IMF salutes strides in Cameroon’s mining sector.

Visibly impressed the positive results recorded in the sector recent years and its impact in the country’s economy, the Bretton Woods institution has revealed that continuous investment in the mining sector would be the lever for the country’s economic boom. 

IMF’s positive assessment and recommendation is the substance of a press release issued by the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze. 

The statement dated April 6, mentioned that the recommendation was the conclusion of IMF Executive Board meeting of March 25, 2026.

The Board, Minister Motaze noted, concluded the Article IV Consultations of the Fund's Articles of Agreement based on findings following a mission dispatched to Cameroon from January 29 to February 12, 2026.

At the conclusion of the IMF meeting, he disclosed through the statement that the Board commended the resilience of Cameroon’s economy amid recent shocks, while highlighting a slowdown in growth in the year 2025 marked by significant major elections. 

“Medium-term prospects remain favorable, supported in particular by investments in the mining and energy sectors, despite persistent uncertainties related to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their spillover effects on certain sectors of the economy,” the statement read.

Need for continued fiscal consolidation efforts

The IMF Executive Board also underscored the necessity to continue fiscal consolidation efforts and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation. 

Moreover, the international financial body equally called on government to improve the efficiency of public spending so as to create fiscal space to support investment and social expenditures. 

The importance of further enhancing debt management was underscored by IMF, which stressed the need to safeguard financial sector stability and accelerating the implementation of structural reforms.

Gov’t welcomes IMF recommendation

The conclusions and recommendations of the IMF Executive Board have been received in good faith by the government.

According to the Minister of Finance, the conclusions are fully in line with the policy directions of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya. 

The policies, the member of government added, are aimed at strengthening the country's macroeconomic stability, promoting strong, sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as improving the well-being of the population.

Minister Motaze said ongoing measures will continue to be implemented to address the identified priorities under the supervision of the Prime Minister, Head of Government.

“As a result, emphasis is placed on enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation and improving the efficiency of public spending, while ensuring that climate-related constraints are adequately taken into consideration,” he stated. 

The member of government also disclosed that measures are being rolled out to enhance public financial management and transparency through the digitalisation of procedures, including public procurement.

While expressing appreciation to the IMF and other development partners for the constructive dialogue and its continued support, government reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen cooperation with the international organisation in order to accelerate Cameroon's transition toward an emerging economy.

This article was first published The Guardian Post Edition No:3756 of Friday April 10, 2026