Growth at 3.5% in 2025, 65% of companies forced to operate on generators, public investment drop in the first quarter of 2026 and tax increase.
In front of more than 20 media outlets on September 10 in Douala, the President of GECAM, Célestin Tawamba, painted an unvarnished picture of the national economy.
The employers speak out. The GECAM headquarters in Douala hosted on Thursday, September 10, 2026, the 2nd edition of the Economic Start of the Employers. A press conference by President Célestin Tawamba to share the vision of the private sector.
The assessment is mixed. National growth remains modest, driven mainly by services, while agriculture and industry, employment drivers, are slowing dangerously.
The black spot remains energy. The electricity crisis continues to weigh on competitiveness: 65% of companies have to resort to a generator, much more expensive than the grid.
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Another concern: public investment fell sharply in the first quarter, while tax pressure continues to increase. Direct consequence, SMEs are increasingly struggling to obtain bank loans.
In response, Célestin Tawamba made a strong call in favor of “Made in Cameroon” and the protection of national companies against sometimes unfair foreign competition.
In conclusion, GECAM reaffirms its commitment alongside the State to build the Cameroon of tomorrow. Major announcement: the Economic Meetings of Cameroon will be held in February 2027 in Yaoundé.
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