At his swearing-in ceremony on November 6, 2025, President Paul Biya outlined the main pillars of his seven-year economic agenda. Centered on job creation, local production, and stability, the plan seeks to revitalize Cameroon’s economy after years of global crises and post-election tensions.

Following his victory in the October 12, 2025 presidential election, President Paul Biya of Cameroon delivered his inaugural address on November 6, outlining his economic agenda for the next seven years.

The president outlined five key economic priorities for his new term: a special plan for youth employment, the continuation of major infrastructure projects, the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship and training, the modernization of public governance, and stronger international cooperation.

Biya placed particular emphasis on his emergency plan for youth employment. He said the program would include tax incentives for companies hiring young workers and new financing schemes for startups, developed in partnership with local banks and international partners.

Calling for unity and collective mobilization to build a “united, stable and prosperous Cameroon,” Biya placed particular emphasis on his emergency plan for youth employment. He said the program would include tax incentives for companies hiring young workers and new financing schemes for startups, developed in partnership with local banks and international partners.

“Starting from the next financial year, a portion of the State’s investment budget will be allocated to labour-intensive projects benefiting youths nationwide,” he added, saying the initiative aims to “restore hope to a generation too often confronted with unemployment and underemployment.”

Economic Resilience Meets Reform Expectations

 Biya’s previous seven-year term, which ended in October 2025, was marked by economic resilience. Despite global shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and widespread supply disruptions, Cameroon managed to stay on track. According to a special issue of Investir au Cameroon’s periodic magazine,growth reached around 3.5% in 2024, well below the National Development Strategy (SND30) target of 8%. Inflation, after peaking between 2022 and 2023, eased to 4.5%, while foreign direct investment rose by over 15%, signaling renewed investor confidence.

 Biya’s previous seven-year term, which ended in October 2025, was marked by economic resilience. Despite global shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and widespread supply disruptions, Cameroon managed to stay on track.

Infrastructure has been central to this resilience. Major projects such as the Nachtigal hydroelectric dam, the Kribi deep-sea port, and the expansion of agribusiness,most notably the Atlantic Cocoa plant,reflect this progress. The publication noted that “the manufacturing sector has particularly benefited from investment in local raw-material processing.”

Still, calls for deeper reforms persist. Lawyer and economist Jacques Jonathan Nyemb  warned that “progress remains below the targets set for achieving emergence by 2035.” Economist Emmanuel Noubissie Ngakam urged the government to “prioritize local production while protecting natural resources.” Veteran business leader André Siaka added that “stronger state-private sector partnerships are essential to restore confidence, improve the business climate, and boost competitiveness.”

High Expectations Amid Post-Election Tensions

 The inauguration took place against a backdrop of lingering post-election tensions. Violence following the announcement of results caused damage to infrastructure and disrupted economic activity in several regions, with the full impact yet to be assessed. These events underscore the urgent need to restore confidence and stability if the new economic plan is to succeed.

The inauguration took place against a backdrop of lingering post-election tensions. Violence following the announcement of results caused damage to infrastructure and disrupted economic activity in several regions, with the full impact yet to be assessed

This country is “our most precious asset. Rather than destroying it, we have to build, strengthen and modernize it. We should end the hate speech flooding the public space, especially social media,” Biya said in a call for reconciliation and collective responsibility. In business circles, the mood is one of cautious optimism. Many hope the president’s announcements will translate into concrete, measurable action. As Investir au Cameroun summarized: “The foundations are solid, the vision clear, and the determination intact, but mobilizing economic actors is now more crucial than ever.”

Idriss Linge