The Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motazé, has issued a direct call to deepen Cameroon’s capital markets during the opening of the Diamond Capital Convention in Douala. On September 24, 2026, he emphasized the urgent need to create a more robust, dynamic, and attractive financial market capable of funding the country’s economic transformation and that of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC).
The convention, which gathered public authorities, investors, financial institutions, regulators, and business leaders, served as a platform to address the critical challenge of mobilizing capital for real economic growth. Motazé’s remarks underscored the necessity of redirecting financial resources toward industrialization, local raw material processing, infrastructure, energy, and digital sectors—key drivers for job creation and sustainable development.
Key priorities for financial market revitalization
Motazé highlighted three core priorities for revitalizing the financial market in Cameroon and CEMAC:
- Capital mobilization: Boosting the financial sector’s capacity to attract and deploy capital for productive investments, particularly in high-growth sectors.
- Savings activation: Encouraging greater public participation in the financial system by enhancing credibility, transparency, and investor protection.
- Infrastructure and innovation: Aligning financial instruments with the needs of large-scale infrastructure projects and technological advancements.
Building trust and transparency in the financial system
Central to the minister’s vision is the restoration of confidence in the financial ecosystem. He stressed that a well-regulated market, characterized by clear governance and reliable financial reporting, is essential to attracting both domestic and international investors. Strengthening these pillars, he argued, would not only stabilize the market but also unlock new funding avenues for Cameroon’s economic ambitions.
Transforming financial resources into economic progress
The Diamond Capital Convention marked a decisive moment for Cameroon and CEMAC to rethink how financial markets can serve as engines of economic progress. By fostering stronger links between investors and project developers, the initiative aims to accelerate the financing of critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure—sectors that are pivotal to reducing unemployment and fostering inclusive growth.
For Motazé, the stakes are clear: A deeper, more efficient capital market is no longer optional but a prerequisite for sustainable development in the subregion. The next steps, he indicated, will involve concrete policy measures and stakeholder collaboration to turn this vision into reality.
