(Business in Cameroon) – A new investment bill promising jobs, growth, and fair play for Cameroon businesses has been defended before Parliament, with the government outlining sweeping reforms aimed at boosting economic transformation and modernising the country’s investment climate.
The Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey, presented and defended Bill No. 2087/PJL/AN, seeking to ratify Ordinance No. 2025/002 of 18 July 2025, which lays down new investment incentives in the Republic of Cameroon before Finance and Budget Committee of the National Assembly on 12 November 2025. The bill aims to enhance the country’s competitiveness and attract greater domestic and foreign investment.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey said the Bill updates the country’s investment incentive law, which has been in effect since 2013, to align with Cameroon’s economic ambitions under the National Development Strategy, NDS30. He disclosed that between 2013 and 2025, the 2013 law had already yielded significant results. 424 investment agreements were signed, representing a total commitment of FCFA 7,504 billion and leading to the creation of 168,000 jobs across various sectors.
Minister Ousmane Mey explained that the new Bill introduces major innovations to make investment processes more transparent and effective. The first change is the creation of a single reference document that consolidates all regulations on investment incentives into one accessible framework. Secondly, the law introduces priority development zones, which will allow investment incentives to target specific regions or sectors with high growth potential.
Another significant change concerns the taxation model, with the government shifting from tax reductions to tax credits. According to the Minister, this new approach will improve the management of fiscal expenditure and ease the implementation of tax incentives by relevant government agencies.
“This change in the tax regime will strengthen the impact of fiscal measures on the state budget and improve compliance,” he said. He also noted that under the new Bill, state-owned enterprises operating in competitive sectors will now be eligible for investment incentives. This, he explained, is intended to restore fair competition between public and private entities.
According to the minister, the Bill also provides for the establishment of a one-stop investment promotion centre that will serve as a single interface for investors. In addition, a committee of audit and appeals will be created to ensure accountability, monitor performance, and offer a formal mechanism for addressing investor grievances. The Minister stressed that the reforms will guide public resources toward investments that contribute to structural transformation, and support industries aligned with Cameroon’s import-substitution policy.
He added that the modernised incentive system is designed to attract projects that generate employment, add value locally, and promote inclusive growth.“The government will use available resources to support investments capable of accelerating job creation, wealth generation, and socio-economic inclusion, especially for youth and women,” the minister concluded.
Mercy Fosoh
