commentary - accelerating reforms

Government and representatives of the private sector have sat on the same table in different forums with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the problem. Almost all discussions have ended with practical resolutions with each party agreeing to undertake actions and reforms that can help fast-track the whole process.

In effect, the issue around which concerns have hinged is that the business environment in Cameroon is not attractive enough for both national and direct foreign investment. In spite of all that has been done including the establishment of an investment code, current still seem not to be flowing smoothly between the government and the private sector. While government is thinking that it has moved a significant step ahead to ease issues for the private sector, the contrary is true for the latter.

Realising that the steps so far taken have failed to yield satisfactory results, government in 2011 adopted another approach, that of launching a survey throughout the ten regions of the country. The exercise set out to identify and draw up indicators that can clarify both the public and private sectors on reforms needed to cleanse the business climate. According to the results of the survey, 67.6 per cent of heads of companies continue to think the business climate remains risky in Cameroon. This perception, it states, is blamed on the insufficient knowledge of the reforms so far undertaken by government.

The failure to instil into the minds of the private sector the reforms taken so far has pushed government to initiate two major reforms, notably: direct support to the private sector and promotion of embryonic companies. This, of course is another dimension to the problem. From every indication, the issue goes beyond simply readjusting strategies. Readjustment in itself is laudable but it is better when effectively translated into practical implementation. The whole process of improving business climate is almost becoming a cat and mouse game between the government and the private sector with each one pulling the blanket to his side.