Cameroon’s job market in 2025 saw 197,356 new positions created, according to the National Observatory for Employment and Vocational Training (ONEFOP), yet this progress remains far from the government’s ambitious goal of 300,000 annual jobs.
This figure, derived from ONEFOP’s latest report on modern economy employment, marks an increase of 6,151 jobs (or 3.2%) compared to the 191,205 positions recorded in 2024. However, it still falls short of the 209,823 jobs reported in 2023, as documented by the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (MINEFOP).
The tertiary sector dominated job creation in 2025, accounting for 87,124 jobs (44.1%). It was followed by the secondary sector with 78,783 jobs, while the primary sector contributed 31,449 positions, according to official records.
Job creation remains a cornerstone of Cameroon’s economic policy, consistently highlighted in presidential addresses. In his 2025 New Year message, President Paul Biya highlighted over 2,500 direct jobs created by a new tile manufacturing plant in Bipaga and announced plans to recruit 9,944 healthcare workers over five years.
During his November 2025 inauguration, President Biya also unveiled a special youth employment initiative. This plan includes incentives for businesses hiring young workers and public investment projects designed to maximize job opportunities.
But what exactly constitutes an “employment” in Cameroon? Government statistics often include jobs generated by public investment projects, private enterprises, cooperatives, and various programs. For instance, in 2021, the government reported 358,247 jobs created—a figure that included 230,065 positions (64.2%) from public investment projects, 81,163 (22.6%) from private companies, and the rest from public administration, cooperatives, NGOs, local authorities, and integration programs.
The data reveals a persistent gap between Cameroon’s employment ambitions and actual job creation. When the government announces job growth, it typically refers to temporary positions tied to completed projects rather than permanent roles directly managed by ministries.
Official employment figures for Cameroon show a decline from 209,823 jobs in 2023 to 191,205 in 2024, followed by a slight recovery to 197,356 in 2025. The 2026 employment data will likely be released in 2027 or during President Biya’s year-end address.