Expanding to multiple African countries at once? Here's what you should know
- Last updated: March 25, 2025
Looking to make your mark on the Central African business landscape? Cameroon stands as both a gateway and a destination to success. The African nation has all the makings of business greatness: abundant natural resources, considered the most stable country in Central Africa, it neighbours giant markets like Nigeria, Western Africa and the CEMAC region (Central African Economic and Monetary Community), is both anglophone and francophone, and its economy is set to grow by 4.2% in 2025.
As your African Employer of Record (EOR) specialising in multi-country expansion, here are some practical information and insights we can give you before you expand to Cameroon:
1. Understanding the Cameroonian Market:
Cameroon’s economy is the largest one in the CEMAC region, and is upheld by primary industries such as agriculture (cocoa, coffee, bananas), oil and gas, and mining (bauxite, gold, diamonds). With its population of over 27 million people, Cameroon offers a large domestic market in need of products and services, as well as infrastructure development for increased growth.
But the opportunities for business in Cameroon also extend beyond borders: expanding there also opens doors to the Central African and even the West African markets through neighbouring Nigeria, a powerhouse economy and a market of close to 200 million consumers.
Cameroon has also developed a National Development Strategy for 2030 (NDS30) with the vision to create an environment conducive to investment to fuel job growth, including investment incentives. The NDS30 aims to support local production, develop infrastructure, and use technology for growth and employment. In 2023 and 2024, Cameroon even expanded its investment incentives for agricultural, drinking water, and renewable energy projects.
Besides, Cameroon’s adherence to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative makes it more powerful as a trade hub. For context, the AfCFTA’s major aims includes reducing tariffs to create more profitable trade between member countries, adding to Cameroon’s appeal since investors will have access to preferential rates across the entire African market.
2. Legal & Regulatory Landscape in Cameroon:
Cameroon has relatively investor-friendly policies; it has no laws or regulations that expressly prohibit investment, equity caps, mandatory domestic joint venture partners, and licensing restrictions among other things.
Foreign investors can also establish businesses under the same conditions as local companies, although specific permits may be required for certain sectors (e.g., mining or telecommunications). Besides, with Cameroon being part of the CEMAC, investors can streamline their economic policies across the region and scale their businesses more easily. But before they can reap all these benefits, businesses must adhere to labour laws, tax regulations, and import/export requirements. Foreign businesses are also required to comply with anti-corruption regulations and ensure they meet environmental standards when necessary. This can add too much administrative work and stress to one’s plate, when expansion is already a labour-intensive and daunting endeavour.
An African Employer of Record (EOR) like Africa HR Solutions can help streamline the process of expansion, liberating time and resources so you can focus on your core business.
3. Employment Law in Cameroon:
Working Hours, Leave Policies, and Minimum Wage in Cameroon
The standard working week in Cameroon is 40 hours, with workers entitled to annual paid leave, public holidays, and sick leave. The minimum wage varies by industry and region – which means that not only will businesses need to know what these variations are, but they will also need to interpret the law accurately to pay the correct amounts to their workers. Naturally, this involves a higher level of risk, which could result in non-compliance further ahead.
Compliance with Local Labour Laws in Cameroon
Employers must comply with the country’s labour laws, including contracts, benefits, and conditions of employment. Cameroon’s labour code expands on rules for dismissal, worker rights, health and safety, and social security contributions. These rules can change, naturally, whenever the government feels the need to update them. To find out all you need to know about these rulings, how they can apply to you, and how they may be interpreted, send us a message to chat with one of our experts.
More information about employer contributions and taxes in Cameroon:
Income Tax
11% – 38.5%
Employer Taxes
4.2%
Employee Contribution
N/A
Fiscal Year
1 January – 31 December
4. Cultural and Market Insights in Cameroon
Owing to a history of colonisation by both the United Kingdom and France, Cameroon is bilingual, with both French and English being official languages, though French is more widely spoken. As such, it’s essential to be able to conduct business in both languages, and this goes for administrative purposes as well. A shared language – and the ability to bond with people that it provides – can go a long way in expediting business processes.
As a market, Cameroon houses a growing middle class, leading to higher demand for consumer goods, technology, and services. Businesses often target urban markets like Douala and Yaoundé, where economic activity is concentrated.
Why expand to Cameroon in 2025?
Expanding to Cameroon in 2025 can offer significant rewards, but it requires a solid understanding of the country’s legal, regulatory, and cultural landscape. With the right strategy and the help of local experts, including using an EOR for smooth employment management, your business can navigate the often thorny road to expansion and write your success story in Cameroon.