In New Year Address: President Biya Highlights Massive Moves to Transform Cameroon By Princeley Njukang

President Paul Biya, in his New Year’s message to the nation, has reaffirmed his commitment to building a united, stable, and prosperous Cameroon. Speaking to Cameroonians on December 31, 2025, he emphasized that achieving national progress is a sacred duty he intends to pursue with all his energy.
“The trust you have placed in me since my accession, and which you renewed in the 12 October election, is both a responsibility and an encouragement,” the President said. He described the renewed confidence of the people as “an expression of satisfaction with what we have achieved together so far, and a commitment to continue our joint efforts with ever greater determination for the advancement of our country.”

Reflecting on the past seven years, President Biya highlighted the challenges overcome and the progress made. He praised the maturity of Cameroonians during post-election unrest and commended security forces for their “courageous fight against terrorists and other criminals.”

On the economic front, the President pointed to structural reforms, increased investment budgets, and measures to curb inflation and boost local production. He noted important projects already underway, including the commissioning of the Nachtigal Dam, new solar power plants in the northern regions, and the rehabilitation of power transmission lines. “The completion of these projects will improve electricity supply to industry and households,” he said.

Energy independence remains a priority. Biya emphasized that government’s decision to acquire ENEO for nearly 78 billion recently was a move designed to “restore our energy sovereignty and control the reform of this strategic sector.” In addition, access to clean drinking water and road infrastructure improvements are high on the agenda. A special programme for the rehabilitation and construction of roads will soon be launched to improve mobility and access to production areas.

Education, public health, digital economy, industrial development, agricultural processing, and the business climate were also highlighted as key areas of focus for the coming years.

President Biya reaffirmed his commitment to youth and women, promising that the government will ensure “effective implementation of the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan,” with an initial allocation of 50 billion CFA francs in the 2026 budget. He emphasized merit, skills, integrity, and commitment as the guiding principles in public service, while striving to reconcile youth participation with experience.

“Cameroon has remained steadfast in its resolute march towards progress, thanks to Government’s tireless efforts and the invaluable contributions of our hard-working citizens,” the President said, warning against “purveyors of false hope” who claim the government has done nothing.

Unity and peace were also central themes of the address. The President urged citizens to continue promoting national cohesion, especially in regions recently affected by unrest. “We are a people renowned for our diversity. This distinctive feature is our greatest asset. We must make it the crucible of our indispensable unity,” he said.

In closing, President Biya expressed optimism for the future. “I have confidence in the future of our country. Rest assured that the best is still to come,” he said, recalling his Greatness and Hope slogan.
The President’s message, blending acknowledgment of challenges with a clear vision for development and inclusivity, sets the tone for the government’s agenda in the new seven-year term. While some critics viewed it as a repetition of his inaugural address of November 6, insiders say it was too early for him to say anything different, especially given that the government to accompany him through this mandate is yet to be formed.