Cmr's socio-econ. policies should reflect needs of the jobless - Carlos Lopez

Cameroon is blessed with amazingly fertile land, vast sea and marine resources apart from mining. And as for the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Carlos Lopez, one should not underestimate the amount of effort and energy needed for beneficiation in the three areas.

He recently stated in an op-ed titled ‘Cameroon Must Roar - At a 7 Percent Minimum’ published by Addis Standard that “the gain will be significant if Cameroon manages to place itself in more aggressive development path.” He said he was convinced Cameroon can do much better economically, adding that Biya’s country, nevertheless, needs robust policies and leadership.

Attaining 7% should be the magic goal for Cameroon, he said, before adding, “Magic because it is the growth rate that would allow the country to double its economy within a decade and create the conditions for a drastic poverty reduction. Cameroon's legitimate aspirations to emerge will be compromised otherwise.”

Lopez believes Cameroon needs to work on the value chains to maximize its economic base. He says if one just takes into account the potential of cotton, it is possible to develop strong linkages between the farmers and the nascent fashion industry by factoring the quality demanded by consumers into the development of a textile industry.

He said it is “crucial that Cameroon's socio-economic policies reflect the needs of the 75% jobless young population,” arguing government will obviously not be able to absorb the unemployed through civil service jobs. “However, it has a real opportunity to address the mismatch between job seekers' skills and employers' needs. Solving this problem will prepare youth to the jobs that come with economic transformation,” Lopez added.

Cameroon has the resources for its industrialization and agricultural transformation. The economy's current annual growth of 4.9%, according to Lopez, does not reflect the full potential that lies in the transformation of the riches of the country.