Cameroon is set to bolster economic growth and reinforce national unity as it approaches the landmark 2025 presidential election. In his opening remarks for the Third Ordinary Session of 2024, Honourable Cavaye Yeguié Djibril, Speaker of the National Assembly, laid out an ambitious agenda focused on approving the 2025 State Budget. He called on lawmakers to craft a budget that aligns with the President’s vision, emphasising stability and public trust during this critical election period.
“We must inspire Cameroonians to rally around the Head of State’s vision,” Cavaye said. He further urged that the budget prioritise peace, prosperity, and broad support for the nation’s future direction.
Promoting Economic Self-Sufficiency through National Development
Alongside electoral stability, Cavaye emphasized the importance of economic self-sufficiency under Cameroon’s National Development Strategy (NDS). He also celebrated recent advancements in import substitution and industrial growth.
“Our goal is to create a domestic industry in each municipality, moving from raw resource extraction to finished goods,” he said. This initiative, he noted, holds transformative potential for job creation and local economic growth.
A major highlight of his speech was the success of Cameroon’s cocoa sector. Cavaye praised Minister of Commerce Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana for his election as President of the International Cocoa Council, calling it “a diplomatic victory that underscores our nation’s global influence.” He further encouraged local efforts such as digital integration and local cocoa processing to uplift farmers and ensure fair pricing.
Energy and Infrastructure Development for National Growth
Cavaye spotlighted key projects in energy and infrastructure, particularly the Nachtigal Dam, which will connect power grids from the north to the south and help eliminate energy shortages. “Cameroon’s growth relies heavily on reliable energy,” he said, advocating for substantial investments in infrastructure to drive industry forward and improve citizens’ lives.
Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Acknowledging the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Cavaye urged the government to increase funding access for these businesses and remove barriers to product certification. Noting that SMEs employ 75% of the workforce but receive only 18% of private sector loans, he argued for a stronger governmental commitment to entrepreneurship. “Our youth are leading this enterprise growth,” he added, recognizing the essential role young Cameroonians play in economic development.
Addressing Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness
Climate change and disaster readiness also featured prominently in Cavaye’s address. Expressing his condolences to recent flood victims, he called for urgent, preventative action to protect citizens from natural disasters. “We must act now to shield our citizens from the growing threat of natural disasters,” he urged, advocating for a unified government response.
Cameroon’s Expanding Diplomatic Influence
In closing, Cavaye highlighted Cameroon’s growing diplomatic presence, celebrating the election of Honourable Agho Oliver Bamenju to the International Criminal Court’s parliamentary committee. He also praised Cameroon’s delegation to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Assembly in Australia, affirming, “Our commitment to global diplomacy is unwavering.”
Meanwhile, with this broad agenda, President Cavaye officially launched the 2024 Third Ordinary Session, expressing confidence that Cameroon will enter 2025 with a clear and focused path for both democracy and economic development.
