A Historical Development of Entrepreneurship in the Cameroon Economy from 1960-2007

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is a determining factor in economic growth of nations. Until fairly recently, sadly neglected subject. One of the major weaknesses of African Economies is the absence of a clear understanding of the role of entrepreneurship and its benefit in the economic development of a nation Cameroon in particular. This paper seeks to discuss the link between entrepreneurship and economic development of a nation, focusing on the historical development of entrepreneurship in Cameroon with a reflection of pre-colonial Cameroon. While findings suggest that many entrepreneurial traits were lost as a result of colonisation, it however suggests that some benefits were derived from the entrepreneurial activities that added to the Cameroon economic development. The study concludes that Entrepreneurship is gaining significant importance in almost all walks of life and plays a vital role in developing both individuals and societies at large. Therefore, a generic teaching of entrepreneurship in all University discipline and at all school levels will empower the society to make sensible decisions on resource allocation/management and thereby promote economic growth in the country.