The city of Douala, Cameroon’s primary economic center, has virtually stopped. This is due to intense post-election protests. Shops have closed their doors. Markets remain deserted.
Transport services face severe disruption. The rising cost of basic goods is squeezing households already struggling with high inflation.
Economists estimate the immense cost. Business closures and halted trade flows cost the city over 10 billion CFA francs (approximately €15 million) every single day.
Small Businesses Bear the Brunt of Crisis
Local traders’ associations report that small businesses are suffering the most. Vendors in the informal sector, market retailers, and transport operators are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Since many rely entirely on daily earnings, each day of instability is proving economically devastating.
Cameroonian economist Michael Kouam offered his perspective. Kouam warned that prolonged instability could severely undermine investor trust in Cameroon. The nation is one of Central Africa’s most strategically important economies.
Africa Mobilizes to Close Infrastructure Gap
The African continent faces a significant annual infrastructure financing shortfall. This is estimated at $90 billion. This insufficient investment costs the continent nearly 2% of potential GDP growth every year. Insufficient investment in transport, energy, and water systems remains a barrier to development.
African leaders launched new calls to action at the Luanda Summit. They aim to mobilize domestic capital through the 5% Agenda.
This campaign urges institutional investors, including African pension funds, to allocate a minimum of 5% of their assets toward infrastructure projects.
Proponents argue this initiative could accelerate industrialization and boost intra-African trade. It would also reduce the continent’s dependence on external lenders.
Kenyan Innovation: Mushrooms as Building Material
In Kenya, innovation is transforming the construction sector. A Nairobi-based start-up is converting mycelium (mushroom roots) and sugarcane waste into sustainable insulation panels for housing.
This natural material is biodegradable and non-toxic. Furthermore, it requires significantly less energy to produce than traditional cement-based products. This breakthrough innovation offers solutions to:
- Nairobi’s chronic housing shortage.
- Rising construction costs.
- The construction sector’s high carbon emissions footprint.
Environmental experts believe widespread adoption could position Kenya as a leader in green building solutions across Africa.
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