This article is part of a series assessing the influence of Power 237, a book published in January 2025, on the social projects of the twelve candidates in Cameroon’s presidential election held on 12 October 2025. Based on the analytical framework of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI) — the hard, soft and smart power triptych — this impartial analysis explores how deeply the power strategy proposed by Dr Guy Gweth, for the period 2025 to 2050, shaped each candidate’s policy proposals. Following alphabetical order, this piece focuses on the candidate of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), Joshua Osih, and his plan Save Cameroon structured around five major pillars.
Strategic Alignment: Rule of Law and Democracy
Joshua Osih’s programme presented itself as a roadmap for sustainable renewal, structured around five priority axes, several of which directly echoed the conclusions of Power 237. Politically and institutionally, his project emphasised transparency, accountability, and deep state reform to restore citizens’ trust. This orientation resonates with Chapter XIII of the book, which underscores that “the rule of law and democracy form the foundations of a stable, prosperous, and rights-respecting modern society.”
The plan thus integrates the strategic vision of Power 237, aiming to transform institutions and governance into levers of power through an approach combining hard power (justice reform and institutional strengthening), soft power (citizen participation and inclusive dialogue), and smart power (integrated public policies and mobilisation of economic and social actors).
Convergence of Economic and Social Pillars
The economic ambition of the programme revolved around diversifying the economy, promoting local industrialisation, and creating large-scale employment opportunities for young people. Key proposals included the implementation of agro-industrial projects, investment in infrastructure (roads, energy, broadband Internet, railways), and universal social security. These objectives aligned with the fundamental pillars identified in Power 237: mobilisation of internal resources, stimulation of innovation, promotion of sustainable growth, and strengthening of economic sovereignty. The emphasis on digital transformation and the integration of women’s empowerment policies also reflected the book’s influence.
Human Capital, National Cohesion and Inclusion
On the social front, the programme provided for free education up to secondary level, free healthcare for children and women, and the establishment of an inclusive dialogue to resolve regional crises. These measures echoed the teachings of Power 237 on the importance of human capital, patriotism, and citizen mobilisation as essential drivers of national strength. The priority given to social cohesion and active citizen participation illustrated the integration of these concepts into the SDF’s platform.
Conclusion
The comparative analysis revealed that Joshua Osih’s plan showed strong thematic and structural correlation with the theses of Power 237. His programme demonstrated a clear integration of strategic power concepts — ranging from institutional reform to investment in human capital and social inclusion — confirming the tangible impact of the book on the formulation of Cameroon’s strategic development policies.
Editorial Team
