By Ngembeni Wa Namaso
"In this context, small businesses are privately owned and managed enterprises that operate at a local or regional scale, often characterized by limited capital investment, workforce, and operational scope. These businesses encompass a diverse range of activities, including but not limited to spiritual, arts, and cultural pursuits; food production and distribution; tourism; civil society initiatives; and multiplier activities in critical sectors such as trade, culture, art, tourism, natural products, agriculture, small-scale mining (materials), and forestry. Unlike large State-funded infrastructure projects, which are often centralized and capital-intensive, small businesses thrive on community engagement, adaptability, and the capacity to address localized needs. They typically generate direct and indirect social and economic benefits by; (i) Creating direct employment (ii) Promoting Cultural and Spiritual Identity, (ii) Enhancing Local Economies and Social Cohesion, (iv) Fostering Resilience, and (v) Strengthening the Tissue of Civil Society in general".
Introduction
Cameroon, like many developing nations, is at a crossroads in its economic development. 2025 should see increased support for small businesses.
The focus on large infrastructure prestige projects, often touted for their transformative potential, must be balanced with a more robust strategy that prioritizes the growth and sustainability of cooperative, small and family-owned businesses and enterprises. While large-scale projects can play a critical, enabling role, it is the small enterprises that truly drive sustainable development, create direct and indirect societal benefits, and foster social harmony.
This article explores how Cameroon can harness the power of small diverse, cooperative enterprises and businesses (not just traditional buyam-sellams) to achieve inclusive economic growth, address socio-political challenges, and build a resilient economy and harmonious society.
"Business is not just about turning a financial profit;
it is ultimately, about social peace and harmony"
The Overlooked Potential of Small Businesses
Small businesses are the lifeblood of many successful countries and economies, providing employment opportunities, driving innovation, and fostering local economic growth.
In Cameroon, the agriculture sector, NGOs, cultural enterprises, individual and family-owned businesses are critical drivers of economic activity and social peace. These businesses are often deeply embedded in local communities, making them uniquely positioned to address social and economic challenges.
Supporting small businesses will create a ripple effect: job creation, increased household incomes, and enhanced community development.
The Role of Large Infrastructure Projects
Large infrastructure projects undoubtedly have their place. They provide essential frameworks—roads, energy, and communication networks—that small businesses rely on to thrive. However, these projects should not overshadow the urgent need to support the small business ecosystem. Overemphasizing large-scale ventures at the expense of small enterprises can be economically and socially counterproductive.
Depending on the sector, exceptions do exist. For instance entities like the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), PAMOL, PHP, SOCAPALM etc., although large, can employ tens of thousands of people, with numerous subsidiaries and multiplier effects in the food sector, meanwhile some large infrastructure and mining projects for instance, typically offer a fewer thousands and often temporary jobs.
A balanced approach is needed, one that ensures the benefits of large projects trickle down to empower smaller players.
A Shift in State Perception and Policy - a p[priority for 2025
One significant barrier to small business growth in Cameroon is the perceived adversarial relationship between the State and private enterprises. State policies, often characterized by progressive taxes, excessive, even arbitrary regulations, and lack of supportive infrastructure, can stifle the growth of small and family-owned businesses.
This dynamic stems from a misconception: the belief that small businesses and their owners, compete with the State.
Instead, the government must recognize that these enterprises are vital partners in national development.
When the State adopts an enabling stance, offering fiscal incentives, streamlined regulations, protection and access to affordable financing, small businesses flourish.
Addressing the Roots of Socio-Political Unrest
Cameroon’s ongoing socio-political challenges, in the Northwest and Southwest regions, and elsewhere such as in the Extreme North, are fueled and sustained indirectly by economic and cultural alienation.
The State’s current approach to these crises—focused on repression and over-regulation —has not delivered the results expected within a reasonable timeframe.
A more sustainable and contributory socio-economic solution must lie in empowering local governance structures and creating opportunities for local economic participation.
Examples of strengthening local governance include:
1. Effective Decentralization: Empowering municipalities to manage local resources and development initiatives.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses to deliver services.
3. Community Development Programs: Supporting cooperatives, cultural initiatives, and spiritual activities that strengthen social cohesion.
By fostering small enterprises, civil society organizations, and cultural activities, the government can generate diverse economic benefits and create a sense of ownership among local populations. This inclusive approach would reduce discontent and build resilience against socio-political unrest.
Let 2025 see the Transformative Power of "Increasing the Good"
"One cannot shovel darkness out of a room; it is only by
shinning in the light, that the bad can be expelled "
Cameroon’s socio-economic development strategy in the face of a political crisis, should shift from merely "reducing the bad" to intentionally "increasing the good."
This means proactively addressing the root causes of discontent by creating opportunities and empowering communities.
Instead of focusing on repression to suppress initiative (good and or bad), the government should illuminate pathways to positive prosperity by nurturing local enterprises and cultural initiatives.
Strengthening small businesses and local governance structures creates personal stakes in the economy, encouraging citizens to protect and invest in their communities.
This approach fosters long-term stability and growth, unlike the temporary gains from mainly large-scale infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
For Cameroon to achieve sustainable economic growth and social stability, the government must prioritize small businesses and local governance.
Large infrastructure projects are important but should complement, not overshadow, the development of small enterprises.
By creating an enabling environment for small businesses, encouraging civil society initiatives, and addressing economic and cultural alienation, Cameroon can build a resilient and inclusive economy.
The path to national prosperity lies not in the grandeur of isolated megaprojects but in the collective impact of empowered individuals and thriving local enterprises.
This shift in focus will not only drive economic growth but also foster lasting social peace.
Ngembeni Wa Namaso is an Environmental Management Specialist and commentator on Society and Politics. He holds a PhD in Forest Policy and Economics He is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon
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