Cameroon ranked 142nd out of 179 countries in Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index.  While significant economic opportunities exist, inefficiencies are a drag on growth. GDP grew by 3.5% in 2022, which roughly matched aggregate growth for sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Bank.  Despite seemingly low salaries, Cameroon’s vast civil service is one of the most expensive in sub-Saharan Africa after accounting for non-wage compensation.  Delays in project completion and financially struggling state-owned enterprises add to the problem.  Almost all business transactions require senior-level government approval, making for a cumbersome process susceptible to political influence and corruption.

Poor infrastructure, a slow and burdensome bureaucracy, omnipresent civil service, and rapidly evolving tax and regulatory regimes that lack transparency pose challenges to small and medium-sized enterprises attempting to enter the market.  Even minor procurement decisions often require Minister-level approval.  Having a local partner is a must for companies hoping to do business in Cameroon.