Cameroon

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Cameroon

About Cameroon

Known as “Africa in Miniature,” Cameroon reflects the full richness of the African continent through its diverse landscapes, cultures, and people. Located in Central Africa, the country shares borders with Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo, with a scenic coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. From tropical beaches and dense rainforests to the volcanic peaks of Mount Cameroon and the savannas of the north, the country’s geography is as varied as it is beautiful.
Cameroon is home to over 240 ethnic groups and just as many languages, grouped mainly among the Bantus, Semi-Bantus, and Sudanese peoples. This diversity is expressed through vibrant traditions, music, dance, and cuisine. The nation is officially bilingual (English and French), reflecting its colonial heritage, and remains a model of religious tolerance, where Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs coexist peacefully.
With Yaoundé as the political capital and Douala as the economic hub, Cameroon enjoys one of the most diversified economies in Central Africa, driven by agriculture, energy, and trade. Blessed with natural beauty, cultural wealth, and a spirit of unity, Cameroon proudly lives by its national motto: “Peace – Work – Fatherland.”

Relations with India

Diplomatic relations between Cameroon and India were established in 1960, the year of Cameroon’s independence. Since then, both countries have maintained warm and cooperative ties grounded in mutual respect and shared values under the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). High-level visits, including President Paul Biya’s participation in the 1983 NAM Summit and Prime Minister Philémon Yang’s 2013 visit to New Delhi, have further strengthened these relations. Collaboration has expanded across trade, education, and defence, with India providing training support to Cameroonian forces in counter-insurgency and security operations. Today, Cameroon and India continue to deepen their partnership through ongoing dialogue and growing cooperation in multiple sectors.

History of Cameroon

Early History

The earliest known inhabitants of Cameroon were the Baka (Pygmy) peoples, who continue to live in the forests of the southern and eastern regions. Bantu-speaking communities from the Cameroonian highlands were among the first to migrate outward, shaping much of the region’s early cultural landscape. The Mandara Kingdom, founded around 1500 in the Mandara Mountains, established fortified settlements whose origins remain partly mysterious. The Aro Confederacy of Nigeria may also have influenced western Cameroon through migrations in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Fulani, an Islamic pastoral people from the western Sahel, conquered much of northern Cameroon, displacing or converting the largely non-Muslim populations. Although the Portuguese arrived on Cameroon’s coast in the 16th century, malaria hindered European penetration into the interior until the late 19th century. European involvement remained limited to coastal trade and the slave trade, which declined by the mid-1800s. Christian missions began operating in the late 19th century and remain an enduring part of Cameroonian society.

Colonial Period

On July 5, 1884, Cameroon and parts of its neighboring territories became a German colony, known as Kamerun, with capitals first in Buea and later in Yaoundé. Germany invested in railways, ports, and hospitals but imposed harsh systems of forced labor, leading to widespread resistance. After the Agadir Crisis and the Treaty of Fez (1911), territorial exchanges between France and Germany expanded Kamerun’s borders. During World War I, Allied forces from Britain and France invaded Kamerun. By 1916, German control had ended, and in 1919 the territory was divided under League of Nations mandates: France governed the larger eastern portion (French Cameroun), and Britain administered the western strip bordering Nigeria (British Cameroons).

Path to Independence (1955–1960)

In 1955, the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC) launched an armed struggle for independence in French Cameroun. Despite suppression efforts, the movement symbolized rising nationalist aspirations. Legislative elections in 1956 paved the way for self-government, and in 1958 the Legislative Assembly formally requested independence.
The United Nations approved the transition, and on January 1, 1960, French Cameroun gained independence as the Republic of Cameroon.During World War I, Allied forces from Britain and France invaded Kamerun. By 1916, German control had ended, and in 1919 the territory was divided under League of Nations mandates: France governed the larger eastern portion (French Cameroun), and Britain administered the western strip bordering Nigeria (British Cameroons).

Post-Independence Era

Following independence, a plebiscite on October 1, 1961, saw the southern part of British Cameroons vote to join the Republic of Cameroon, forming the Federal Republic of Cameroon, while the northern part joined Nigeria. President Ahmadou Ahidjo established a single-party system in 1966, consolidating power but maintaining stability and gradual economic growth.
In 1972, Cameroon adopted a unitary constitution, becoming the United Republic of Cameroon, which remains a source of linguistic and political tension between English- and French-speaking regions. Ahidjo resigned in 1982, succeeded by Paul Biya, who continues to lead the nation.The United Nations approved the transition, and on January 1, 1960, French Cameroun gained independence as the Republic of Cameroon.During World War I, Allied forces from Britain and France invaded Kamerun. By 1916, German control had ended, and in 1919 the territory was divided under League of Nations mandates: France governed the larger eastern portion (French Cameroun), and Britain administered the western strip bordering Nigeria (British Cameroons).

Modern Cameroon

Under President Biya, Cameroon has maintained relative political stability and steady development, though challenges of governance and regional balance persist. The country faced natural disasters in the 1980s, including limnic eruptions at Lake Monoun (1984) and Lake Nyos (1986), which caused tragic losses of life. Cameroon is also celebrated for its football achievements, earning global recognition with its historic 1990 FIFA World Cup performance, where it reached the quarter-finals after defeating defending champions Argentina.In 1972, Cameroon adopted a unitary constitution, becoming the United Republic of Cameroon, which remains a source of linguistic and political tension between English- and French-speaking regions. Ahidjo resigned in 1982, succeeded by Paul Biya, who continues to lead the nation.The United Nations approved the transition, and on January 1, 1960, French Cameroun gained independence as the Republic of Cameroon.During World War I, Allied forces from Britain and France invaded Kamerun. By 1916, German control had ended, and in 1919 the territory was divided under League of Nations mandates: France governed the larger eastern portion (French Cameroun), and Britain administered the western strip bordering Nigeria (British Cameroons).

Institutions

Institutions of Cameroon

Cameroon’s institutions define its governance, administration, and public life. Below is an overview of key bodies and ministries that shape national policy and service delivery:

The Presidency & Central Services

At the apex of the state, the President of the Republic leads Cameroon. Under the presidency, key organs include the General Secretariat, the Civil Cabinet, and special bodies handling defence, national orders, relations with parliament, and control of government contracts.

Link: Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon

Executive & Government

The Prime Minister, as Head of Government, directs the execution of laws and oversees the day-to-day operations of ministries and state services. The Prime Minister’s Cabinet comprises units such as Political Affairs, Budget & Finance, Protocol, and Internal Affairs.

Link: Prime Minister’s Office

Legislature

Cameroon has a bicameral Parliament consisting of:

Link: Institutions

Constitutional & Advisory Bodies

Other pivotal institutions include the Constitutional Council, which guarantees constitutional oversight; and the Economic and Social Council, which advises on socio-economic policy.

Ministries & Sectoral Institutions

Cameroon has a broad set of ministries covering almost every aspect of national life. Some of the principal ones include:

Ministry of External Relations
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ministry of Trade
Ministry of Higher Education
Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection & Sustainable Development
Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Technological Development
Ministry of Public Health
Ministry of Forestry & Wildlife
Ministry of Public Works
Ministry of Social Affairs

Link: Cameroon

Business

Business & Investment in Cameroon

Cameroon is one of Central Africa’s most promising and diversified economies, offering vast opportunities for investors across multiple sectors. Strategically located between West and Central Africa, the country serves as a natural gateway to a market of over 300 million consumers within the CEMAC and ECCAS regions. With a stable political environment, rich natural resources, and a government committed to economic reform, Cameroon welcomes entrepreneurs and investors seeking sustainable partnerships and long-term growth.

Key Sectors of Opportunity

Agriculture & Agribusiness – Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing nearly 70% of Cameroonians. Major crops include cocoa, coffee, cotton, palm oil, bananas, and maize. There are growing opportunities in agro-processing, value addition, and agricultural exports.During World War I, Allied forces from Britain and France invaded Kamerun. By 1916, German control had ended, and in 1919 the territory was divided under League of Nations mandates: France governed the larger eastern portion (French Cameroun), and Britain administered the western strip bordering Nigeria (British Cameroons).

Energy & Natural Resources – Cameroon is endowed with significant hydroelectric potential, oil, gas, and minerals such as bauxite, iron ore, and gold. Investment opportunities exist in renewable energy, independent power production, and sustainable resource management.

Infrastructure & Logistics – Massive infrastructure investments in transportation, ports, and urban development are ongoing. The Kribi and Douala deep seaports, along with upgraded rail and road networks, position Cameroon as a logistics hub for Central Africa.

Technology & Innovation – With a young and connected population, Cameroon’s ICT, fintech, and digital innovation sectors are expanding rapidly. Investment in start-ups, telecommunications, and e-services is strongly encouraged.

Industry & Manufacturing – Opportunities exist in the transformation of raw materials, light manufacturing, construction materials, and industrial zones supported by public–private partnerships.

Setting Up a Business

To simplify company registration, Cameroon has established the Centres de Formalités de Création d’Entreprises (CFCE) — one-stop business creation centers allowing entrepreneurs to register and launch their company within 72 hours.
Entrepreneurs can visit the following official resources for assistance and guidance:

These platforms provide all necessary procedures, documentation, and legal information for local and foreign investors wishing to establish a presence in Cameroon.

Investment Code

In pursuit of a competitive and prosperous economy, the Republic of Cameroon has adopted an Investment Code that promotes private enterprise, stimulates savings, and attracts both domestic and foreign investment.

The guiding principles include:

Reaffirmation of a market-based economic system as the preferred mode of national organization.
Recognition of the State’s central role in promoting social and economic development.
Acknowledgment of entrepreneurs, investors, and private enterprises as key drivers of growth and job creation.
Guarantee of freedom of enterprise and investment for all investors.
Commitment to maintaining a stable and secure macroeconomic framework.
Assurance of flexibility and responsiveness in decision-making to strengthen national competitiveness.

The Investment Code offers a range of fiscal and customs incentives, including tax holidays, duty exemptions, and simplified procedures for approved investment projects.
Source: https://www.prc.cm/en/invest-in-cameroon/investment-charter

Cameroon–India Economic Partnership

Cameroon and India share a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect, trade, and development cooperation. India is one of Cameroon’s key trading partners, particularly in petroleum products, timber, metals, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. Both nations continue to expand collaboration in agriculture, renewable energy, technology, and education, fostering stronger business and investment linkages between the two economies.