Cameroon Approved CFA1.9 Trillion in Investments Since 2014, but Job Creation Lags

Cameroon approved 453 private investment projects between 2014 and 2024 for a total value of nearly CFA1.9 trillion, according to figures released by the Investment Promotion Agency (API).

But the employment results remain far below expectations. Out of the 180,000 jobs announced by project promoters during that period, only about 40,000 have actually been created so far. That represents a realization rate of just 22%. The figures were presented May 26 in Douala during a meeting organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts (CCIMA) on investment incentives in Cameroon, according to Cameroon Tribune.

The data highlight the gap that still exists between approved investment projects and their real impact on the economy. Foreign investors accounted for the largest share of approved capital, with about CFA1.25 trillion in planned investments, compared with CFA650 billion from domestic investors. Most of the projects were concentrated in the Littoral Region, largely because of Douala’s economic weight, port infrastructure and strong business network.

A Gap Between Approvals and Execution

One of the main issues raised during the Douala meeting was the low conversion of approved projects into fully operational investments. As African countries compete more aggressively to attract capital, participants stressed the need to improve the business climate and speed up project execution. API is also continuing its awareness campaign around Cameroon’s new investment incentive framework introduced under the July 18, 2025 ordinance.

For the authorities, the challenge is no longer only to attract investment projects, but to ensure they lead to real production activity and sustainable job creation.

P.N.N