Cameroon Marks 44th Anniversary of Renewal with High Expectations

Cameroon marked the 44th anniversary of its Renewal on November 6, with high expectations touching all sectors. The celebrations come at a time when the country is preparing for legislative and municipal elections. The Renewal, which began in 1982, is entering a new phase dubbed "Grandeur and Hope." President Paul Biya's speeches on November 6, 2025, and February 10, 2026, outlined the government's vision, emphasizing the need to give more space to young people and women.

The upcoming legislative and municipal elections will be a major test for the ruling party, the Rassemblement démocratique du peuple camerounais (RDPC). The party's lists could be a gauge of its ability to renew itself. Another expectation is the strengthening of social cohesion, living together, and serenity. The country is facing security challenges in the North-West, South-West, and Far North regions due to Boko Haram.

The government faces the challenge of promoting peace and stability in these regions. The President's call for calm and dialogue is crucial in preventing the spread of hate speech and manipulation. The government's priority should be to promote appeasement, revive community dialogue, and rebuild the Far North region. Good governance and the protection of public funds are essential for the country's development.

Cameroon's diplomacy has been effective, with the appointment of Professor Maurice Kengne Kamga as President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on October 1, 2026. This appointment is a significant milestone for the country, marking the first time a Cameroonian has presided over a United Nations jurisdiction. The country must consolidate its role as a mediator and locomotive in Central Africa.

The economic challenges facing Cameroon are significant, with the country relying heavily on imports. The government has launched an import-substitution policy aimed at boosting local production and reducing imports. To achieve this goal, the government needs to create business incubators, improve the business climate, and strengthen public-private dialogue. The country's economy is largely extraverted, with 80% of its needs being met through imports.

The transformation of the local economy and the development of the digital economy are crucial for creating jobs and reducing poverty. The government's priority should be to support local production, reduce imports, and promote entrepreneurship. The country's universities have produced graduates who are not connected to the local job market, and the government needs to reform the education system to address this issue.

The employment sector is another area that requires attention, with many graduates lacking the skills needed in the job market. The 2023 university law aims to address this issue by creating bridges between universities, businesses, and investors. The government needs to prioritize job creation and support entrepreneurship to reduce unemployment and poverty.

Key points

• The Cameroonian government faces high expectations in various sectors as it marks the 44th anniversary of its Renewal.
• The country's diplomacy has been effective, with a Cameroonian appointed as President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
• The government needs to prioritize job creation, support local production, and promote entrepreneurship to address the country's economic challenges.