CAMEROON–UNITED STATES ECONOMIC COOPERATION: MINING SECTOR AT THE HEART OF DISCUSSIONS

As part of the first Cameroon–United States Economic and Commercial Dialogue, held from 27 to 28 August 2026 in Yaoundé, both countries laid the groundwork for stronger economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on improving the business climate, promoting investment and partnerships, expanding bilateral trade, and facilitating market access.

The discussions also provided an opportunity to highlight the wide range of investment opportunities Cameroon offers to American companies across several strategic sectors, including infrastructure, digital technology, energy, agro-industry and mining, with particular interest in critical minerals.

Building on the discussions held on the first day, the dialogue continued on 28 August with a particular focus on Cameroon’s mining sector. Against this backdrop, Cameroon sought to further showcase its significant mining potential and the reforms undertaken to strengthen the governance, competitiveness and attractiveness of the sector.

The second day of discussions was therefore devoted to a workshop reviewing the implementation of the Mining Code enacted in December 2023. On this occasion, the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (a.i.), Professor FUH CALISTUS GENTRY, chaired the opening ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, alongside the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Professor Jacques FAME NDONGO; the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State; and senior officials of the University of Yaoundé II, including the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences, and the Head of the Department of Political Science.

Held under the theme “Cameroon’s Mining Code, Three (03) Years On: Assessment and Prospects,” the workshop aimed to examine concerns arising from the implementation of the mining framework, identify pragmatic solutions, and explore ways of further strengthening the legal, institutional and operational framework governing the sector.

The ultimate objective is to enhance Cameroon’s attractiveness to investors, develop national expertise, increase the economic and social benefits derived from the country’s mineral resources, and promote their local processing and integration into the national economy.

Nearly three years after the enactment of the Mining Code, several tangible achievements can already be observed. These include the commencement of operations at major mining projects and the significant restructuring of the artisanal gold mining sector. This formalisation and restructuring process encompasses environmental, fiscal, legal, technical and technological aspects, with the aim of ensuring more responsible and better-regulated mining operations that contribute more effectively to the national economy.

The workshop, enriched by contributions from experts and participants, concluded with the presentation and adoption of the general report, setting out the main conclusions and recommendations arising from the discussions.