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The Groupement des Entreprises du Cameroun (GECAM) held its second annual economic opening event in Douala on September 10, 2026. During a press conference, GECAM President Célestin Tawamba presented an assessment of the national economy, highlighting several challenges facing the private sector.
According to the report provided by the organization, national economic growth is currently estimated at 3.5 percent for 2025. While the services sector continues to drive this growth, the organization noted a slowdown in the agriculture and industrial sectors, which are primary sources of employment.
Energy supply remains a significant concern for businesses. GECAM reported that 65 percent of companies are currently forced to rely on power generators to maintain operations, a practice described as significantly more expensive than utilizing the national electrical grid.
The organization also pointed to a decline in public investment during the first quarter of 2026, occurring alongside an increase in the tax burden. These factors have contributed to difficulties for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in securing bank credit.
In response to these conditions, Tawamba advocated for the promotion of local production under the “Made in Cameroon” initiative and called for measures to protect national businesses from what he characterized as unfair foreign competition.
Despite these concerns, GECAM reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government. The organization announced that the next Rencontres Économiques du Cameroun are scheduled to take place in Yaoundé in February 2027.
Article source: fr.journalducameroun.com | Image credit: Journal du Cameroun
