This article is part of a series examining the influence of Power 237, a book published in January 2025, on the policy platforms of the twelve candidates who contested Cameroon’s presidential election held on 12 October 2025. Drawing on the analytical framework developed by the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI) — the hard, soft and smart power triptych — this impartial analysis explores the extent to which the national power strategy proposed by Dr Guy Gweth for the 2025–2050 horizon has shaped the agendas of the candidates. In alphabetical order, this edition focuses on Pierre Kwemo, candidate of the Union des Mouvements Socialistes (UMS), and his political programme.
Strategic Alignment: Economic Sovereignty
Pierre Kwemo’s programme is built around four main pillars, with a clear priority: economic sovereignty. This approach directly reflects the recommendations of Power 237, which identifies control over national resources and local transformation as key levers of power. The candidate emphasises the imperative to “consume what we produce” and advocates for an economy freed from external dependence. By prioritising local production and value addition, he aims to strengthen Cameroon’s economic autonomy and boost national industrial growth.
Resource Transformation and Industrialisation
Among strategic sectors, Pierre Kwemo highlights cotton and minerals as key drivers of industrial development. His vision aligns with the logic of Power 237, which advocates transforming raw materials into competitive finished goods to increase national value creation. The focus on modern infrastructure and large-scale industrialisation reflects a hard power approach to economic development, aiming to build a solid productive base for the country.
Protectionism and Support for Local Industry
To ensure the long-term viability of Cameroonian enterprises, the candidate proposes a targeted protectionist framework, including import surcharges to protect and stimulate domestic production. This orientation mirrors Power 237’s emphasis on economic sovereignty and the consolidation of local productive capacity as essential foundations of state power. The introduction of measures to support local industries also represents a smart power lever — combining strategic regulation with the development of human and technological capital.
An Economic and Political Alternative
By placing economic sovereignty at the heart of his agenda, Pierre Kwemo positions himself as a candidate of transformation, advocating a determined vision to reshape Cameroon’s economy for the long term. His roadmap aims to create sustainable jobs, strengthen national industry, and establish a solid foundation for autonomous growth. The integration of these strategic principles demonstrates a clear appropriation of Power 237’s theses on the central role of productive economics in building national strength.
Conclusion
The comparative analysis reveals that Pierre Kwemo’s programme aligns closely with the central ideas of Power 237, particularly in terms of economic sovereignty, local resource valorisation, and industrial development. His focus on economic autonomy and structural transformation confirms that Dr Guy Gweth’s work has had a tangible influence on the formulation of concrete policies to enhance Cameroon’s strategic power.
The Editorial Team
