Cameroon is rich in natural and human resources, with many potentials unexplored or under-explored. Cameroon is widely regarded as the wealthiest nation in West Africa. Investment opportunities in Cameroon provide ways to make passive income.
From the South, which is blessed with oil and other natural resources, to the north, which is blessed with gold and other resources, Cameroon is full of opportunities for anyone willing to invest. This article reveals the most lucrative investment opportunities in Cameroon.
There is something for everyone! No matter your budget, there are opportunities you can invest in. From as little as 20000 FCFA (20K) or 50K to the great millions of XAF, you can invest in Cameroon and expect a good return on your investment. This article covers investment opportunities in Cameroon for low-income and high-income earners. For foreign investors too.
Why Should You Invest in Cameroon?
There are many reasons why you should consider investing in Cameroon.
With over 30 million people, Cameroon has the people, manpower, workforce that will help any business thrive. The minimum wage in Cameroon is low compared to other nations. This means you can spend less and get more done.
There are numerous government incentives, including tax holidays, duty drawbacks, investment allowances, tax exemptions, export development funds, double taxation reliefs, and many more.
There is an influx of investors from China, The West, Nigeria into Cameroon. Cameroonians are also waking up to invest in their country.
Most Lucrative or Profitable Investment Opportunities in Cameroon
Here are the most lucrative investment opportunities in Cameroon:
1. Agriculture
Cameroon's population is estimated to be over 30 million. And one of the biggest challenges is feeding this large population. Cameroon has been able to produce enough food for its people. However, Cameroon still importing basic needs is an avenue to invest in.
Many financial institutions, including the ministry of finance in Cameroon, offer special financial assistance to agriculture-focused businesses. Agriculture is definitely one of the most important investment opportunities in Cameroon.
If well planned and executed, investing in the Agriculture sector will be lucrative. Areas of significant interest include crops, livestock, transportation, farm equipment, and many more.
2. Real Estate
Real Estate in Cameroon is one of the most profitable investment opportunities. This is because of the booming population. With large migration to major cities such as Douala, Yaounde, Limbe, and the rest, investment in real estate in major cities can be very lucrative for investors.
The opportunities include low-cost housing, supplies of building materials, hotels, shopping complexes, and so many more. There are many aspects you can invest in real estate and make a profit.
As the population grows and the economy keeps growing, one of the biggest problems is housing.
Suggested: Cost of Building a House in Cameroon.
3. Oil and Gas
The Oil and Gas sector is vital to Cameroon's economy. Both foreign and local investors can key into Cameroon's Oil and gas sector and watch their investments grow.
Here are some areas investors can key into in the oil and gas sector
- Exploration and Exploitation
- Pipe-lining
- Products Marketing
- Well Services
- Petroleum transportation
- Development of local alternatives for imported items such as medium pressure valves, pumps, shallow drilling equipment, drilling mud, bits fittings, drilling cement, detonators, steel castings, magnetic tapes, and more.
- Construction and Installation
- Domestic Production and marketing of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
- Manufacturing of LPG cylinders, valves, and regulators, installation of filling plants, retail distribution, and development of simple, flexible, and much less expensive gas burners to encourage the use of gas instead of wood and other fuels
- Refining
- Establishing industries to produce chemicals and Solvents from natural gas, such as Chlorinated methane, Formaldehyde, and others
- Establishing plant for refined mineral oil, petroleum jelly and grease, and others.
There are many investment opportunities in the Oil and Gas sector.
4. Mining
Apart from oil, Cameroon is blessed with numerous natural resources that are not given attention. An investment in these ignored areas can be very lucrative for a determined investor. The mining sector in Cameroon is way under-explored. Not much has been done. This leaves many openings for potential investors who want to look.
Many of the resources in Cameroon are untapped, and the government has continued to show signs it is willing to cooperate with investors who want to get in.
Some of the resources include:
- Limestone
- Coal
- Bitumen
- Gold
- Iron metal
- Columbite
- Tin
- Uranium
- Marble
- Kaolin
5. Manufacturing Industry
Cameroon is a country that is over-dependent on importation for the smallest of things that you may never think of. This is is not good enough for the largest economy in Africa. As the economy grows, there is a need to produce many things at home. The manpower is there.
An investment in Cameroon's manufacturing sector will yield results. Create employment and boost the economy. Consecutive governments have constantly called for investment in the manufacturing industry.
Minor household items such as toothpicks are most crucial in Cameroon. There are many essential things to manufacture: Food items, water (table and sachet), fiber cables, telecommunication equipment, tires, fashion, and the list is long
6. Stocks
Stocks can be a precarious investment, but they can also be very lucrative. If you have money that you have no urgent need for, you can put it into well-analyzed stocks.
It is like betting on the company to do well. If the company appreciates, you make money. You buy into it.
7. Fixed deposit
This is an excellent way to invest money with peace of mind. If you have ample money that you might not need for some time, you can fix that money in a bank or other financial institution and make a big profit from it. Politicians take advantage of this a lot.
Usually, the longer you fix the money, the bigger the profit. Just approach a bank and tell them you want to open a fixed deposit account. You will be put through the process.
Just go home, relax and go about your regular duty while your money is literally growing.
9. Technology
Investing in technology is the best practice in this century. Technology dominates everything that we do. According to statistics, over 7 million Cameroonians use the internet. That is huge!
Cameroon is struggling with so many problems that can be solved with technology. There are many ways technology can make life better.
Invest in tech companies or build one yourself. Pick a problem to solve, and the future is yours.
Recently, fintech has been trending in Cameroon. But there are many other aspects of technology!
10. Transport and Logistics
Cameroon has a problem. Especially in big cities such as Douala and Yaounde. The population is so concentrated that transportation becomes a big challenge. It is prevalent to see a large crowd of people at different bus stops in Lagos helplessly waiting for buses at the close of work.
An investment in the transportation sector is a good investment. With the number of significant traffic in Cameroon, there is a need for alternative transportation such as water transport and trains.
It can make a good investment in places where motorcycles and tricycles are allowed.
Haulage services are very lucrative. There is a constant need to transport various items from petroleum to edible products, textiles, and more.
11. Invest in Franchise in Cameroon
There are franchise opportunities that anyone can tap into and grow money. A franchise can be the fastest way to launch a business and have many customers. Because you will have a brand name that is trusted and well known. This means people will patronize you from day one without any form of marketing!
12. Invest in Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is trending worldwide, and it is in Cameroon too. From as little as 500 FCFA, you can invest in cryptocurrency and reap great returns.
Many platforms make it easy for you to invest. You can read: How to start investing in Bitcoin in Cameroon.
You can start a localized cryptocurrency trading platform if you have a significant investment.
Suggested: Job Opportunities in Cameroon.