In-Depth Analysis
Cameroon
Cameroon is a country with abundant natural resources, but the cumbersome business environment and infrastructure gaps are major obstacles. The centralised power structure keeps political risk elevated while insecurity in the restive Anglophone regions remains a perennial concern.
Growth slowed as weaker-than-expected non-oil sector activity capped off a somewhat mixed performance for the economy in 2019. Nevertheless, upward growth momentum is expected to resume in 2020 due to an anticipated upturn in consumption growth and a rise in investment in infrastructure and new gas projects. However, a potential flare-up in insecurity resulting from the February municipal and legislative elections presents a risk to the short-term growth outlook. Moreover, although there have been indications that militant secessionist groups in the restive Anglophone regions (Southwest and Northwest) are splintering, the risk of a spike in conflict in these regions remains high. (Source: Cameroon Country Quarterly Update, January 2020.)
Macroeconomic Data
(2019)
|
Fiscal Balance (as a % of GDP) |
-2.3 |
|
Consumer Price Index (% change y-o-y, avg) |
2.2 |
|
Current Account Balance (as a % of GDP) |
-4.0 |
|
Real GDP (annual % change) |
3.9 |
|
GDP per Capita, US$ |
1,503.5 |
|
Import Cover (months) |
5.1 |
|
Population, million |
25.9 |
| Total External Debt (as a % of GDP) |
32.3 |