After a six-year period of dormancy, the Cameroonian government, through Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, relaunched the 12th session of the Cameroon Business Forum (CDF) in Douala on October 21, 2026. This main economic consultation framework between the public and private sectors brings together ministers, business leaders, and representatives of the Groupement des Entreprises du Cameroun (GECAM).
Cameroonian employers justified their withdrawal from this platform since 2021 by “unfulfilled government promises”. Business leaders denounced “the low rate of implementation of recommendations made in previous editions”.
The private sector has always demanded from the government “concrete and immediate reforms for the national economic fabric”. Business leaders also demand “a reduction in tax pressure and an improvement in the business climate”. Furthermore, they ask for “simplified access to bank credit to stimulate investments”.
Faced with these demands from the private sector, the government seeks to reassure donors and international investors. This is in order to urgently restore its sub-regional competitiveness to successfully achieve its emergence strategy by 2035.
Urgent reforms to unleash economic growth
The discussions in Douala focus on major structural challenges for local businesses. Business taxation, investment security, and energy costs are at the heart of the debates. Simplification of administrative procedures also remains an absolute priority for employers.
In any case, the success of this 12th session will depend on the real implementation of the resolutions adopted. Economic actors expect a rigorous follow-up on the commitments made by the executive. The government must turn this institutional dialogue into a lever for action to support private activity and create sustainable jobs.
