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Known as “ the Gateway to Central Africa ”, and stands out as one of the continent’s most diverse and resource-rich economies, Cameroon is bordered by six countries and is strategically situated on the Gulf of Cameroon, emerging as a natural trade and logistics hub for the Central African sub-region. With a strong informal economy, an agriculture sector which has experienced double-digit growth during the past five years, increasing manufacturing output, and the government’s commitment to industrial modernization, investing in an evolving economy in Africa was never a safe bet. 

The long-term development plan of the government, Vision 2035, seeks to change Cameroon into a rising industrialized country via ways such as promoting the private sector, creating better infrastructure facilities, and attracting innovative companies. With abundant  natural resources, a young and dynamic labor force, and suitable weather for Agriculture, and its vibrant nearby market sector, it is not shocking to know that Cameroon presents one of the most interesting environments for startup industries on the continent across a wide array of verticals.

Reasons to Start Industry in Cameroon

Several factors make Cameroon an attractive destination for industrial investment and startup ventures.

The first reason would be that the country provides a competitive advantage as a strategic location. It can open the landlocked countries in Central Africa, such as Chad and the Central African Republic, simultaneously with providing access to coastal markets. That can be achieved by using the port of Douala that is one of the busiest gateways in Central Africa. That is why the country is perfect to have an export-oriented manufacturing industry based or at least a logistics operation. 

The second reason is the coherentment of the government’s favor of policies and stability in low macroeconomic risk and the total level of political risk. The government has reliable partnerships with international financial institutions to provide financial funds for the development and upgrading of infrastructure.

The fact that Cameroon is supported by a skilled labour force as “ Over 60% of people are under the age of 30 ”, meaning, a vibrant, educated youth is prepared to join the industrial and technological organizations. 

Moreover, natural resources are multiple and comprise arable land, forest resources, oil and gas and mineral reserves; that is, both traditional and fresh industries are present and will be emerging. The double surroundings of English and French also play a positive role in the market due to the increased communication within the African region and beyond the continent.

Availability of Raw Materials and Supporting Factors

Cameroon’s diverse ecosystem provides a robust foundation for industrial and manufacturing projects.

The agricultural sector in Central Africa is one of the most productive with the leading crops, including cocoa, coffee, cotton, bananas, cassava, maize, oil palm, etc., which are exported to the markets of Europe and Asia. Thus, the agro-processing industries are highly lucrative nowadays, specifically for cocoa processing and the refining of palm oil, juice, and manufacturing of packaged food. Mineral resources in the country include oil, bauxite, iron ore, gold, limestone, and many more. 

This enables cement manufacturing, mining, steel production, and petrochemical manufacturing. Additionally, the forestry sector, sustainable timber production, and the establishment of wood-based industries are very profitable. Focus on renewable sources, particularly hydropower and solar energy, has encouraged investments in green technologies and startups. Infrastructure is well-developed, and further investments are made in modern road networks, port facilities, and railway systems connecting industrial zones with local and international markets. Two big industrial ports in Douala and Kribi and special economic zones  reduce logistics costs for manufacturers and exporters with cheaper transport and utility costs.

Why Select Industry for Startup in Cameroon

The country’s industrial policy and entrepreneurship development programs are designed to encourage private sector participation in key growth areas.

1. Agro-Processing and Food Industry

Firstly, one of the priority sectors is agro-processing. The sector is promising due to the fact that agriculture is about 20% of the GDP of the Republic of Cameroon. Thus, it is viable to engage in: grinding of cocoa, canning of fruits and vegetables, dairy processing; manufacturing of animal feed; investing in organic farming products.

2. Mining and Construction Materials

The government’s aspiration through rapid setup of infrastructure needs a huge quantity of cement, steel, glass, and a variety of additional products. Set up of cement factories, quarry-weight metals, regular cement maker and metal fabrication units that are beneficial for local consumption parts as well.

3. Renewable Energy and Power Generation

Moreover, Cameroon has a huge potential for hydropower, which is insufficiently developed at the moment. Entrepreneurs can establish small hydro, solar, or biomass power plants to supply electricity to underdeveloped regions and provide the population with sustainable energy. 

4. Manufacturing and Industrial Goods

 The light industry, such as textiles, plastics, packaging, furniture, is becoming increasingly popular. Due to affordable labor and industrial zones, it is often more profitable to produce locally than to import.

5. Tourism and Creative Industries

The country’s tourism industry is well-receivable for developing as well. Its cultural diversity and nature make national parks and scenic coastlines good investment destinations. It can be realized by hospitality as well as eco and cultural projects. There are good supportive tourism events, for example, the Ngondo Festival and the Mount Cameroon Race.

Market Demand and Future Forecast

Yet, regardless of the current instability, the future of our country retains a positive aspect with the Cameroon economic outlook. The government is taking all possible measures to diversify the economy; expand the infrastructure; promote investment into multiple sectors. In 2022-2025, the World Bank expects the nation’s GDP to grow annually at least 4-5%. Manufacturing, building, and services will be the performing trend due to the robust associated investments. With the  middle  class  in  urban  areas, the domestic  demand  for  consumer  products  has  surged,  particularly  including  processed foods. 

What is more, the likelihood of export is also growing with a range of recent commercial contracts to broaden export to new markets outside. In the next year, based on industrialization, urban infrastructural renovation, and technological expansion; the demand will greatly increase, especially in construction raw material, power and transport, production, and distribution. Entrepreneurship activities are thriving, facilitated by the introduction of the creative economy in all domains—technological peculiarities in the general climate range from innovation to technologically progressive economic growth. 

Due to this, firms from China, France, Germany, and other European nations as well as Russia and even the United States have invested in the Cameroon market. Moreover, this venture will enhance investor trust and facilitate the country’s transformation into among the central Africa states’ export and import hubs.

Government Support and Incentives

Key government incentives include:

• Tax exemptions and customs relief for new industrial projects
   
• Investment codes guaranteeing profit repatriation and legal protection for foreign investors
   
• Industrial free zones and special economic areas with reduced duties and simplified regulations
   
• Access to financing programs through national development banks and SME support funds
   
• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in energy, infrastructure, and logistics
   

No matter the instability, the  country’s future looks bright with the Cameroon economic outlook. In fact, the government has made efforts in ensuring all they can for an economy well diversified, infrastructure continually extended, and investing encouraged in multiple industries. According to World Bank estimates, between 2022- 2025, no matter what trend follows, the GDP would increase by 4-5% annually. This would majorly involve the manufacturing industry, building, and services since huge investment is in place. 

Moreover, due to decentralized processing and an elevated urban  middle class  combining  to amplify  domestic  demand  for  consumer  products, mainly  between proud principles of food processing. Even, the prospect of exports was improved due to numerous new trade agreements  that extend trade to fresh markets outside. 

Next year based on industrial improvement, urban infrastructural development,  and technical innovation, the demand will rise significantly, mainly construction raw substance and supply, production, and transport. Philippine businessmen are also flourishing in the contemporary technology industry. Therefore, industries in China, France, Germany, and other European nations, as well as Russia and even the USA, have engaged in the Cameroon marketplace. This chance will likewise be given to improve economic faith and encourage most of the distribution firms to export and export to Africa in the middle east.