The European Union has pledged a €91 million ($96 million, about 59.3 billion FCFA) loan to Cameroon over the next three years to improve the country’s infrastructure and attract foreign investment. The announcement was made Tuesday during a meeting between Cameroonian government officials and EU representatives in the capital, Yaoundé.
The funding will be directed towards critical infrastructure projects, including energy development, road networks, and a railway linking Cameroon to its landlocked neighbor, Chad. A portion of the funds will also be used to construct a bridge over the Ntem River to enhance connectivity between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
“This loan is a testament to our commitment to making Cameroon a hub for investment and development in Central Africa,” said Alamine Ousmane Mey, Cameroon’s Minister of the Economy. “With the EU’s assistance, we aim to modernize our infrastructure and attract private investors to sustain economic growth.”
Addressing a Legacy of Dilapidation
Cameroon’s infrastructure has suffered significant decline in recent years, with dilapidated roads, energy shortages, and outdated ports hampering economic activities. The situation has been further exacerbated by a separatist conflict in the country’s west, which has claimed over 6,000 lives and displaced more than 760,000 people, according to the International Crisis Group.
Minister Mey acknowledged these challenges and highlighted the EU’s continued support, which already includes major projects such as the construction of a hydroelectric dam and a bridge connecting Cameroon and Chad.
Focus on Transparency and Accountability
The EU Ambassador to Cameroon, Jean-Marc Chataigner, emphasized that the loan’s release is conditional on the government’s proper management of the funds. Corruption has been a persistent issue in Cameroon, with a recent report from the National Anti-Corruption Commission revealing that the country lost over FCFA 114 billion ($184 million) to corruption in 2023.
“We need assurances that the enterprises tasked with building these infrastructures have full and transparent access to the funds,” Chataigner said. “The EU’s focus is not just on providing financing but on ensuring it is used effectively to benefit the people of Cameroon.”
The EU has also pledged to assist Cameroon in restructuring and managing public finances to make the country more appealing to private investors.
Long-Term Impacts on Investment
Economists suggest that the projects could position Cameroon as a regional economic hub if implemented effectively. Improved connectivity through upgraded roads, railways, and bridges would facilitate trade with neighboring countries, while energy sector improvements could resolve frequent power outages that deter businesses.
“This kind of investment lays the groundwork for sustained economic growth,” said Dr. Pauline Ebai, a Yaoundé-based economist. “However, the success of these projects will depend on the government’s ability to overcome systemic corruption and ensure the timely completion of infrastructure developments.”
The announcement signals a significant step toward addressing Cameroon’s pressing development needs, though observers remain cautious about the country’s track record in managing large-scale projects. For many Cameroonians, the hope is that the EU loan will translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives and economic opportunities.
