Cameroon’s economy remains resilient at a growth rate of 4.1% despite the unfavourable economic conditions observed in CEMAC. The development of activity is driven by the tertiary sector, which contributes 2.3 points to real GDP growth. The primary and secondary sectors each contribute 0.9 points.

Cameroon’s economy remains resilient at a growth rate of 4.1% despite the unfavourable economic conditions observed in CEMAC. The development of activity is driven by the tertiary sector, which contributes 2.3 points to real GDP growth. The primary and secondary sectors each contribute 0.9 points.

For 2016, the GDP of the primary sector grew by 6.8% compared to 5.3% in 2015. This sector accounts for 15.3% of GDP and contributes 0.9 percentage points to growth compared to 0.7 points in 2015. By the end of 2017, its GDP would grow by 6.2%.

For 2016, the GDP of the primary sector grew by 6.8% compared to 5.3% in 2015. This sector accounts for 15.3% of GDP and contributes 0.9 percentage points to growth compared to 0.7 points in 2015. By the end of 2017, its GDP would grow by 6.2%.

EXPORT CROPS

Cocoa

At the launch of the 2019/2020 cocoa campaign, the National Cocoa and Coffee Board gave a very positive assessment of the completed campaign, which contributed to 11% of the country’s exports in 2018. Marketed cocoa production was 264,253 tonnes, up 4.2% from the previous season.

To increase production, the actions carried out focused on: the distribution of 7,341,100 cocoa plants; the creation of 276 hectares of plantations, 1.5 hectares of woodlots and 7.5 hectares of seed fields; maintenance and rehabilitation of 6,118 hectares of production fields, 49.6 hectares of seed fields and 3.5 hectares of woodlots; distribution of 171,322 cocoa pods, 923,090 fungicide sachets, 74,102 litres of insecticides and 635 tonnes of chemical fertilizers.

Coffee

In 2016, Arabica coffee production was 7024 tonnes, up 8% from 2015. Robusta coffee grew by 9.8% to 29,762 tonnes. The resumption of production is mainly linked to the supervision of producers, the intensification of plant protection treatment of plantations and the promotion of local processing. Robust coffee exports fell by 0.8% and Arabica coffee exports by 3% compared to 2015. In addition, local processing is gaining momentum with a processed coffee quantity of 3,786 tonnes in 2016 compared to 448 tonnes in 2015. This is due to the modernization of the UCCAO production line and increased demand.

The government’s efforts to increase production have included: the distribution of 2,555,600 arabica coffee plants and 854,500 robusta plants; production of 2,459,216 rooted robusta cuttings and 2,459,216 arabica cuttings; rehabilitation and maintenance of 17 hectares of Arabica seed fields and 31 hectares of robusta woodlot; distribution of 246,272 fungicide sachets and 17,875 litres of insecticides for orchard treatment. In 2017, Cameroon sold 25,315 tonnes of coffee in the 2017-18 campaign, compared to 20,270 tonnes in the 2016-2017 campaign. This is an increase in domestic production marketed by almost 20%, in relative terms.

According to the ONCC, the quality of export products has remained good. 18,644 tonnes of robusta coffee were subject to export quality control by 16 exporters. For Arabica coffee, 82% of volumes were controlled by three exporters: Olam Cam (38%), NWCA (30%) and Alpine Coffee (14%).

Natural rubber

In 2016, rubber production decreased by 12.8% compared to 2015 and stood at 41,923 tonnes. This decrease is mainly related to aging trees and adverse weather conditions. Exports fell by 13.4%. The main company in the sector, HEVECAM, has invested $13.1 billion for plantation renewal. The investments are financed by a pool of local banks.

In the first half of 2017 and year-on-year, natural rubber production fell by 11.6% and exports by 4.7%.

Cotton

In 2016, seed cotton production was 258,000 tonnes, down 11% from 2015; cotton fibre declined by 14.5% to 91,970 tonnes. The decline in production is linked to adverse weather conditions and insecurity caused by Boko Haram. Exports are down 14.8% from 2015.

In the first half of 2017 and year-on-year, cotton fibre production was down 36.7% and exports were up 14.6%.

Despite the record of 320,000 tonnes produced during the 2018-2019 season (an increase of 156,019 tonnes (up 22%) compared to the previous season), Cameroon is experiencing difficulties in crushing (turning into oil) its production of cotton seeds: an opportunity to seize in this sector.

Banana

In 2016, export banana production increased by 5.1% compared to 2015 to 381,525 tonnes. This good production performance is linked to the use of improved plant material and the increase in cultivated areas. Investments amounted to $25 billion, an increase of 39.7% over 2015. They are intended for the acquisition of “vitro plants,” fertilizers, plant protection products and packaging. The quantities exported increased by 4.1%.

In the first half of 2017 and year-on-year, output grew by 4.3% and exports by 1.6%.

However, exports of bananas produced in Cameroon peaked at 16,641 tonnes in December 2019; an overall increase of 1036 tonnes year-on-year from the 15,605 tonnes assessed in December 2018.

Crude palm oil

For 2016, industrial production of crude palm oil fell by 7.2% per rap-port to 130,129 tonnes in 2015. This is due to adverse weather conditions and aging plantings. The Cameroon Company of Palmeraies SOCAPALM, the main company in the sector, has invested 19.4 billion to increase yields, renew the production tool and fight against the vandalization of plantations.

In the first half of 2017 and year-on-year, industrial production of crude palm oil increased by 6.7%, following investments made in 2016.

This sector notes a significant increase in its production. It rises from 343,000 tonnes in 2014 to 413,000 tonnes in 2018

FOOD CROPS

CEREALS

 This sector mainly includes maize, millet/sorghum and paddy rice.

MAIZE

 In 2016, production was 2,101,631 tonnes, up 1.5% from 2015. To improve production, the actions carried out have focused on: the development of 400 hectares of maize production fields for consumption; production of 37.7 tonnes of pre-base seeds and 1,181.1 tonnes of certified seeds. In addition, 2,000 tonnes of maize were collected and stored in stores to ensure food security. Today, demand is growing rapidly in the sector. It is estimated at 2.8 million tonnes in 2019 for a national production of 2.2 million tonnes. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the main constraints associated with large-scale maize production relate to the enclave of production basins, difficulties in accessing land, high costs of fertilizers and pesticides, low access to improved seeds and insufficient mechanization.

Millet / Sorghum:

Millet /sorghum production increased by 10% to 1,144,992 tonnes in 2016  due to increased area of cultivation and the introduction of new varieties that are more resistant to climate change. To improve production, 25.1 tonnes of pre-base and base seeds and, 60 tonnes of certified seeds were distributed to maize production, increased by more than 1.5% farmers. In addition, 1,500 tonnes of sorghum were kept as safety stocks. Cameroon expects its sorghum production to double to 2 million tonnes by 2020. At the origin of this growing interest in the production of sorghum in Cameroon, the Ministry of Agriculture explains, the growing needs expressed by agribusinesses, notably Guinness Cameroon, the local subsidiary of the Diageo Group, which now prefers sorghum to imported barley for the production of its soft and alcoholic beverages.

PADDY rice

In 2016, paddy rice production increased by 12% to 311,674 tonnes. This improvement is as a result of: the continued popularization of rain-fed rice cultivation; production of 923 tonnes of base seeds and 2,355 tonnes of certified seeds for irrigated rice; production of 53 tonnes of stem seeds, 798 tonnes of pre-base seeds, 962 tonnes of base seed and 4,182.2 tonnes of certified seeds for rain-fed rice; distribution of 252.4 tonnes of chemical fertilizers, 2,000 litres of insecticides and 4,640 litres of herbicides. In addition, 600 tonnes of security stockpiles have been built up. It should be noted that from 2015 to 2017, Cameroon spent 508.5 billion CFA francs on the import of rice. Today, the IPA intends to help change this trend in order to reduce its trade deficit

ROOTS AND TUBERS:

Potato production increased by 11% to 384,429 tonnes. To improve production, 625.2 tonnes of certified seeds were produced and 65 tonnes of chemical fertilizers distributed. Yam production grew by 2.6%. To improve production, 35,000 high-yield seedlings were provided, 9 hectares of woodlot maintained and 3 hectares created. Sweet potato production increased by 8.9% and macabo/taro production by 2.5% to 426,899 and 1,801,180 tonnes respectively. These increases are due to increased use of improved seeds and better supervision of producers

BANANAS, FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND LEGUMES

For 2016, plantain production was 4,880,305 tonnes, an increase of 9%. Sweet bananas grew by 3.3% to 1,118,769 tonnes. The government’s actions in the sector concern:

• the production of 1,350,000 plantain plants and 29,540 “vitro plants”;
• the creation of 6 hectares and the maintenance of 18.5 hectares of seed fields;
• the creation of 276 hectares of plantain production fields.

The actions taken to increase fruit and vegetable production include: the distribution of 50 kg of “white” seeds and 9.2 tonnes of certified mushroom seeds; creating 11 ha field of mango and citrus. In terms of vegetable crops, 482 hectares of fields have been created.

Peanut and bean production increased by 2.3% and 5.2%, respectively. To improve production, 5 tonnes of base seeds and 179.3 tonnes of certified seeds were distributed and 160 hectares of seed fields were created.

Cameroon’s energy balance shows a clear predominance of renewable energy sources (biomass).

Although Cameroon is an oil-producing country, the share of imported petroleum products in domestic consumption increased significantly between 1990 and 2000, with imports exceeding 56% in 2000, before falling again in 2003. Oil imports, which account for the country’s total energy imports, totalled 2,356 ktoe in 2007.

Although Cameroon is an oil-producing country, the share of imported petroleum products in domestic consumption increased significantly between 1990 and 2000, with imports exceeding 56% in 2000, before falling again in 2003. Oil imports, which account for the country’s total energy imports, totalled 2,356 ktoe in 2007.

Access to energy has steadily improved in Cameroon. Estimates of urban access suggest that between 65% and 88% of the urban population has access to electricity. Thus, access to electricity in urban areas in Cameroon is more substantial than in most low-, medium- and rich-resource African countries.

However, these positive trends do not extend to rural areas: only about 14% of rural people have access to electricity, half the level of unrivalled countries. Electricity supply is unevenly distributed due to the discontinuity of the national grid, which prevents the transfer of energy between the three distinct networks: the Northern Interconnected Network, the Eastern Isolated Network and the Southern Interconnected Network (GIS).

RENEWABLE ENERGY

1. Solar energy:

The country is rich in significant solar energy resources. In the most appropriate parts, the average solar irradiance is estimated at 5.8 kwh/day/m2, while the rest of the country routinely sees 4.9 kwh/day/m2. Solar energy is currently used in distributed production systems, especially for powering the cellular telecommunications network, however, only about 50 PV installations currently exist.

2. Wind energy:

Wind energy exists in northern Cameroon and the Coastal region. However, wind speeds as reported by the weather service are not sufficient for the development of wind projects.

3. Biomass energy:

Cameroon also has the third-largest biomass potential in sub-Saharan Africa, with 25 million hectares of forest covering three-quarters of its territory. However, the unsustainable use of this resource has resulted in significant deforestation throughout the country, with an annual deforestation rate of 200,000 hectares per year and regeneration of only 3,000 hectares per year. The main uses of biomass in the country include heating and light for the majority of the rural population.

The use of palm oil for biodiesel is also a viable prospect for the country. Currently, about 108,000 hectares of land are affected by oil palm cultivation.

4. Geothermal energy:

The hot springs are found in several areas such as Ngaoundéré, Mt. Cameroon and Manengoumba, Lake Moundou, etc. However, this potential requires serious consideration.

5. Hydropower:

Cameroon has the greatest hydroelectric potential in sub-Saharan Africa. The total potential is estimated at 23 GW, with a production potential of 103 Twh per year.

The country’s development strategy focuses on: improving yields; the competitiveness of sectors; Infrastructure modernization; Supervision of producers; Sustainable management of natural resources; research and innovation.

1. LONG PANGAR DAM

Location: The project is located in the eastern region of Cameroon, at the confluence of the Lom and Pangar rivers, 117 km from Bertoua, on the Road to Deng Deng.

Technical aspect: the work consists of the construction of a reservoir of six billion m3 of storage capacity: the installation of a 30 mw foot plant to electrify the Eastern Region, and an energy evacuation line of 90 kw of 120 km.

Project cost: approximately 155 billion CFA francs distributed among the State of Cameroon (20%) and various bilateral and multilateral donors (80%): World Bank, AFD, EIB, ADB and BDAC;

Commissioning: The watering at the dam took place in September 2015.

2. MEMVE’ELE HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT

Location: The project is located in Nyabizan, a small village in the Ma’an district, department of the Ntem Valley, southern region.

Technical aspect: power of the hydroelectric dam: 201 MW with a product of 1,140 GWh/year;

Project cost: 365 billion CFA francs jointly funded by Eximbank, China, the AfDB and the State of Cameroon.

3. MEKIN HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT

Location: The project is located on the banks of the Dja River, precisely at the confluence of it with the Lobo and Sabe rivers, in the borough of Meyomessala, department of Dja-et-Lobo Southern region.

Technical aspect: a hydroelectric dam with a 15 MW hydroelectric power plant at 1 foot and an energy drain line of 110 kw by 33 km along Mekin, at the place called Njom Yekombo.

Project cost: approximately 25 billion CFA francs distributed among Eximbank China (85%) and the State of Cameroon (15%).

4. NACHTIGAL HYDROELECTRIC DAM

Location: The project is located in the town of Nachtigal on the Sanaga River (upstream) district of Ntui, Department of Mbam and Kim in the Central region.

Technical aspect: hydroelectric dam with 420 MW of energy generating capacity and various related structures.

Project cost: 410 billion FCFA are needed by Electricité de France (EDF) and partners (SFI and Rio Tinto Alcan) to develop this project.

5. KPEP HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT

Location: The project is located in the small village of Kpep on the Katsina-Ala River in the Northwest Region.

Technical aspect: construction of a 475 MW hydroelectric dam coupled with a power plant and various other socio-economic infrastructure for the benefit of local people.

Project cost: 500 billion CFA francs carried out by the British group Joule Africa, which is set to lead the project on the BOT (Build – Operate – Transfer) model.

6. MENCHUM HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT

Location: Located on the Menchum River in the Northwest Region.

Technical aspect: the aim is to build a hydroelectric development with a 72 MW power plant by the Chinese contractor CWE.

Funding: A request for funding has been filed by the government with the Eximbank of China.

BANI HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT IN WARAK

Location: Warak, on the Bini River, Adamaoua region

Technical aspect: The hydroelectric dam will have a 75 MW power generation plant at its foot and a 225 kv power drain line.

Project cost: Ongoing financial structuring for a funding search.

7. SONG DONG HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT

Location: The project is located in the town of Song Dong on the Sanaga River in Sanaga Maritime, Coastal Region.

Technical aspect: 280 MW hydro-electric development and various related structures for the injection of electrical current into the south interconnected grid (RIS).

Funding: Funding research was launched with the Chinese government.

8. THE LIMBE GAS-FIRED POWER PLANT

Location: Limbe in the Southwest region.

Technical aspect: Natural gas-fired power plant with a power output of 315 MW, including the 250 kv power drain.

Current situation: 22 April 2014, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Cameroon and the French company FINAGESTION S.A., partner of the American giant General Electric, for the studies, design, financing, construction and operation of the plant (Made Boot). The stagecoaches are ongoing, conducted by the partner.

9. THE SONARA PROJECT

The aim is to extend and modernize the SONARA refinery to refine Cameroon’s heavy crude oil.

Current situation: the first phase currently underway: expansion of production and storage capacity at a total cost of approximately 3 trillion CFA francs. Phase II is planned before the end of 2014 (construction of a conversion unit, hydrogen unit and sulphur unit) at a cost of 350 billion CFA francs.

10. THE FIDES MANAGEMENT PROJECT

The objective: construction of photovoltaic solar parks with a capacity of 500 MW across the national territory.

Current location: 36 kw already installed in Meyomessala. The French group FIDES Management is currently leading the extension of the pilot phase of 100 to other locations in the country.

11. THE HUAWEI PROJECT

The objective: the construction of photovoltaic mini-solar power plants for the electrification of 1000 rural communities in Cameroon.

Current situation: Carried by the Chinese firm Huawei, this project has already allowed, in its pilot phase, to install 409 solar streetlights for the public lighting of the Ngousso-University axis of Soa as well as the interior of the campus. This phase cost 1.5 billion CFA francs following a donation from the Chinese government. The first phase is being carried out in the other regions of Cameroon, with funding from the Eximbank of China.

12. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

In addition to increasing supply, the State is also taking action to improve access to electricity in the countryside. It has been deploying resources from the public investment budget for several years. But the task is enormous in view of the evolution of demand over the next ten years. Currently, fewer than 4,000 communities are electrified out of the country’s average 13,000.

To improve rural people’s access to electricity, 42 communities were electrified in 2016 with BIP funding and another 09 by the Rural Electrification Agency (AER). In addition, 63 localities are being electrified on BIP funding and 19 by the AER. As part of the energy sector development project, funded by Cameroon and the World Bank, 27 localities in the north and 27 in the Northwest region are being electrified. In terms of renewable energy, construction of two mini-solar power plants in the Southwest as part of the ERD-RUMPI project is continuing. As part of the government’s project to electrify 350 communities by photovoltaic energy, Phase 1 for the electrification of 166 communities continues and funding for Phase 2 for the 184 localities has been secured.

In 2016, the value-added growth of the livestock industry was 4.9%, down 2.4 points from 2015. The value added of fishing and fish farming increased by 4.3% after 3.1%.

In 2016, the cattle herd grew by 8.7% to 7.5 million head. The amount of meat from slaughter is 122,732 tonnes compared to 112,909 tonnes in 2015. The increase in meat production is linked to the construction and equipment of slaughterhouses and slaughter areas and, to the intensification of traceability of meats for consumption.

In 2016, the value-added growth of the livestock industry was 4.9%, down 2.4 points from 2015. The value added of fishing and fish farming increased by 4.3% after 3.1%.

In 2016, the cattle herd grew by 8.7% to 7.5 million head. The amount of meat from slaughter is 122,732 tonnes compared to 112,909 tonnes in 2015. The increase in meat production is linked to the construction and equipment of slaughterhouses and slaughter areas and, to the intensification of traceability of meats for consumption.

Government actions to increase livestock and ensure better quality meat continued with: intensified artificial insemination campaigns; Training the players in the sector; construction of industrial slaughterhouses and refrigerated warehouses; promoting the bovine feed through the establishment of 205.7 hectares of furnace surfaces in stations and development crates; epicupaneous treatment of 142,838 animals during transhumance; production of 1,609,250 doses of bovine contagious peripneumonia vaccines; 3,366,500 cattle.

Fishing production is estimated at 218,191 tonnes in 2016, an increase of 3%. In terms of fisheries development, the key actions concern: the construction of 3 fish sales halls, a smokehouse and 3 wharves; the fight against illegal, illegal and undeclared fishing carried out in collaboration with MINDEF.

WHY INVEST IN THIS SECTOR?

The beef industry is an important niche of business opportunities to seize. Upstream there is the supply of inputs, equipment and livestock equipment, genetic improvement etc. Downstream, transportation, processing, packaging, storage and distribution, the establishment and reinforcement of artificial insemination units, industrial units for meat production (beef feed), processing (deli meat), food production (forage, hay, seeding, concentrates) and marketing of forage, forage seeds and meat, livestock sales tanneries, among others. The industrial slaughterhouse of Ngaoundéré.

The government is taking action to strengthen the industrial fabric and improve the contribution of industries to growth. These include: the enactment in December 2016 of the new mining code; ownership of the new industrialization master plan; carrying out an audit, with a recovery plan from the National Investment Corporation.

1. MANUFACTURING

In 2016, the value added of manufacturing industries increased by 4% compared to 3.1% in 2015. This subsector contributes 2 points to the growth of the secondary sector compared to 1.6 points in 2015. This improvement is supported by a 5.4% increase in the value added of “other manufacturing industries”. The growth rate in the “agri-food industries” is 2.3%.

In the “agri-food industries,” the sectors that support growth are: “grain-based products manufacturing” (up 14.7%); “meat and fish industries” (up 10.4%); “cocoa, coffee, tea and sugar industries” (up 6.9%). However, growth is falling in the “milk, fruit, vegetable and other food industries” (-14.6%) and “fat and feed industries” (-6.6%).

In “other manufacturing industries,” growth was supported by the following industries: “manufacturing other non-metallic mineral products” (up 18.5%); “transportation equipment manufacturing” (up 18.5%); “Refining the Breweries of Cameroon, One of the country’s largest manufacturing industry oil, coking and nuclear industry” (up 15.2%); “rubber production and plastic manufacturing” (up 9.6%). Production capacity is increasing in three of the four cement plants installed. In addition, SONARA has benefited from state support for the financing of the plan to extend its production capacity.

2. EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES

In 2016, value added in the extractive industries fell by 3.5%, after an increase of 24.8% in 2015;

For the year 2016, gold production registered with artisanal mining companies was 542.1 kg compared to 795.3 kg in 2015. This decrease follows the reduction in the number of operating positions from 129 to 78; CapAM (Centre for Support and Promotion of Mining Activities) has channelled 36.6 kg of gold into the formal circuit, and returned 53.4 kg to the public treasury. In addition, the evaluation of gold mining activities has enabled the mapping and geo-referenent of 101 active mining sites in the eastern and Adamaoua regions.

As part of the implementation of the Mining Capacity Building Project (PRECASEM), 18,000 samples are planned to be collected from mining sites to produce 13 1/200,000-scale geological maps. In addition, capacity building for mining players has continued to be trained.

In the first half of 2017, the recorded gold production was 344.7 kg and CAPAM returned 150.8 kg to the public treasury.

3. CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

It is still underdeveloped, with many products being imported such as fertilizers or simply packaged on site (vernis, glues, paints, detergents).

Nevertheless, there are a few dozen companies in the sector, including soap factories, detergents, perfume factories, paints and a few pharmaceutical companies. The soap industry is the most dynamic and has various companies located near major cities. The Cameroonian chemical complex (CCC), a subsidiary of the Fadil Group, dominates the niche with diversified production. The cement industry is treated in the building and public works chapter.

4. MECHANICAL AND METALLURGICAL INDUSTRIES

In shipbuilding, Cameroon will now have to be relied upon. Indeed, the Cameroon Shipyard and Industrial (CNC), which had previously been solely involved in ship repair, took up the challenge of shipbuilding in 2008. It was the realization of an ambition declared in December 2003 by President Paul Biya who announced at the time that the time for major industrial projects had come.

5. TEXTILE AND LEATHER INDUSTRIES

The sector has only a few companies employing about 4,000 people as well as many craftsmen, especially in the leather sector, the Industrial Cotton factory of Cameroon, CICAM being the main textile company.

Founded in 1963, it produces an average of 7,500 tonnes of cotton yarn, 32 million metres of ecru fabric and 35 million metres of printed fabric, SOUCAM, a subsidiary of CICAM, produces sponge fabric mainly for export. Apart from artisanal use, almost all leather is exported.

The textile and leather industries are highly competitive with imports of thrift stores from Europe and America and smuggling products made in Nigeria and Asia.

In 2016, gold production from artisanal mining companies was 542.1 kg compared to 795.3 kg in 2015. This decrease follows the reduction in the number of operating positions from 129 to 78. CapAM (Centre for Support and Promotion of Mining Activities) has channelled 36.6 kg of gold into the formal circuit, and returned 53.4 kg to the public treasury. In addition, the evaluation of gold mining activities has enabled the mapping and geo-referenent of 101 active mining sites in the eastern and Adamaoua regions.

In the first half of 2017, the recorded gold production was 344.7 kg and CAPAM returned 150.8 kg to the public treasury.

For 2016, gold production from artisanal mining companies was 542.1 kg compared to 795.3 kg in 2015. This decrease follows the reduction in the number of operating positions from 129 to 78. CapAM (Centre for Support and Promotion of Mining Activities) has channelled 36.6 kg of gold into the formal circuit, and returned 53.4 kg to the public treasury. In addition, the evaluation of gold mining activities has enabled the mapping and geo-referenent of 101 active mining sites in the eastern and Adamaoua regions.

In the first half of 2017, the recorded gold production was 344.7 kg and CAPAM returned 150.8 kg to the public treasury.

MINE/MINED DEPOSITS

There are three mainly:

• The 600,000-tonne Fig tree limestone, licensed to CIMENCAM;
• The marble quarries of Bidzar and Biou 4,000 tons of lime, 2,000 tons of tiles;
• The pouzzolane.

UNEXPLOITED MINERAL DEPOSITS

1. NICKEL – COBALT – MANGANESE IN LOMIÉ

Expected annual production: 4,160 tonnes of cobalt, 3,280 tonnes of nickel, 45,000 tonnes of manganese;

Reserves assessed in the operating area, Nkamouna: 54.7 million tonnes;

Project cost: $615 million;

Direct jobs 800;

Indirect jobs 400

2. MBALAM IRON

Reserves: not yet fully assessed; currently estimates are in the order of 200 million tonnes of rich iron and 1.2 billion tonnes of poor iron;

Expected operating rate: 40 million tonnes per year;

Project cost, $5 billion

Jobs envisaged: 3,000 direct jobs.

3. MINIM-MARTAP AND NGAOUNDAL BAUXITE

Reserves: more than 754 million tonnes

Certification of reserves for ongoing feasibility study;

Estimated project cost: $5 billion to $6 billion;

Jobs envisaged: 2,500 to 3,000 direct jobs. Reserves valued at 420 million carats

4. MOBILONG DIAMOND

Reserves valued at 420 million carats (geological estimate);

Planned investment: $1 billion over 25 years;

Jobs under consideration: 4,000 direct jobs

5. URANIUM IN POLI

Estimated reserves: 13,125 tonnes in Poli and 11,000 tonnes in the Lolodorf region.

6. AKONOLINGA’S RUTILE

Estimated reserves: 3 million tonnes;

RESERVEs certified by SERAK 760,000 tons.

7. KRIBI IRON PROJECT

Research permit for certification recently awarded to Sinosteel Cameroon, 67 research permits awarded

CRUDE OIL

Crude oil production in 2016 was 33.7 million barrels compared to 34.9 million barrels in 2015. This decrease can be explained in particular by the decline in production from mature oil fields.

Crude oil production for the first half of 2017 was valued at 14.6 million barrels, down 18.9% year-on-year. At the end of the year, it fell 14.2% to 28.9 million barrels. Exploration work in the Rio del Rey Basin has uncovered an estimated 24.5 million barrels of additional reserves.

NATURAL GAS

In 2016, natural gas production remained almost stable at 12.6 billion cubic feet. Natural gas shipments to industries were up 22% from the previous year. In the first half of 2017, natural gas production was 6.9 billion cubic feet, an increase of 7.8% compared to the same period in 2016.

The FLNG project to install a floating natural gas liquefaction plant off Kribi by the SNH continues. Work to convert the ship is complete. The arrival of the factory boat is scheduled for September and the first exports are expected in November. The extension of the Bipaga gas processing centre is 91% complete.

DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

In 2016, production of white petroleum products was 1,360,150 metric tons, up 1.7% from 2015. Per product, there were increases of 3.5% for super, 2.8% for kerosene and 0.2% for diesel. Fuel production increased by 15.8%, while butane and distillate production fell by 5.8% and 1.1%, respectively.

In the first half of 2017 and year-on-year, production of petroleum products declined due to the shutdown of SONARA’s activities for three months to restructure the production chain. At the end of the year, white goods production could grow by 39.6% to 1,898,582 metric tons. Oil production (in metric tons).

In 2016, super and fuel 1500 consumption were up 2.5% and 4.2% respectively compared to 2015; diesel, A1, lamp oil and fuel 3,500 decreased by 1.9%, 4%, 0.7% and 70%, respectively. The domestic gas supply of domestic gas is estimated at 92,661 metric tons, of which 70,805 tonnes are imported. The amount of domestic gas consumed was 93,922 metric tons, an increase of 0.5% over 2015. In the first half of 2017 and year-on-year, excluding domestic gas, the quantities consumed of downstream petroleum products are down. This follows unfavourable economic conditions in the sub-region. Domestic gas production was 835 metric tons, down 92.8% from the same period in 2016. Imports increased by 52.9% and quantities consumed by 9.2%.

Cameroon holds the second largest forest in Africa. The country’s forest area is estimated at 22 million hectares, or 46.3% of the country’s territory. The mineable area is 79.6% and consists of protected areas and production forests. The government’s actions remain focused on:

• The development and renewal of the forest resource;
• Securing and enhancing wildlife resources in protected areas;
• The development of woody and non-woody forest resources.

Cameroonian handicrafts are part of small and medium-sized business. It has the characteristic of being the expression of the country’s cultural richness and the mark of an exceptional know-how inherited from the past and passed down from generation to generation. For example, Cameroon has nearly 35,000 artisans in the country’s 10 regions, grouped in some forty organizations and nearly 300 groups and associations. The umbrella structure of the sector is the national body of artisans in Cameroon. Crafts are divided in Cameroon into three sectors: crafts; production craft and craft service. and this craft is divided into several types of activities, including:

• Wood carving;
• Bronze sculpture;
• ceramics work;
• leather work…

THE PLACE OF CRAFTS IN THE ECONOMY

Cameroon is renowned for the richness and quality of its handicrafts. The human and cultural diversity as well as the weights of traditions profoundly influence the versatility of craftsmanship.

Crafts-related activities are generally informal. In the absence of figures, it is difficult to assess the weight it represents in the national economy.

BRANCHES AND HANDICRAFTS

Crafts include several types of activities depending on the region and traditions. This distinguishes:

• Works on bronze: this is the specialty of the bamoun country. The famous masks and statues are famous all over the world;
• Leather work in the northern provinces of the country with the major centres in Garoua and Maroua. The production, which is very varied (bags, belts, shoes, sandals, beanbags, etc.) is sold in specialized or other markets;
• Woodworking: It is mainly located in the West and Northwest. The main products are masks, statues, carved panels and beds etc.;
• Raffia and natural fibres in the Central, South, West and Northwest;
• Traditional clothing, particularly in the Far North, West and Northwest.

CITIES TRADITIONALLY LINKED TO HANDICRAFTS

Although handicrafts are practiced throughout the country, some localities are distinguished by the mastery of a specific know-how. So it is in the city of Maroua for leather goods and tannery; the city of Foumban for bronze and copper objects; bamenda and Bafoussam for wood carvings, objects made of plant fibres (raffhia), bamboo and traditional costumes.

Stretching more than 1,200 kilometres from north to south, Cameroon lies in the heart of the geographical regions of West, Central and Northern Africa. It has an extraordinarily contrasting terrain where alternating high and lowlands, a variety of climates, landscapes and unusual animal species.

Cameroon’s vegetation is a condensed part of that of Africa. There are forests, savannahs and steppes in various forms. It is a true “concentration of Africa”, in a triangle of 4785,000 km2, that the visitor discovers amazed the fauna and flora are particularly rich with 409 different species of mammals, 143 reptiles, 849 birds and 190 amphibians.

The protected areas cover a total area of 4,551,990 hectares including 7 national parks 7 wildlife reserves, 27 cynegetic areas, 1 sanctuary and 3 zoos.

Despite this rich potential, the results of Cameroonian tourism are yet to be perfected. According to the Bloom Consulting Brand Ranking, Cameroon is ranked 25th in the world. Compared to the 2014 ranking, he gained three places. In 2016, the value added of the “restaurants and hotels” sector increased by 6.8% compared to 2.2% in 2015. The number of tourists welcomed to Cameroon is estimated at 1,093,000 compared to 996,000 in 2015.

INCREASED CAPACITY

The country has 699 listed hotels, a capacity of 18,675 rooms, 597 suites, and 460 apartments. This number is up 5.9% from 2015. This is mainly due to the effects of the organization of the women’s CAN. According to the 2016 UNMIK Business Survey, the number of overnight stays is up by 2.2%.

The National Technical Commission of Tourism Establishments has authorized 74 hotel buildings. In addition, it granted 129 opening permits, including 70 for hotels, 19 for restaurants, 27 for leisure establishments and 13 for travel agencies. In addition, it has granted 12 tourist guide accreditations.

In the first half of 2017, the number of overnight stays was virtually stable compared to the same period in 2016. The average room occupancy rate is down 1.1 percentage points to 55.3%. The National Technical Commission of Tourism Establishments has authorized 38 hotel buildings. It also granted 53 opening permits, including 25 for hotels, 10 for restaurants, 9 for leisure establishments and 9 for travel agencies. In addition, it granted 7 tourist guide accreditations.

MAJOR TOURISM CATEGORIES

The richness of the tourist product is based on many attractions thanks to the diversity of tourism resources. Natural, human and cultural varieties combine to promote the practice of various forms of tourism throughout the year.

• SAFARI-PHOTO AND HUNTING TOURISM

Cameroon has seven national parks, the most famous and best developed of which is Waza. These parks are rich in animal species representative of African wildlife: elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, gorillas etc. While hunting is prohibited in national parks, there are also fourteen hunting areas with more than 500 km of maintained trails. Hunting is open from December to May in strict compliance with the Convention on the Protection of Endangered Species.

• CULTURAL TOURISM

Cameroon is a mosaic of nearly 250 ethnic groups with different customs and traditions. Tourism can thus taste the diversity present in traditional architecture: folklore, religion, cuisine, crafts, etc. The historical heritage is also rich with monuments and remnants of the triple German, French and English colonial heritage.

• MOUNTAIN TOURISM

The western mountain range offers a suitable environment with Mount Cameroon peaking at more than 4,070 m, Mount Manengouba at the hinge of the Coastal and South-West and the Dschang Climate Centre built on a plateau rising to 1,800 m. There are hot springs in Adamaoua.

• SEASIDE TOURISM

The coastline, which is wide open to the Atlantic with its 400 km of coastline, is suitable for seaside tourism on the natural beaches of Kribi and Limbé, in mangroves and waterfalls that go directly into the sea.

• ECOTOURISM

It takes place in protected sites and areas such as Korup National Park, which contains millions of years old plant species, the Dja Reserve, a World Heritage Site, Mount Cameroon with its very rare flora and the fossil sites of mayo-Rey.

• BUSINESS TOURISM

Thanks to the quality of the reception facilities, international airports, convention halls, world-class hotels, the cities of Yaounde and Douala host important congresses every year attended by businessmen and officials from all over the world.

• SPORTS TOURISM

Apart from the football that has made Cameroon’s reputation, other sports related to tourism are developing: wholesale fishing off Douala, golf courses in Yaounde and Tiko, annual ascent of Mount Cameroon not to mention the equestrian clubs of Yaounde, Douala and Garoua.

TOURISM FORECASTS

In 2010, the tourism industry generated more than 90 billion F, 572,728 tourists were registered by the Ministry of Tourism (MINTOUR).

They brought in 28.64 billion CFA francs in terms of visa fees to Cameroon; F2.66 billion in airport stamp revenue and taxes; and other taxes generated F$59.142 billion. The estimated share of the tourism industry in the national economy in 2010 is 3%. By 2015, the Ministry of Tourism is planning one million tourists who will bring back nearly 129 billion F to Cameroon. Over the same period, it puts the change in tourism’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) at as much as 8%. It is, in fact, a sector of great hope.

Tourism can go a long way in balancing Cameroon’s current deficit balance of payments. It is a remarkable source of economic growth, generating foreign exchange, job creator, facilitator of development (the emergence of local SMEs) and attracting foreign direct investment. It is a major activity in world trade. According to the National Statistical Institute (INS), Cameroon’s tourism sector has more than 9,000 businesses.

These companies generate 60,000 direct jobs, for an average of 360,000 indirect jobs. And the windfall of opportunity remains.

Tourism covers a variety of trades and activities that fall into four main categories: accommodation, catering, organisation and sale of trips or stays and transport. The development of a quality tourism industry will, among other things, enhance raw materials and improve exports. Estimates in 2035 predict more than 400 billion F, generated by 5 million tourists. 250 billion F of revenue will be derived from visa duties, 23 billion F from airport stamps and about 133 billion F from taxes paid by companies in the sector. But these in-betweens must first see the light of day and offer quality products, adapted to the needs of the time. A better presence of tour operators on the web is, for example, necessary.

The long-announced boom in Cameroon’s tourism industry could finally happen.

This sector is developing in Cameroon and the main growing markets are: mobile telecommunications, business digitization and infrastructure equipment. In 2016, telecommunications revenues were $543.4 billion, an increase of 1.6% over 2015. The number of telephone subscribers was 20,657,519, an increase of 16.9%. Mobile phone subscribers increased by 17.5% and those on landlines by 7.9%.

Investments in the industry include continued deployment of fibre optics in regional capitals. In addition, the development of telecommunications services continues in peri-urban, rural and border areas.

The digital economy is looking at a threefold dimension: the development of electronic broadband communications, computing and electronics infrastructure; the activities of the new economy based on broadband infrastructure and the internet; transformation of existing activities through the integration of ICT use.

In 2016, the fibre optic linear is 12,000 km on the transport network and 307 km on the access network. In addition, two Internet exchange points are located in Yaounde and Douala. The overall internet penetration rate is 11%.

In the first half of 2017 and year-on-year, revenue increased by 7.2% and the number of subscribers by 5.7%. At the end of the year, sales would increase by 1.5% and the number of subscribers to 3.5%.