From challenges to opportunities: transforming human capital in the CEMAC

Human capital is a cornerstone for sustained and inclusive growth. In today’s world, a nation’s wealth is shaped not only by its natural resources but also by the knowledge, skills, and health of its people. Human capital—the collective potential of individuals—is crucial to the transformation of African economies, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) region.

The Current State of Human Capital in CEMAC

Despite its critical importance, human capital across CEMAC countries remains significantly untapped. Currently, a child born in the region is expected to achieve only 37% of her/his full potential, compared to 40% in sub-Saharan Africa. These Human Capital Index (HCI) levels are not only low but have remained stagnant, with little to no improvement between 2010 and 2020, where data is available.

This slow progress is exacerbated by the underutilization of existing human capital. Inadequate education and healthcare, alongside low skill levels, have hindered CEMAC countries’ ability to fully leverage their labor force. For instance, over the last 15 years, human capital contributed just 2% to the Republic of Congo’s total growth. More broadly, when accounting for job opportunities, a person born today in the CEMAC region has only a 15% to 28% chance of reaching their full potential and becoming a productive member of society.

A Commitment to Change

Recognizing this challenge, CEMAC has made human capital development a main pillar of its strategy for accelerating economic diversification and growth. At the Extraordinary Summit in August 2021, the Heads of State prioritized strengthening human capital, introducing it into the Economic and Financial Reform Program (PREF-CEMAC) for 2021-2025. The program focuses on placing households at the center of development, enhancing governance and the management of service delivery, and adopting high-impact, cross-sectoral policies.

Reforms are already underway, with ambitious initiatives being launched at both national and regional levels. One key example is the ongoing reform of the higher education system, which is centered on three strategic priorities: skills development, quality enhancement, and ICT integration. A regional university with campuses in Cameroon and Gabon is under construction, aimed at becoming a center of excellence in agriculture, fisheries, and sciences. The institution is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing human capital development across CEMAC by equipping the next generation with the skills needed to drive innovation and promote inclusive growth.

Strategies for Boosting Human Capital Investments

To turn these commitments into concrete outcomes, CEMAC countries should prioritize two key areas:

1. Smarter and More Efficient Spending: Public spending inefficiencies have significantly impeded the achievement of policy goals. The region's weak human capital outcomes reflect deep systemic issues and chronic underinvestment in education, health, and social protection. Progress will require more strategic spending, including creating fiscal space for human development, enhancing budget efficiency, and ensuring more equitable resource allocation.
2. More Targeted Investments: Human capital outcomes not only vary between CEMAC countries but also within them. For example, in Cameroon, the HCI ranges from 0.31 to 0.46 across regions, a disparity as wide as that between Chad and Gabon. Similarly, in the Republic of Congo, some regions perform worse in health, while others lag in education or gender dimensions. These sub-national differences underscore the need for more strategic and tailored investments that address the unique challenges of each region.

The Road Ahead

The emphasis on human capital presents a historic opportunity for CEMAC countries to rewrite the social contract and unlock their growth potential. Each and every individual from CEMAC countries deserve the support and opportunities to thrive and lead fulfilling lives. Prioritizing human capital investments can create a virtuous cycle that benefits both individuals and the economy as a whole.

The World Bank and the PREF-CEMAC are committed to making this vision a reality.

For more specific analysis and policy recommendations, explore the following resources:

• CEMAC Human Capital Snapshots in Chad, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic
• Investing in Human Capital to Unlock CEMAC’s Growth Potential: Issues and Priority Policy Actions
• Status and Roadmap for Smarter and More Efficient Human Capital Spending in the CEMAC
• Sub-national differences in human capital in the CEMAC region