GECAM: Avertissement Économique Cameroun 2026 Warns of Crisis

• On September 10, 2026, GECAM President Célestin Tawamba presented a stark economic assessment to over 20 media outlets in Douala.
• Key concerns include a modest 2025 growth projection of 3.5%, 65% of businesses relying on costly generators, and a dangerous slowdown in agriculture and industry.
• Public investment fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, while taxes increased, making it harder for SMEs to access bank credit.
• GECAM called for "Made in Cameroon" initiatives and protection for national businesses against unfair foreign competition.
• The employers' association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the state to build Cameroon's future, also mentioning a major announcement about "les Renco."

A central point of concern articulated by the GECAM President was the persistent energy crisis, which continues to severely undermine the competitiveness of Cameroonian businesses.

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, the GECAM headquarters in Douala hosted the second edition of the "Rentrée économique du Patronat," an event designed to articulate the private sector's perspective on the national economy. Addressing an assembly of over 20 media outlets, GECAM President Célestin Tawamba delivered an unvarnished assessment of Cameroon's economic landscape, highlighting significant challenges and areas of concern. This gathering underscored the employers' association's commitment to openly discussing the nation's financial health.

A central point of concern articulated by the GECAM President was the persistent energy crisis, which continues to severely undermine the competitiveness of Cameroonian businesses. A staggering 65% of enterprises are compelled to rely on electricity generators for their operations, a solution that is considerably more expensive than utilizing the national grid. This widespread dependence on costly alternative power sources directly inflates operational expenditures and reduces profit margins, making it harder for local companies to compete effectively in both domestic and international markets.

Further compounding these difficulties, the nation has witnessed a significant decline in public investment during the first quarter of 2026, alongside a continuous increase in tax burdens. These combined factors have a direct and detrimental impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are increasingly struggling to secure necessary bank credits. The projected economic growth for 2025 stands at a modest 3.5%, a figure that, when viewed against these structural impediments, suggests a challenging outlook for the coming years and underscores the urgency of the GECAM avertissement économique Cameroun 2026.

In response to these pressing economic challenges, Célestin Tawamba issued a robust appeal for the promotion of "Made in Cameroon" initiatives. This call advocates for a stronger focus on local production and consumption, aiming to bolster domestic industries and create a more resilient economy. Furthermore, he stressed the critical need to protect national businesses from what is often perceived as unfair foreign competition, ensuring a level playing field for local enterprises.

Concluding his address, the GECAM President reiterated the organization's unwavering commitment to collaborate with the state in the collective endeavor of building Cameroon's future. This collaborative spirit underscores the private sector's willingness to contribute actively to national development despite the current difficulties. The event also included a significant announcement regarding "les Renco," though further details were not immediately provided.

Source: Original reporting.