Latest Info on Cameroon gov spend, Public Purchasing, Govt budget & Public spending

Public Procurement in Cameroon

Public Procurement in Cameroon is a central pillar of public financial management and a key instrument through which the government delivers infrastructure, public services, and development programs. Public procurement activities cover goods, works, and services across transport, energy, water and sanitation, health, education, industry, and public administration.

For domestic companies, government tenders represent a major source of business opportunities and predictable demand. For international suppliers, contractors, and consultants, government tenders in Cameroon offer access to a sizeable public procurement market, including projects financed through the national budget and development partners.

A clear understanding of Cameroon’s procurement governance, legal framework, procedures, and market dynamics is essential for bidders seeking transparent, compliant, and competitive participation.

Country & Economic Overview

Public procurement plays a strategic role in Cameroon’s economic structure, supporting public investment, infrastructure development, and service delivery across all regions.

Public Procurement Governance Framework

Public procurement governance in Cameroon is centrally coordinated, with regulatory authority vested in a dedicated ministry and procurement execution carried out by contracting authorities.

The Ministry of Public Contracts oversees procurement processes across government, ensuring compliance with the Public Contracts Code.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Public procurement law in Cameroon is governed by the Public Contracts Code and related implementing decrees.

• Procurement legislation applies to goods, works, and services financed with public funds
• Core principles include value for money, transparency, competition, and equal treatment
• Value for Money is explicitly provided for in the Public Contracts Code (Article 99(a))
• The Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach is recognised (Articles 99(a) and 113)
• Bid securities are required under defined conditions (Article 90)
• Specific provisions promote SME participation (Articles 70 and 100)
• Domestic preference is recognised in law (Article 106)
• Emergency procurement procedures are предусмотрed under limited competition rules
• Donor-funded projects may be subject to specific exclusions under the Code (Article 4)

Procurement Procedures & Thresholds

Procurement procedures in Cameroon are determined by contract value, procurement method, and urgency.

• Advertisement periods are regulated by the Public Contracts Code and implementing circulars
• Bid validity periods are defined in bidding documents
• Standstill periods apply to goods, works, and services contracts
• Administrative complaint mechanisms are clearly established in law
• Contract award disclosure is governed by statutory thresholds and publication rules

E-Procurement System Overview

The eProcurement system in Cameroon is an established component of the national procurement framework.

Tender documents are available for download through the platform, and electronic procurement is progressively expanding.

Procurement Market Characteristics

The public procurement market in Cameroon is one of the largest in Central Africa.

• Goods: Equipment, supplies, and consumables
• Works: Roads, buildings, energy, and water infrastructure
• Services: Consulting, supervision, and professional services

Domestic suppliers dominate contract awards by volume, while international firms participate mainly in large or specialised projects. SME participation is significant, supported by legal provisions.

Evaluation methods include both lowest-price and MEAT-based approaches, depending on contract type.

Transparency, Complaints & Oversight

Transparency and accountability are supported by a structured oversight framework.

• Formal complaint mechanisms with defined resolution periods
• Published procurement statistics and annual reports
• Regulatory review of procurement procedures

Sustainability & Green Public Procurement

Environmental considerations are integrated into the public procurement legal framework.

• Environmental and social impact assessments are recognised in procurement processes
• Green procurement practices are applied in sectors such as water, sanitation, energy, transport, and industry
• Labour-intensive and environmentally sensitive approaches are supported by regulation

Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations

Social objectives are addressed through general procurement and labour regulations.

• Legal provisions support SME participation
• Domestic supplier participation is encouraged
• Public contracts are subject to national labour laws

Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders

Key challenges include procedural complexity, documentation requirements, and the need to operate effectively within both manual and electronic procurement environments.

Practical bidding insights

1. Register early on the COLEPS platform and maintain updated credentials
2. Follow advertisement timelines and documentation requirements closely
3. Prepare bids in both technical and financial compliance with the Public Contracts Code
4. Understand complaint and review procedures before submission

Public Procurement in Cameroon represents a substantial and structured market. Bidders with strong compliance capacity, local knowledge, and procedural discipline are best positioned to succeed.