The first day of the Cameroon Economic Meetings saw the presence of government officials, parliamentarians ,private and parapublic sector actors, international organizations and  financial institution officials.According to Prime Minister and Head of Government Joseph John Ngute during the inaugural speech, "the economic meeting is a step forward for the public and private sectors to present joint ideas for Cameroon's economic development, and to raise the problems that hinder the country's socio-economic development. During his speech at the opening of the Cameroon Economic Forum in Yaounde ,Célestin Tawamba, president of Gecam highlights the fact that the public and the private sector are present in Yaounde to discuss  about the country's economy and ways to boost it. Accord to the President of Gecam ," Our country has significant natural, energy, and mineral resources, as well as a highly important human capital in Africa. It benefits from a strategic position that should have made it a natural sub-regional hub and yet our overall debt stands at twice our budget, even though the debt ratio is below the convergence criteria in force in the CEMAC zone. 1,700 billion FCFA in annual debt service in 2024 and a forecast of nearly 2,000 billion in 2025, a significant trade deficit, a declining agricultural sector, and a manufacturing sector that is struggling to take off. An informal economy that is too large and too dominant, and a private sector that is too timid and too dependent on the government. It is in this context that we must consider the theme of the 2025 Cameroon Economic Meeting. "Boosting Cameroon's Economy". We must ask ourselves: what are the key sectors that can drive growth and create jobs? What are the necessary conditions for the private sector to play its role as the engine of growth? What are the essential reforms that the government must undertake to create a favorable business climat?. These first encounters must give  the opportunity to develop frameworks for dismantling institutional inertia. According to Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu Cameroon has real potential to play a key role in Africa's economic development due to its strategic location in Central Africa. However, to succeed in this challenge, Cameroon must overcome several major hurdles. the Chairman of the pan-African banking group UBA, emphasized that Cameroon must surmount these obstacles to reach its full economic potential.These challenges include the need to strengthen local production, diversify the economy, and promote entrepreneurship, as well as improve governance and management of public resources. Additionally, Cameroon must also address the challenges related to the structural transformation of its economy, which is a key pillar of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030. Tony Elumelu, and the Geoffroy Roux De Bézieux ,President of the Francophone employers' Alliance, invites the Cameroonian government to further support and accompany entrepreneurs, reduce bureaucracy , offering more training and formation to youths, strengthen the banking sector without which the private sector cannot develop. The first day was a poignant moment, highlighted by the awarding of two special prizes.The Special Prize of the African Business Impact and Leadership Awards was awarded to the Chairman of UBA Bank, Tony Elumelu , The Special Leadership in Mediation and Governance Award was presented to the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Doctor Joseph John Ngute.Cameroon's National Development Strategy, launched in 2013, identified the private sector as the primary driver of economic growth. This strategy provided various support mechanisms to facilitate development, aiming to stimulate economic expansion and reduce poverty.To achieve this goal, the government and public sector must collaborate more closely to promote the private sector, as emphasized by President Paul Biya. This partnership is crucial for creating a favorable business environment, encouraging investment, and fostering innovation.Effective public-private collaboration can help address challenges such as infrastructure deficits, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited access to finance. By working together, the government and private sector can develop solutions to these challenges, driving economic growth and improving living standards.Some key areas for collaboration include:  Simplifying regulations, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and enhancing transparency to attract investment and stimulate entrepreneurship,Investing in critical infrastructure such as transportation networks, energy systems, and telecommunications to support business growth and expansion, Expanding access to credit, developing capital markets, and promoting financial inclusion to support entrepreneurship and business development. By strengthening their partnership, the government and private sector can unlock Cameroon's economic potential, drive growth, and improve living standards for all citizens

Christelle koambi