2024-03-26 21:25:14
This is a major event for the Cameroonian economic world. The long-awaited merger between GICAM and theECAM is now recorded, giving birth to the brand new Group of Companies of Cameroon (GECAM). The result of a long process started in 2019, this historic union was overwhelmingly approved by the members of the two organizations during extraordinary general meetings held on July 11 and 12. As exclusively revealed by 237online.com, this merger aims to build a stronger, more inclusive and more influential employers to meet Cameroon’s immense economic challenges.
A marriage of convenience in the face of the crisis
In a particularly difficult global context, marked by a brutal post-Covid recession and multiple shocks, Cameroonian employers have decided to close ranks. Objective: speak with one voice to better defend the interests of businesses, from VSEs to multinationals. “The resilience of businesses in such a context commands admiration”underlines a member of GECAM. “But to go further, we must reinvent our model”.
Hence this courageous choice to merge the country’s two major employers’ organizations to create a unified, powerful and agile center. With its 400 members from all sectors, GECAM intends to have greater influence in public debate and economic policies. “Our ambition is to become an essential partner, at the heart of all major strategic issues”says a spokesperson.
5 pillars to rebuild Cameroonian employers
To succeed in its challenge, GECAM has built an ambitious program structured around 5 pillars:
- Being at the heart of the dialogue with public authorities on all policies impacting businesses.
- Develop a territorial network to better meet the needs of members in the field.
- Offer tailor-made services to VSE-SMEs, the backbone of the economy.
- Strengthen international partnerships to boost trade.
- Find sustainable and solid funding to support the action of employers.
A concrete program that focuses on pragmatism and proximity. “We want to provide concrete answers to the real challenges of businesses, as close as possible to the field”, summarizes an administrator. All served by tighter governance and exceptional management to breathe new life into it.
Make employers essential
The stakes are high for GECAM: it is a question of rebuilding Cameroonian employers to make them a central and listened-to actor. By establishing itself in the public debate through the relevance of its proposals. By claiming a right to interfere in all economic matters. By pulling businesses, and the country, up.
« We will be a compass for the public authorities”promises GECAM. “A force of proposal to build the Cameroon of tomorrow”. A more prosperous, more competitive, more attractive Cameroon. The challenge is immense but the new employers seem to have the shoulders and the determination to meet it. All hopes are allowed.
One thing is certain: with GECAM, Cameroonian employers are entering a new era. More combative, more conquering, more visionary. Enough to restore momentum and pride to businesses in this troubled period. The mayonnaise seems to be setting. Verdict very quickly in action.