President Biya's end of year...

President Biya's end of year speech.
FYI...

"soon"!



https://www.businessincameroon.com/public-management/0501-14408-paul-biya-outlines-optimistic-vision-for-cameroon-in-2025

(Business in Cameroon) - In his end-of-year speech for 2024, President Paul Biya reviewed the past year and unveiled several projects to accelerate Cameroon’s economic development in 2025. These plans target key sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, industry, and road infrastructure.

Agriculture

President Biya emphasized that agriculture continues to help reduce the trade deficit. He highlighted the results of the agropastoral and fisheries import-substitution plan introduced last year, noting that it now yields visible outcomes. For example, 452 tons of seeds and 120,800 tons of flour were produced locally in 2024. He also mentioned the policy's success promoting high-quality cocoa, which has led to exceptional prices benefiting farmers. The president announced the upcoming launch of the Ouassa-Babouté agro-industrial technology hub near Nkoteng. This hub will focus on producing and processing cereals, tubers, milk, and dairy products.

Mining

In the mining sector, President Biya expressed optimism about Cameroon’s rich potential. He revealed that mining projects, such as the exploitation of iron deposits in Kribi-Lobe, Bipindi, Grand Zambi,and Mbalam-Nabeba, are set to begin soon. Similarly, the Minim-Martap bauxite project is advancing, with the exploitation agreement already signed. The president emphasized that controlling the marketing of minerals will increase financial resources for development projects.

Industry President Biya highlighted progress in the industrial sector, including the recent launch of a cement factory that has contributed to lowering cement prices. He noted ongoing initiatives, such as the integrated industrial zone at the Kribi Autonomous Port, which focuses on processing raw materials like cocoa, coffee, and rubber. He also pointed to the reform of the National Investment Company as a strategic tool for promoting productive investments. For the president, industrial growth is “the cornerstone of Cameroon’s legitimate aspirations for economic emergence.”

Energy In the energy sector, President Biya announced plans to increase investments, particularly in hydroelectric and solar power projects. The fourth phase of the electrification project for 1,000 villages using solar energy will continue, along with the construction of 360 solar power plants in areas without electricity. These initiatives aim to expand access to energy across the country.

Road Infrastructure

Addressing road infrastructure, the president acknowledged the frustration of citizens over deteriorating urban and interurban roads. He announced plans to launch rehabilitation projects in 2025, including the Bekoko-Limbe and Muntenguene-Buea sections. Major projects set to begin include the rehabilitation of the Nganoundéré-Garoua, Ebolowa-Akon II-Kribi, and Mora-Kousseri roads, as well as the continuation of the Yaoundé-Nsimalen urban highway and phase II of the Yaoundé-Douala highway. Despite challenges, Biya highlighted progress in 2024, with 446 kilometers of roads paved and 228 kilometers rehabilitated nationwide.

To achieve these ambitious goals, President Biya stressed the need to improve governance across all sectors. He called for intensified efforts to combat corruption and embezzlement, ensure legal security for private investments, and protect land ownership amid ongoing irregularities. He warned that offenders will face appropriate sanctions for any established violations.