The rise of the construction industry in Cameroon

The construction industry in Cameroon has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, becoming a key driver of the country’s economic development. This trend is driven by several key factors, including rapid urbanization, massive government investments in infrastructure, and growing demand for affordable housing.

Urbanization, a major challenge to be met

Cameroon is facing an unprecedented urbanization phenomenon, with nearly 55% of its population now living in urban areas. This demographic shift is accompanied by a strong demand for housing, offices, roads, hospitals and other infrastructure. To meet these needs, the construction sector has had to adapt and develop at a sustained pace.

The emergence of major real estate projects

Faced with this demand, many real estate developers have emerged, proposing ambitious projects for housing, shopping centers and office buildings. Modern residential complexes, equipped with all amenities, have thus flourished in the country's main cities, offering an alternative to traditional housing.

Expanding transport infrastructure

At the same time, the government has made the construction of transport infrastructure a national priority. The construction of highways, bridges and railways has helped to connect the different regions of the country more efficiently, facilitating economic exchanges and the movement of people.

Public investments, a lever for growth

The Cameroonian State has played a key role in the development of the construction sector, by allocating substantial budgets to the implementation of major infrastructure projects. This commitment is part of the National Development Plan 2020-2030, which aims to make Cameroon an emerging country by 2035.

Pharaonic construction sites

Among the flagship projects, we can cite the construction of the Lom Pangar dam, which will meet the country's energy needs, or the construction of the Douala-Yaoundé highway, which will facilitate trade between the two largest cities in Cameroon.

Significant economic benefits

These massive public investments have had a direct impact on the Cameroonian economy, creating many jobs in the construction sector and stimulating the activity of local businesses. This has also helped attract foreign investment, thus strengthening the country's competitiveness.

Demand for affordable housing, a challenge to be met

Despite this progress, Cameroon faces a major challenge: the shortage of affordable housing, particularly for low-income populations. This situation is explained by the high cost of construction materials and the difficulty of accessing land.

Initiatives to promote home ownership

To address this issue, the government has implemented programs to build social housing and facilitate home ownership. Public-private partnerships have also been developed, making it possible to offer more accessible housing solutions.

The emergence of new construction techniques

At the same time, new construction techniques, more economical and ecological, have emerged, such as the use of local materials or modular construction processes. These innovations make it possible to reduce costs and offer more affordable housing.

In conclusion, the construction industry in Cameroon is experiencing positive momentum, driven by urbanization, public investments and demand for affordable housing. However, challenges persist, particularly in terms of accessibility and sustainability of projects. To address these challenges, a collaborative approach between public, private and civil society stakeholders will be essential.