Cameroon: The strategic priorities of President Paul Biya’s new term of office
At the dawn of a new presidential term, the Cameroonian government, under the leadership of President Paul Biya, faces a demanding agenda where urgent issues intertwine with long-term development imperatives. Priorities are structured around several fundamental pillars, within a context marked by security, economic, and social challenges.
Foremost among these priorities remains national security and peace. The crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions, alongside the persistent threat of Boko Haram in the Far North, demands a multidimensional approach.
The government is relying on a mix of targeted military operations and, crucially, the effective implementation of the resolutions from the Grand National Dialogue to restore peace in the Anglophone regions. National reconciliation and effective decentralization remain indispensable keys.
On the economic front, the priority is to strengthen resilience against external shocks and promote inclusive growth.
Efforts are focused on improving the business climate, accelerating major infrastructure projects (such as hydroelectric dams, roads, and ports), and diversifying the economy to reduce dependency on raw materials.
The Special Triennial Program for Youth 2021-2023, which is to be made permanent, aims to address massive youth unemployment through entrepreneurship.
The social sector is also a central concern. Improving access to and the quality of healthcare, particularly in combating pandemics, and strengthening the education system are crucial.
The construction and equipping of hospitals, along with teacher training, are priority projects to capitalize on the demographic dividend.
Finally, governance and state modernization constitute a cross-cutting axis. The continued digitization of public administrations, the fight against corruption, and the promotion of transparency in public financial management are presented as levers to increase efficiency and restore citizens’ trust.
The new term places Cameroon at a crossroads. The effective and transparent execution of these priorities security, a resilient economy, social justice, and good governance will determine the ability of the country to achieve its goal of becoming an emerging economy by 2035.
The major challenge lies less in stating these objectives than in the speed and equity of their implementation across the entire national territory.
Baba GADO
