Since April 20, 2026, Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, has been hosting a consultation on the finalization of a draft mining code applicable to all six countries of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). Organized by the CEMAC Commission, this meeting is engaged in a strategic overhaul of its mining framework. Officials from the Ministries of Mines of these countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Chad) and parliamentarians, joined by the Central African States Bank (BEAC), the Financial Market Supervisory Commission (Cosumaf), the Central African Securities Exchange (BVMAC) and the Sub-Regional Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics (ISSEA) aim to turn the outcome of their reflections into a legal instrument capable of transforming the attractiveness of the extractive sector in Central Africa.
“The regional consultation in Douala constitutes a decisive step towards harmonizing mining rules within the CEMAC,” whispers an expert from ISSEA. For whom “the developing mining code aims to create a stable, clear, and competitive legal environment capable of attracting long-term mining investments in a region that is still underexploited.”
According to a Ministry of Mines official in Cameroon, “the future common mining code aims first and foremost to align with international standards.” Our interlocutor then indicates that “we do not lose sight of the fact that legal security, protection of investments, and dispute resolution mechanisms are signals expected by investors.”
Furthermore, at the CEMAC Commission, it is expected that this regulatory convergence will reduce national disparities. Indeed, a Central African delegate argues, “this convergence limits regulatory arbitrage and facilitates the structuring of cross-border mining projects with high capital intensity.”
For mining groups and specialized funds, the stakes are high. “A common framework reduces compliance costs and improves visibility on returns in the medium and long term,” says David Olama, a Cameroonian mining operator who closely follows the work in Douala.
To enhance the attractiveness of extractive activities in the CEMAC zone, participants insist that the project also focus on good governance. Indeed, according to a stakeholder from a civil society organization monitoring the extractive sector in Central Africa, “transparency in mining titles, traceability of financial flows, and accountability obligations strengthen the confidence of financial partners.”
It is also noted that “the community code aims to strengthen the negotiating power of states against multinationals, while securing existing contracts.” This balanced approach reassures institutional investors. It promotes more stable and structured public-private partnerships in mining operations. The draft text also values local content. “Development of regional engineering, local subcontracting, and skills development of the workforce become economic pillars,” says a mining official from Chad.
For private equity and development banks, “these guidelines open up new perspectives by facilitating the financing of integrated mining value chains.” In the long run, mining harmonization could stimulate regional financial markets. “We are considering the introduction of mining companies on the stock exchange, green bond issuances, and structured financing,” admits a BVMAC official.
Beyond the extractive sector, the future CEMAC mining code emerges as a macroeconomic catalyst. It positions Central Africa as a credible destination for responsible mining investments.
However, there remains one unknown: the adoption timeline. “If this is respected, the region could transform its geological potential into a sustainable engine of growth and profitability for international investors,” concludes a BEAC official.
