Labour minister recommends pride in job creation, sociual protection
By Synthia Lateu
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Grégoire Owona, has urged workers to take pride in the efforts made in job creation and social protection in Cameroon. In commemoration of the 139th International Labour Day, he emphasised the need for collective efforts to ensure the success of the 2025 celebrations.
“Working together, we can overcome our difficulties and build a fairer and more socially advanced Cameroon,” he said. Minister Owona stated that this year’s Labour Day, themed “Social Dialogue and Decent Work: For a Peaceful Cameroon,” showcases President Paul Biya’s plan to make Cameroon a country where everyone has opportunities, participates in society, and enjoys a good quality of life.”
Despite the ongoing challenge of youth unemployment, the Minister stressed the importance of sustainable job creation and increased productivity through structured social dialogue.
Over 60 percent of the population is under 25, a workforce largely engaged in precarious jobs within the informal sector, with youth unemployment remaining a pressing issue in Cameroon. According to the latest statistics from the National Institute of Statistics, 70 percent of young Cameroonians are unemployed. Each year, approximately 50,000 new graduates from vocational training institutes and state universities enter the job market.
While the National Employment Fund and various vocational training centers have been established to address these gaps, stakeholders report disappointing results due to poor coordination, mismatched curricula, and inadequate follow-up of trainees. Recruiters often express concerns that many graduates lack the skills demanded by today’s employers, who expect new hires to deliver results from day one.
In a statement marking this year’s International Labour Day, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission highlighted persistent challenges that impede workers’ rights in the country. The Commission noted the damaging effects of corruption, such as bribery, misappropriation of funds, and nepotism, on labour standards, which can lead to favoritism in contract awards and inadequate protection of workers’ rights.
The Commission calls on the Government to increase regular inspections of private businesses and households employing domestic staff to ensure compliance with labor laws. Additionally, it urges workers to enhance their productivity by acquiring new skills through refresher courses and to prioritize vocational training, especially in digital skills, to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven job market.
