Cameroon: Youth and women are President Paul Biya’s top priorities for his new term in office
Immediately following his triumphant re-election on October 12, 2025, President Paul Biya placed youth and women at the heart of his new roadmap for the term. In a speech marked by vision and determination during his inauguration, he unveiled the broad outlines of a special plan to promote youth employment.
This plan is focused on the mass creation of jobs, the accelerated funding of innovative projects, and enhanced collaboration with local banks and international donors.
The initiative aims to transform the vibrant energy of Cameroonian youth into a genuine engine for economic growth and lasting social stability.
“The situation of young people and women will be at the center of my actions throughout this mandate,” President Paul Biya solemnly declared, emphasizing a major goal: to promote greater responsibility and enhanced protection for these vulnerable groups.
Recalling efforts already underway in education and vocational training, the Head of State insisted on the necessity for a concrete new beginning, based on effective professional integration and strengthened support for youth.
This special plan, to be implemented in the first months of the seven-year term, provides administrative and fiscal incentives for private companies in exchange for the mass recruitment of young talent.
Key pillars include financial support for entrepreneurial initiatives in partnership with local banking institutions, as well as the promotion of sectors with high employment potential like digital technology, mining, agriculture, and services.
The 2026 budget will incorporate labour-intensive public works, dedicating a significant share of public investment to projects that boost youth employment.
Furthermore, specific measures will benefit women, including increased support for trades dedicated to them, the revival of competitive entrance exams for teacher training colleges, and the resumption of doctoral studies in universities starting this academic year.
This priority given to youth and women is part of a broader vision of economic emancipation, where protection against precariousness and self-employment become essential levers.
By directing efforts towards opportunity-generating fields, Paul Biya is consolidating gains in training and opening up prospects for a brighter future.
Thus, Cameroon is resolutely advancing on its path towards emergence by 2035, with an active and responsible young generation at the forefront.
Jean-Robert TCHANDY
