Cameroon's investment landscape in 2026

The savings challenge in Central Africa

Cameroon's inflation rate has averaged 3–5% over the past five years. Bank savings accounts offer 2–3% annually at best. This means money sitting in a Cameroonian bank account is gradually losing real purchasing power every year.

For the estimated 9 million people with Mobile Money accounts — many of whom have no bank account — the situation is even more stark. MoMo wallets pay no interest at all. Idle XAF in a MoMo wallet is declining in real value by 3–5% annually.

Current investment options for Cameroonians

What options exist today for a Cameroonian looking to grow their savings?

• Savings accounts (banques): 2–3% annual interest; COBAC-regulated; requires a formal bank account
• Treasury bonds (bons du Trésor): 4.5–6% annual yield; sold in lots of 100,000 XAF minimum via Douala Stock Exchange; limited liquidity
• Real estate: high entry cost (multi-million XAF), illiquid, but historically strong in Yaoundé and Douala
• Tontines (njangi): community savings circles; zero return on capital but social cohesion value; no protection if the organiser disappears
• Informal businesses: variable returns; requires active management; high concentration risk

The case for global equities

Over the past 30 years, the S&P 500 (the 500 largest US companies) has returned an average of approximately 10% per year, including dividends. In contrast, Cameroon's Douala Stock Exchange, launched in 2001, has seen limited volume and modest returns.

This is not about abandoning local investment — it is about diversification. A portfolio that includes both local assets and a slice of global equities is more resilient than one that depends entirely on the local economy.

Mobile Money as the enabling layer

The rise of Mobile Money in Central Africa is one of the most significant financial infrastructure developments in the region's history. With 9 million accounts in Cameroon alone, the question is no longer "do people have access to digital payments?" — they do. The question is "what can those payments unlock?"

Amarah's answer: global markets. By connecting MoMo to US equities, we give the 9 million MoMo users in Cameroon a tool that was previously available only to the wealthiest 1%.

What every investor should consider

No investment is without risk. US equities can fall sharply in recessions — the S&P 500 dropped 34% in early 2020 before recovering to new highs within months. Currency risk is real: a strengthening XAF would reduce USD-denominated returns when converted back.

The general framework is: only invest money you will not need for at least 3–5 years. Keep your emergency fund in MoMo or a liquid savings account. Invest the surplus for the long term. Start small, stay consistent, and let compounding do its work.