Faced with economic challenges, the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) has defined the main strategic orientations for the year 2025. The annual conference of central and decentralized services, held on February 4, 2025 in Yaoundé, was an opportunity to focus on economic diversification and the optimization of public investments.
Under the theme “Accelerating the diversification of the economy and improving Cameroon’s external position”, the 2025 edition of the MINEPAT annual conference was held under the chairmanship of Minister Alamine OUSMANE MEY, with the participation of Minister Delegate Paul TASONG. During its opening speech, MINEPAT took stock of the national economy, highlighting the many challenges: the low diversity of exports, the non-processing of local products, the trade deficit, dependence on imports, the volatility of international markets, climate challenges and the mobilization of financing for structuring projects.
To meet these challenges, the minister urged his colleagues to increase rigor and a renewed capacity for innovation. “The challenges ahead require a strengthened collective commitment from us,” he insisted.
Development of sectors with high export potential
The first theme addressed during the work concerned the development of sectors with high export potential, a key lever for strengthening the country’s economic resilience. In her presentation, Technical Advisor No. 4 of MINEPAT, PEDIE Edith Strafort, highlighted the need to structure and promote promising sectors, including cocoa, coffee, rubber, cotton, bananas, wood, metallurgy, chemicals, hydrocarbons, tourist services, pepper and cashew nuts. According to him, this diversification is essential to reduce dependence on imports, increase exports and strengthen foreign exchange reserves in the CEMAC zone.
Optimizing public investments: a lever for competitiveness
The second strategic axis developed during the conference focused on the optimization of public investments, presented by the Director General of Economy and Public Investment Programming (DGEPIP), Pr Issac TAMBA. The objective is to improve the efficiency of public spending, by reducing the costs of production factors and creating a business climate conducive to the development of exports. “A better allocation of resources will accelerate strategic projects and improve the competitiveness of the private sector,” he explained.
Strong recommendations for 2025
At the end of the discussions, key recommendations were formulated to accelerate the structural transformation of the Cameroonian economy.
Minister Alamine OUSMANE MEY insisted on: Rigorous monitoring of the national and international economic environment, to adjust economic policies according to global trends. Support for champion companies and those that promote import-substitution. Intensification of partnerships with donors, to mobilize more concessional financing. Continuation of structural reforms, particularly through the Integrated Agropastoral and Fisheries Import-Substitution Plan (PIISAH). Acceleration of priority projects, such as the Initial Impulse Program (P2I) and the Special Programs for the Reconstruction and Development of affected regions.
With this in mind, MINEPAT will ensure disciplined budgetary management and rigorous allocation of resources.
A course set for sustainable growth
In line with the guidelines of the President of the Republic, HE Paul BIYA, the Ministry of Economy aims to be a central player in building a competitive and inclusive economy. The year 2025 promises to be decisive, with ambitious reforms aimed at strengthening local production, reducing external dependence and improving Cameroon’s economic position on the international scene.
