Investing in Cameroon in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
35
Score
Caution Investment Destination
Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies
Cameroon earns an investment score of 35/100, placing it in the caution category for global investors. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (42/100) and economic health (38/100), with overall GDP of $46B and per-capita output of $1,600. Growth is running at 4.0% with 1.8% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 5.5%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Energy (Oil & Gas) (sector score 55/100, currently declining), which represents 5% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 42% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Cameroon is with the global economy.
How Cameroon's investment score has evolved over time
Energy (Oil & Gas)
5% of GDP, declining
Agriculture
15% of GDP, stable
Mining
3% of GDP, growing
Forestry
4% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Cameroon a safe country to invest in?
Cameroon carries a caution risk rating with an overall investment score of 35/100. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. Sub-scores: economic health 38/100, political stability 25/100, business climate 35/100, financial strength 38/100, growth potential 42/100.
What is Cameroon's sovereign credit rating?
Cameroon holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Cameroon?
The top investment sectors in Cameroon are Energy (Oil & Gas), Agriculture, Mining. Energy (Oil & Gas) leads with a sector score of 55/100 and represents 5% of GDP. Its current trend is declining.
What is Cameroon's GDP growth rate?
Cameroon's most recent GDP growth was 4.0%, with total GDP of $46B and GDP per capita of $1,600. Inflation is running at 5.5% and the current account balance is -3.5% of GDP.
How does Cameroon score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Cameroon scores: political stability -1.0, rule of law -0.9, corruption control -1.0, and regulatory quality -0.6.
Can foreigners invest in Cameroon?
Most industries in Cameroon are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Cameroon?
Foreign Direct Investment in Cameroon runs at 1.8% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 42%. These figures show how integrated Cameroon is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Cameroon?
Cameroon's government debt stands at 45% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.