- Biya promises jobs, infrastructure, and anti-corruption drive
- Veteran leader seeks eighth term after 42 years in power
YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON – President Paul Biya has pledged sweeping reforms to tackle youth unemployment, corruption and poor infrastructure as he campaigns for an unprecedented eighth term in Cameroon’s October 12 election.
Addressing supporters in the Far North regional capital, Maroua, the 92-year-old leader acknowledged citizens’ “unfulfilled expectations” and said he was determined to restore public confidence after decades of economic and social hardship.
“Youth unemployment is a scourge that affects all regions,” Biya said. “We will demonstrate greater inventiveness and ingenuity to facilitate the socio-economic integration and self-entrepreneurship of our young compatriots.”
He promised to strengthen vocational and digital training to align skills with market needs. “Substantial efforts will be made to improve vocational training in growth sectors, such as agriculture, livestock farming, and crafts. But also, in innovative and high-potential fields, such as digital technology and technological development,” he said.
Biya vowed to restructure the National Employment Fund and create new financing tools for youth-led projects, describing these as part of “drastic efforts” to bridge the education-to-labour gap.
Tackling unemployment and boosting infrastructure
According to World Bank data, Cameroon’s overall unemployment rate stands at about 3.5%, but youth joblessness is far higher — with nearly 40% of people aged 15 to 35 out of work. More than 90% of jobs remain informal, offering limited income stability and social protection.
Biya highlighted major infrastructure projects under construction, including the Mora–Dabanga–Kousseri and Ngaoundéré–Garoua road corridors linking Chad, and the completion of over 10,700 kilometres of asphalted roads. He also cited hydroelectric projects such as Nachtigal, Bini and Kikot-Mbebe, which he said will strengthen industrial capacity and power supply.
The veteran leader, who has ruled the oil- and cocoa-producing nation since 1982, pointed to progress in healthcare and education, referencing new regional hospitals and the expansion of public universities, including one in Maroua.
Biya reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption and improving fiscal discipline. “We will revive the economy, improve public finance management, and develop new sources of financing thanks to the mining sector boom,” he said.
Political uncertainty and criticism
Biya’s campaign promises come as Cameroon faces high inflation, rising insecurity in its English-speaking regions, and a worsening economic climate. Critics argue his government has often failed to follow through on similar pledges due to bureaucracy and weak governance.
“Our nation is at the brink of collapse,” warned Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former Biya ally now running against him. “Without support from international financial institutions, the economy will slump.”
Despite the challenges, Biya urged voters to keep faith in his leadership. “I will never resign myself to the current situation,” he declared. “Certainly, much has already been done. But I can assure you that the best is still to come.”
