Fighting Poverty in Cameroon

Facts about Cameroon

Cameroon has enjoyed relative stability since its new constitution in 1972, which has enabled the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. However, nearly three-quarters of adult Cameroonians remain financially excluded and more than one-third of the population live below the poverty level.

Cameroon, along with much of sub-Saharan Africa, is on the verge of a crisis. By 2035, the International Monetary Fund estimates the number of Africans joining the working age population will exceed the rest of the world combined. To fill this surge, 18 million new jobs will have to be created each year for the next 20 years across sub-Saharan Africa. In the meantime, Cameroonians rely on the informal sector for a chance to earn a living. In addition, access to basic services, like energy, water and sanitation, education, health care and agriculture, is often inadequate.

When poor people have access to financial services and life-enhancing products, they can earn more, build their assets, create jobs and cushion themselves against external shocks. FINCA is helping Cameroonians improve their lives by supporting access to basic services through FINCA Ventures.