Cameroon’s leadership remains elderly despite country’s overwhelmingly young population

Aging leaders in a youthful nation

Cameroon’s population is youthful, energetic, and ambitious, with a median age of about 18 years. Yet the nation’s leadership stands in stark contrast—its political and institutional power remains largely in the hands of elderly figures who have dominated governance for decades.

A generation gap in leadership

President Paul Biya, in power since 1982 and now in his 90s, symbolizes this divide. Many of Cameroon’s senior government officials, military heads, and party leaders belong to the same aging political class. This disconnect is particularly striking in a country where over 60 percent of citizens are under 25.

Young people often express frustration that their energy and ideas rarely translate into political representation or meaningful influence. Public office, they argue, is recycled among the same elite networks, leaving limited space for generational renewal.

Historical persistence of power

Cameroon’s long-standing political structure makes replacing leaders challenging. The dominance of the ruling party, combined with complex bureaucratic systems and a highly centralized presidency, has maintained an environment resistant to change. This continuity has ensured stability but discouraged innovation and youth participation in governance.

Economic and social consequences

Analysts note that while Cameroon’s economy shows promise in technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, the pace of reform remains slow. Youth unemployment remains high, and the lack of political turnover dampens motivation among young professionals to engage in public service.

“The leadership does not reflect the demographic reality of the country,” said one political observer. “Until young people have a seat at the table, the nation’s potential will stay untapped.”

Signs of cautious optimism

Despite the entrenched leadership, a new generation of civil society activists, journalists, and technologists is seeking change. Online movements and youth-led advocacy groups are increasingly vocal, pressing for transparency, accountability, and opportunities to reshape the national agenda.

Author’s summary: Cameroon’s young majority remains sidelined under an aging leadership, hindering political renewal and limiting the nation’s demographic potential.

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Business Day Business Day — 2025-11-26

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