Lawmakers discuss ways of boosting country’s economic growth.

This was the focus of a workshop held at the Solomon Tandeng Muna Committee Room of the Paul Biya Glass House. The session drew lawmakers and development experts.

It was organised under the theme: “Unlocking Cameroon’s Economic Potentials: Challenges and Opportunities”.

Presided over by the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon Mbe Assae Mendomo, the seminar featured a series of presentations and discussions aimed at equipping the Members of Parliament, MPs, with insights into Cameroon’s economic landscape. 

The Chairperson opened proceedings by stressing the urgency of identifying barriers and prospects for national growth.

“We must begin by educating our children to pursue training that supports their development. If we believe in it, our emergence projected for 2035 could be realised by 2030,” Hon Mendomo stated.

A keynote address by a leading economist outlined pressing issues such as youth unemployment, inadequate road infrastructure, and unreliable electricity supply. 

The points sparked robust exchanges among committee members, who proposed solutions including job creation schemes, infrastructure upgrades, and alternative energy strategies.

Sectoral presentations followed, covering agriculture, industry, services, and regional integration. The seminar also spotlighted human capital development, with emphasis on education, healthcare, and social protection. 

A panel discussion on “Investing in Human Capital for Sustainable Development” underscored the need to empower citizens through employment and skills training.

Talking to the press after the session, a member of the committee, Hon Melingui Roger linked the seminar’s timing to recent national discourse, referencing the President’s November 6, investiture address.

“The Head of State spoke of a sacred union and the challenges ahead. It was vital for the Economic Affairs Committee to meet and contribute to the necessary reflection before action,” he remarked.

He further highlighted internal difficulties in the North West, South West, and Far North regions as critical factors affecting progress.

On his part, Hon. Adamu Edward Lambe echoed concerns on the pressing infrastructural and social needs facing the country. 

He noted that after engaging with communities, it became evident that essential services such as roads, electricity, and water remain inadequate, largely due to the strain placed on state resources by ongoing crises in some regions.

The conflicts, he explained, have diverted funds away from development projects, making it difficult for the government to meet basic infrastructure demands. He proposed alternative solutions, including public-private partnerships for road and housing development.

Emphasising the growing challenges posed by a rapidly increasing population, he urged citizens to understand the evolving nature of national needs.

“We can't refuse the fact that these things are necessary but we're at the same time saying that we all work we need to work as a family. Cameroon remains Cameroon and we must work together to see how things can be ameliorated,” he stated.

Hon Lambe also highlighted the importance of youth engagement and called for initiatives that would provide opportunities and reduce conflict, stressing that the issues Cameroon faces are not unique but part of a broader global crisis.

As the seminar drew to a close, members of the Committee agreed on a set of recommendations to be forwarded to the government. 

The measures centre on improving infrastructure networks, promoting job creation, enhancing human capital and reinforcing coordination between institutions and communities.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3627 of Monday November 17, 2025