Dr. Blaise Aimé Ella, a former regional delegate of the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Territorial Development for Littoral region from 2015 to 2024, has completed his PhD thesis in Development Economics. The thesis, titled "The Problematic of Insufficient Maturity of Public Investment Projects and Sustainable Development: The Case of Structuring Projects in Cameroon," was defended at the University of Douala and the Sorbonne in June 2026. The thesis highlights the challenges faced by Cameroon's public investment projects.
According to Dr. Ella's research, Cameroon's public projects are plagued by delays, cost overruns, and cancellations due to incomplete prior studies. These issues result in significant financial losses for the state, estimated at over 500 billion FCFA annually. The study is based on multiple case studies and semi-directive interviews with 30 key actors in the public administration decision-making chain. The research identifies several structural weaknesses, including superficial feasibility studies and a lack of managerial competencies.
The study reveals that 284 public works projects remain unfinished, with a total cost of approximately 7,560 billion FCFA required to complete them. Dr. Ella's research emphasizes the need for reforms to address these issues. The thesis was supervised by the École supérieure Robert de Sorbon in France, and the official diploma ceremony was held at the House of Lords in Westminster, England, in September 2026.
Dr. Ella's research highlights the need for more rigorous feasibility studies and better project management. The study also emphasizes the importance of considering the exploitability criterion and streamlining administrative validation processes. These recommendations aim to improve the maturity of public investment projects and promote sustainable development in Cameroon.
The consequences of incomplete studies and poor project management are far-reaching. The study notes that these issues can lead to project abandonment, resulting in significant financial losses and wasted resources. Dr. Ella's research provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by Cameroon's public investment projects and offers practical solutions for improvement.
The Cameroonian government has significant financial losses due to project delays and cancellations. The study's findings and recommendations are expected to inform policy decisions and improve the management of public investment projects. Dr. Ella's research contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the business environment in Cameroon.
Dr. Ella's achievement is notable, given his 35 years of experience in the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Territorial Development. His research demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of public investment projects and the need for effective project management. The study's findings and recommendations are expected to have a positive impact on Cameroon's economic development.
Key points
- Dr. Blaise Ella's PhD thesis highlights the need for reforms to address the challenges faced by Cameroon's public investment projects.
- The study identifies significant financial losses due to project delays and cancellations, estimated at over 500 billion FCFA annually.
- The research provides practical solutions for improving the maturity of public investment projects and promoting sustainable development in Cameroon.
