Cameroon charts new course to tackle youth unemployment with digital and entrepreneurial push
Confronting persistent youth unemployment, Cameroon is implementing a renewed, multi-sector strategy focused on innovation, digitalization, and self-employment to provide concrete prospects for its young population.
A central pillar is the push toward a digital economy. Government agencies are scaling up training in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. A growing network of tech incubators in major cities aims to foster a startup ecosystem.
Simultaneously, entrepreneurship is being championed as a key path to autonomy. Initiatives like the “Special Youth Three-Year Plan” and programs from the Cameroonian SME Bank are designed to ease access to financing a major hurdle through relaxed loan guarantees and startup capital competitions. Business training is also being integrated into educational curricula.
The third strategic axis involves closing the gap between education and the job market.
Curricula in technical and professional education are being reformed in partnership with the private sector to align with labor needs in high-potential fields like agro-industry, construction, and renewable energy. Job-matching platforms are being developed to improve graduate placement.
These policies are coupled with efforts to decentralize opportunities by developing growth poles outside major cities, encouraging youth to build futures in their home regions.
This shift from a traditional job-seeking model to one promoting job creation and 21st-century skills aims to transform the demographic dividend of Cameroon into a driver of inclusive growth. The success of this transition will hinge on sustained funding, effective execution, and strong synergy between the state, private sector, and youth beneficiaries.
Baba Gado
