Pathways to Gender-Inclusive Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Sectoral Analysis – Cameroon Report

The multi-partner, “Pathways to Gender-Inclusive Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Sectoral Analysis” study encompasses 13 countries including: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. Through a combination of primary and secondary research, the study identifies the growing economic sectors in each country that hold the most promising and lucrative opportunities for women, especially young women. The study also reviews the cultural norms, policies, legal provisions, skillsets, and other factors that can support women’s success in the workforce and as entrepreneurs in those growing sectors, including the positive potential role for cooperatives.

Cameroon’s 2020-2030 National Development Strategy (NDS2030) integrates efforts to enhance gender equality. Gender gaps in primary education are closing and more women are accessing paid work. Further progress is possible: closing gender gaps in secondary/tertiary education by tackling legislative gaps around child marriage, and improving financial inclusion via digital finance products for women.

The Cameroon country report covers the Agriculture (Cocoa, Maize, and Poultry) sectors, including sector-specific key findings and proposed policy and programmatic recommendations.