Cameroon’s economy is the most diversified in central Africa and makes up more than half of the total GNP of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). Its abundant natural resources, a favorable climate, and well-educated work force make it one of Africa’s potentially most competitive economies.

Apart from its own oil resources Cameroon also largely benefits from the recently completed pipeline transporting oil for export from the Doba field in Chad to Kribi. Apart from additional revenues the pipeline serves to stimulate foreign investment in Cameroon in related industries.

The country has successfully completed several economic reform programs to spur business development and attract investment from abroad.

Country Profile

The Republic of Cameroon is situated on a plateau rising to 1,500 m in the Adamawa Mountains. Mount Cameroon is one of a series of volcanoes running southward, into the ocean, and northward, to Bamenda.

In the rain forests of the south an equatorial climate prevails while the fertile soil of the western volcanic zone allows cultivation of a variety of tropical crops. There are more than 200language groups.

The largest single group is the Bamileke. Other major peoples include the Fulani, the Chadic, and the Bantu-speaking Fang. The northern Fulani and Chadic are mainly Muslim, while those in the west and south are predominantly Christian, though many still adhere to traditional ethnic beliefs.

Business Activity

Agriculture

Coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches, livestock, timber.

Industries

Petroleum production and refining, food processing, consumer goods, textiles, timber.

Natural Resources

Petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower.

Export

$3.8 billion (2007 est.): crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum, and coffee, cotton.

Imports

$3.7 billion (2007 est.): machines and electrical equipment, fuel, food.

Major Trading Partners

Spain, France, Italy, South Korea, Netherlands, Nigeria, Belgium, China, US.

Source: Les de Villiens, Africa 2009, Ninth Edition (A publication of The Corporate Council on Africa and Business Books International)