Central African economic leaders, gathered in Douala under the Union of Central African Employers (UNIPACE), call on governments to act in the face of failing infrastructure, unbalanced taxation and weak economic integration. A union for development is essential to stimulate inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.
It was in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, that the main representatives of Central African employers’ organizations gathered this month to address the critical challenges hindering regional growth. The meeting, organized under the auspices of the Union of Central African Employers (UNIPACE), brought together the region’s economic leaders, including the Cameroon Business Group (GECAM), the Central African Interprofessional Group (GICA), the Gabonese Business Federation (FEG), the Congolese Employers’ and Interprofessional Union (UNICONGO), and the Chadian National Employers’ Council (CNPT).
Led by Célestin Tawamba, President of UNIPACE and GECAM, this general assembly aimed to take stock of the major obstacles to sub-regional economic development. The findings are alarming: aging infrastructure, tax disparities and a lack of economic integration continue to slow down the growth potential of the sub-region.
The first item on the agenda: transport and energy infrastructure. Economic leaders unanimously highlighted the negative impact of the lack of reliable transport networks and adequate energy connections. According to UNIPACE, these deficits significantly increase logistics costs and hamper trade between states. “Without adequate infrastructure, trade and sub-regional cooperation will never reach their full potential,” stressed one of the presidents present.
The call is therefore launched to governments to prioritize the modernization of roads, ports and energy networks. Infrastructures are, for the bosses, the keystone to boost local economies and improve the competitiveness of companies in the sub-region.
Another crucial challenge: taxation. The disparity of tax systems in Central Africa discourages the establishment of businesses and limits foreign investment. Business leaders are calling for tax harmonization that would create a more favorable business environment. “It is urgent to put in place tax mechanisms that promote wealth creation and support businesses in the region,” said Célestin Tawamba.
Taxation adapted to local realities could, according to UNIPACE, stimulate investment, both national and international, and encourage job creation, business development and poverty reduction.
Finally, UNIPACE reiterated the importance of strengthening intra-regional economic integration. The movement of goods, services and people within the sub-region remains hampered by administrative barriers and non-harmonized regulations. This weak integration deprives local companies of the opportunity to diversify their markets and grow.
For economic leaders, integration is essential to strengthen the economic resilience of the sub-region in the face of global crises and to stimulate trade. “We must see economic integration as an essential solution to improve the competitiveness of our companies and support our development,” said one of the leaders present.
Closing the meeting, Célestin Tawamba stressed the need for close collaboration between governments, regional institutions and international partners to overcome these structural challenges. The Central African leaders said they were ready to work hand in hand with the authorities to build a prosperous, resilient and connected sub-region.
The Union of Central African Employers is calling on governments to seize this opportunity to launch ambitious reforms. “Together, we can build a prosperous Central Africa,” said Tawamba, who is resolutely optimistic about the prospects for inclusive and sustainable development in the region.