In a bold initiative marking a decisive shift for Cameroon’s economic sovereignty, the Directorate General for External Research (DGRE) is embracing a strategic transformation. Jean Pierre Ghoumo, its Director General, has announced the upcoming launch of a National Center for Competitive Intelligence (CNIES), supported by the technical expertise of Dr. Guy Gweth, internationally recognized Cameroonian expert in competitive intelligence and President of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), as well as author of the strategic white paper Power 237.
At the heart of this strategic orientation lies the elite training of 50 senior DGRE executives and agents in the field of competitive intelligence. This mission was entrusted to Dr. Gweth, whose teachings have laid the conceptual foundations of Power 237, a bestselling book published in January 2025 by the ACCI. This practical guide outlines how Cameroon can realistically achieve its ambition of becoming a continental power through endogenous strategic intelligence, centered around a trifecta of defense, offense, and influence.
DGRE: a strategic metamorphosis in the service of the Nation
From 30 June to 04 July 2025, the DGRE hosted a high-level session that went far beyond traditional capacity building—it was a deep acculturation to the strategic principles outlined in Power 237. The DGRE signaled its commitment to move beyond conventional political and security monitoring, venturing into the complex arena of economic warfare, which includes phenomena such as subversive information warfare, predatory acquisition of strategic assets, industrial espionage, market manipulation, and control over critical resources.
During the session, Director General Jean Pierre Ghoumo reaffirmed the institution’s new roadmap:
“The DGRE, as an intelligence agency serving the vital interests of the state, must fully integrate a competitive intelligence dimension. Our mission of vigilance and anticipation now draws upon the levers of defense, offense, and influence, in line with the principles of a proactive strategic intelligence.”
This declaration aligns with the vision of “Power 237”, which advocates a protective and assertive national posture.
The training was meticulously designed to equip agents with the analytical tools necessary to assess threats, identify strategic targets, and deploy appropriate intervention strategies. It emphasized the development of a national competitive intelligence doctrine, along with a clear strategic framework and operational action plan tailored to Cameroon’s specific context—aimed at delivering actionable insights to the nation’s highest decision-making bodies.
“Power 237”: the compass of cameroonian boldness
Dr. Guy Gweth’s central role in this transformation is undeniable. As President of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), his white paper Power 237 provides a practical and strategic roadmap for Cameroon’s economic emergence. A key figure in African strategic thought, Dr. Gweth is a member of the House of Public Affairs at PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) and has advised governments, institutions, and businesses for over a decade on issues including due diligence, economic diplomacy, geoeconomics, counter-influence, and strategic intelligence.
His selection by the DGRE is no coincidence. It signals a strong political will to rely on local expertise to meet ambitious national goals. Professor Christian Abolo Mbita of the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MINEPAT) described Dr. Gweth as a “pioneer of the discipline in Africa with global influence,” while Jean Pierre Ghoumo, DG of the DGRE, emphasized that Dr. Gweth is “a national asset, a prophet in his homeland,” underscoring the importance of his leadership in shaping and ensuring the success of the future CNIES.
This collaboration reflects Cameroon’s resolve to structure the new center based on international best practices, adapted to local strategic imperatives.
A lion preparing to roar in the economic arena
In today’s world, where access to and control over strategic information defines national power, competitive intelligence has become an indispensable lever. Cameroon’s adoption of principles championed in Power 237 illustrates a broader African strategic awakening in the face of global economic warfare.
The challenge is significant, but the signal is loud and clear: Cameroon no longer intends to be a mere observer of global geoeconomic dynamics. Thanks to the determination and pragmatism of Jean Pierre Ghoumo, the country is now equipped to actively defend its interests, conduct targeted influence operations, and when necessary, counter threats to its prosperity.
This marks the affirmation of a nation that—anchored in authentic, locally-driven strategic intelligence—is preparing to roar like a lion. Not to dominate, but to secure its rightful place and respect among Africa’s future powers, as envisioned by Power 237.
— The Power 237 Editorial Team
