Faced with persistent economic challenges, including high youth unemployment, entrenched poverty, and infrastructural deficits, Cameroon could draw inspiration from the American "New Deal" of the 1930s to revive its economy. This is the proposal of Louis-Marie Kakdeu, Second National Vice-President SDF, who suggests adapting this policy to Cameroonian realities.
The "New Deal" implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States aimed to overcome the Great Depression by transforming the role of the state into a guarantor of economic stability and social protection. This plan revolved around three main axes: immediate relief to the population, economic recovery, and sustainable reform of financial and social systems.
A Cameroonian "New Deal" in 2026 could focus on concrete measures to stimulate consumption, particularly by increasing incomes in productive sectors and stabilizing prices. Popularizing scientific research results and institutionalizing local commodity exchanges could play a crucial role in this process. For example, the use of improved cassava varieties could multiply agricultural yields, thereby increasing farmers' incomes. Initiatives for the creation of commodity exchanges could stabilize prices and promote fair trade.
Recovery through major infrastructure works is another essential component. In 2026, the public investment budget amounts to 2,031 billion FCFA. Part of these funds could be allocated to transforming the national territory, by opening up the main production basins. The completion of projects such as phase 2 of the Douala-Yaoundé highway and the rehabilitation of the Ngaoundéré-Garoua axis are priorities. In addition, stimulating local crafts through social housing construction programs using local materials could create wealth and alleviate various sectors of activity.
The energy revolution is also crucial, given Cameroon's solar and hydroelectric potential. The country has a significant solar production capacity and numerous rivers suitable for the construction of micro-hydro dams. The Nachtigal hydroelectric plant, commissioned in 2025, has already increased national capacity by approximately 30%. The Cameroonian government is committed to transforming its energy landscape and accelerating access to electricity to provide reliable, affordable, inclusive, sustainable and clean energy to the majority of the population and economic operators.
In terms of immediate reforms, the focus could be on social security and youth employment. Faced with the failure to create decent jobs, a "Civic Action Corps" could be launched to massively recruit active young people for reforestation, road maintenance and waste management. At the same time, a Universal Social Security system, integrating a health insurance system and protection for workers in the informal sector, is essential. Easing employer contributions could also stimulate hiring.
The youth unemployment rate in Cameroon remains high, reaching approximately 35% in 2024. In addition, the latest World Bank projections indicate that the extreme poverty rate could reach 25% by 2026, affecting approximately 8 million Cameroonians. To reverse this trend, an integrated approach combining immediate relief measures, economic recovery and structural reforms appears necessary. The establishment of agricultural exchanges could help solve the problems of abundance and shortages in the market.
The major challenge of this "New Deal" is to ensure that ordinary citizens feel the benefits of government actions, in contrast to the current perception where policies seem to primarily favor donors. History has shown that improving living conditions and economic inclusion are essential to avoid extremism and promote social stability. In 2026, the government plans to carry out 67 road projects. However, the major constraint remains cash flow tensions for the payment of services performed by companies.
In conclusion, a Cameroonian "New Deal" focused on relief, recovery and reform could offer a promising path to overcome the country's economic and social challenges. The key to success lies in effective, transparent and inclusive implementation, placing the needs of citizens at the heart of government priorities. The budget of the Ministry of Public Works for 2026 is set at 740 billion FCFA.
