Parliament: Economy minister defends new investment incentive bill.

The sitting, chaired by Hon Moutymbo Rosette Epse Ayayi and assisted by Hon Salamana Amadou Ali, examined several bills in line with Cameroon’s public finance management framework.

Among the bills examined was Bill No. 2087/PJL/AN, seeking to ratify Ordinance No. 2025/002 of 18 July 2025, which lays down new investment incentives in the Republic of Cameroon. 

The bill, presented under Articles 85 and 86 of the 2025 Finance Law, aims to enhance the country’s competitiveness and attract greater domestic and foreign investment. 

It was defended by Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey. This was in the presence of the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze.

Updating a 2013 law

Speaking to reporters after the session, Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey said the bill updates the country’s investment incentive law, which has been in effect since 2013, to align with Cameroon’s economic ambitions under the National Development Strategy, NDS30. 

He explained that the 2013 law had already yielded significant results, with 424 investment agreements signed, representing FCFA 7,504 billion in commitments and the creation of an estimated 168,000 jobs. 

However, he said more needed to be done to strengthen the country’s investment environment.

“The Head of State decided to modernise our investment framework to maintain the course towards emergence,” the minister said.

According to him, the new bill introduces a single reference document that consolidates all investment incentive regulations into one accessible framework. 

It also introduces priority development zones, allowing incentives to target areas with high economic potential.

Key innovations introduced

Minister Ousmane Mey explained that the new bill introduces major innovations to make investment processes more transparent and effective. 

These include simplifying eligibility criteria for investors and extending incentive access to state-owned enterprises operating in competitive sectors. 

This, he explained, is intended to restore fair competition between public and private entities. He noted that one of the bill’s most important reforms was a shift from tax reductions to tax credits. 

“This change in tax policy will strengthen the impact of fiscal measures on the state budget and improve compliance,” Minister Ousmane Mey underscored.

He added that the bill also establishes a one-stop investment promotion centre, which will serve as the central hub for processing applications, monitoring approved projects, and providing guidance to investors. 

In addition, a new audit and appeals committee will oversee compliance and ensure proper governance within the investment framework.

Driving economic transformation

The minister stressed that the government, under the leadership of President Biya, is determined to use these reforms to drive structural transformation and support industries aligned with Cameroon’s import-substitution policy. 

He said the modernised incentive system is designed to attract projects that generate employment, add value locally, and promote inclusive growth.

“The government will use available resources to support investments capable of accelerating job creation, wealth generation, and socio-economic inclusion, especially for youth and women,” he affirmed.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3624 of Friday November 14, 2025