Cameroon

Cameroon: Paving Roads & Planting Wheat - Are We in the Future Already?

From record bank loans to dreams of wheat dominance, Cameroon is making moves that are as bold as a footballer’s last-minute goal!

Cameroon is currently navigating a bumpy road—quite literally! During the first session of the National Committee for Monitoring the Public Investment Budget (BIP) on November 11, Rosette Ayayi, the committee's director, emphasized the impact of climate change, security concerns, and payment delays on the nation’s infrastructure projects. With many projects stalling due to these challenges, it’s time for Cameroon to hit the accelerator and find creative solutions that ensure sustainable growth.

On the finance front, Cameroon's banks are revving up with a record-high lending of CFA 5,607 billion between December 2023 and June 2024, marking a 3.75% increase. This surge indicates a positive economic pulse that many citizens hope will translate to improved infrastructure, more job opportunities, and a thriving economy. However, with great financing comes great responsibility; let’s hope these loans are used wisely!

In agricultural news, Cameroon is on a mission to become the wheat hub of Central Africa! With ambitious plans in place, the country is currently testing its own wheat seeds in Chad, showcasing a proactive approach to agricultural self-sufficiency. Should these efforts bear fruit, not only will wheat storage vault Cameroon to the forefront of Central Africa's agriculture, but it could also improve food security and provide a market for wheat enthusiasts—it’s a win-win! Meanwhile, during a session on reviewing and voting on Cameroon’s 2025 budget, Cavaye Yéguié Djibril passionately called for more support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It's a flaw in the economic vehicle when SMEs, the backbone of any economy, lack support in favor of larger corporations. As we forge ahead, supporting SMEs may just be the key to unlocking innovation and local development.

Did you know that between 2016 and 2023, Cameroon built a healthy 2,075.19 km of new roads? That’s enough road to drive from Lagos to Abuja and back! And as exciting as the push for wheat production is, Cameroon's agricultural sector could lead the charge against food insecurity in the region, given the right support and infrastructure. With these developments, it looks like Cameroon is gearing up for a bright and sustainable future!