Building 3rd floor, Bonapriso P.O Box 4937 Douala Cameroon Tel: +237 233 43 26 17 Email: contact@chazai-wamba.com Web: www.chazai-wamba.com
Cameroon is often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its exceptional diversity of landscapes, climates, and natural resources. This diversity is reflected not only in agriculture, forests and hydroelectric power, but also in the country’s significant mineral potential. Cameroon has a wide range of mineral resources spread across its national territory, including precious metals, base metals and industrial minerals. However, despite this potential, the mining sector (excluding hydrocarbons) remains largely underde - veloped and plays only a marginal role in the national economy. At present, the mining sector only contributes about 1% to Cameroon’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This low contribution highlights a clear gap between the country’s natural resource endowment and the level of actual exploitation and economic value gen - erated from mining activities. This situation contrasts sharply with the publicly stated ambitions of the Cam - eroonian authorities. For the past years, the Cameroonian State has under - taken a series of deep and progressive reforms aimed at transforming the mining sector into a true driver of economic growth, industrial development and job creation. This strong political commitment is clearly set out in the country’s main strategic planning documents, including the Growth and Employment Strategy Paper (DSCE), and more recently, the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30). Noting that the DSCE
was only the first phase of implementing the vision adopted in 2009, which was to make Cameroon a democratic and united emerging country by 2035. With the DSCE having expired, the NDS30 is the new reference framework that succeeds it for the period 2020-2030. Within this strategic framework, Cameroon seeks to position itself as an emerging mining destination in Central Africa, capable of attracting foreign investors interested in medium- and long-term projects. How - ever, investing in Cameroon’s mining sector requires a clear understanding of current trends, the govern - ment’s strategic priorities, the structural challenges that remain, and the sector’s future outlook. The purpose of this article is therefore to provide a clear, structured and accessible analysis of the trends and development of the mining sector in Cameroon through its (I) context and its (II) development perspec - tives. It also highlights the key elements that foreign investors, whether industrial, financial, or institutional, should consider when evaluating mining investments in the country. Context of the Mining Sector in Cameroon Vision and orientation of Cameroon’s mining policy The implementation of Cameroon’s mining policy is led by the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Techno - logical Development (MINMIDT). This ministry serves as the main supervisory, regulatory and coordinating authority for the mining sector.
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