At 12th Cameroon Business Forum in Douala: Gov’t assures reforms to improve business climate.

This was during the opening of the 12th Cameroon Business Forum.

The Forum, which ends today, is holding under the theme: “AfCFTA and Productive Transformation: What Reforms Are Needed to Make Cameroon a Major Industrial and Commercial Hub in Africa?”.

Dion Ngute reminded business operators of the determination of the Head of State, Paul Biya, to put in place reforms that address hurdles that affect enterprises. 

 The Prime Minister said the exchanges between authorities and private sector stakeholders are essential to arriving at practical solutions to concerns raised.

He also highlighted the need to accelerate trade facilitation by simplifying and digitising administrative procedures, improving the movement of goods across borders and developing transport corridors linking the country's ports to inland markets.

Fixing local challenges, eying continental openings

Dion Ngute linked the determination of government to continue reforms to the need for the country’s businesses to enjoy the expanding opportunities of AfCFTA.

The PM noted that: “…the continental trade agreement offers access to a market of more than 1.3 billion consumers, potentially allowing local enterprises to expand production, benefit from economies of scale and develop new export opportunities…”. 

The agreement alone, he said, would not guarantee prosperity. Appropriating the opportunities of the framework, he stated, would depend largely on the ability of businesses to improve productivity, meet quality standards and compete effectively across African markets.

The PM said Cameroon has taken steps towards implementing the agreement. Measures in this light, he noted, include the development of a national implementation strategy, covering the 2020–2027 period. 

HE detailed that the move ties with the country's industrialisation master plan, and added that an inter-ministerial committee has been in place since 2021, to monitor AfCFTA implementation.

Improving access to financing, vocational training 

The Star Building occupant also stated that government intends to improve access to financing and commercial training for enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, as well as women and young entrepreneurs. 

According to the Prime Minister, strengthening these areas would help establish “Made in Cameroon” label as a mark of quality, while enabling local businesses to benefit from preferential tariffs under the AfCFTA.

To enable Cameroonian companies take full advantage of the continental market, the Prime Minister called for measures to reduce production and transaction costs, particularly those associated with energy, logistics, transportation and taxation.

Renewed public-private dialogue

Other matters which have come under discussions since yesterday and will continue today include; issues affecting the business environment, taxation, regulatory frameworks, public services and the operational capacity of businesses. 

The Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, who engaged with stakeholders, said despite the limited financial resources that impede reforms, directives in this light will continue to be implemented.

Fine-tuning to win more

Discussions are also expected to today to look into the World Bank's Business Ready framework. It evaluates the conditions under which businesses operate, with a view to identifying areas where Cameroon can make further progress.

World Bank Official, Sabri Youcef Draia, cited the loopholes affecting businesses in Cameroon. “It is all about finding the strengths and weaknesses so as to find lasting solutions” he stated. 

Draia indicated that in the case of Cameroon “it is not all about starting afresh and finding new laws, but fine-tuning what is already there, for a better business environment and transactions”.

GeCAM boss of business challenges

Speaking at the Forum, Celestin Tawamba, president of the Cameroon Enterprises Association GeCAM highlighted the difficulties confronting businesses. He called for reforms capable of creating a more enabling environment for investment and economic growth.

Tawamba mentioned infrastructural constraints, particularly poor road networks and unreliable electricity supply, alongside what he described as excessive taxation. These challenges, he stressed, “continue to weigh on business operations and undermine the competitiveness of local enterprises”.

The GeCAM president declared that the concerns reflect longstanding demands from the private sector for structural reforms that would reduce operating costs. He added that reforms will also facilitate investment and enable Cameroonian companies to compete more effectively in regional and international markets.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3948 of Friday October 23, 2026