Soboth: Cameroon economy still run by Biya`s supporters

A new report  from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation ( IFC) finds that government implemented business reforms in Cameroon has been to slow to pay off and it is not making it easier for local entrepreneurs to start and operate a business throughout the country.

 One of the country leading employers`organisation and lobbying group is trying his best to reverse the situation, but unsuccessful they have been even the authorities are still promising to do what they can and what it is on their power and possibilities in accelerating the political process that will enable businessmen and women to create growth and wealth for the country without any political restriction.

The Groupement Inter-Patronal du Cameroon (Gicam), the leading employers`organisation which hold business and economics reforms with the government under a framework of dialogue between Public and Private sectors has been promised that everything will be done to remove all the blockages  that reduce or refrain people doing business in Cameroon.

 For the moment there is no sign coming from the government that they are willing to do so.

The newly elected president of the leading employers`organisation, Andre Fotso said during the 113th session of the  general assembly meeting  held in Douala on May 30th 2012  that the only way to put pressure on the government is to maintain the continual  dialogue on the economics reforms.

The group has managed with his government consultation and constant dialogues to reduce the average time to start a business in Cameroon. But still a lot more needs to be done by the government.

According to Jean Marc Soboth, senior economics journalist and former reporter from La Nouvelle Expression, " Cameroon`s economy is still mostly under the control of  Biya`s regime supporters who held power under the first dictatorship regime of Ahmadu Ahidjo" and there is a real need for the " government to take more drastic steps to make sure that other employers`organisation can benefit from its wealth". He thinks that the actual administration is not ready yet to change what it has been ongoing for almost three decades now and only a strong and impartial lobbying group can bring the regime to listen and act for the good of struggling dozen of millions people across the country.

President Andre Fotso speaking recently after the event organised by the lobbying group has acknowledged the fact that the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality posed long-term risk for the country nearly 30 years after Ahmadu Ahidjo, former Head of State handed over the power to Paul Biya.

The ownership of the economy is still primarily in the hands of males dominated who pay allegiance to the corrupted regime as it has always been.

 It is believes that the Gicam has drafted a raft of policy documents that call on the government to do something special and unbelievable towards economic transformation and freedom to help share the national wealth and growth. " A growing population needs a similar growth in employment opportunities and this is a possibility available for the government and we will support it" said Andre Fotso.