Because of its oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investments, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks.

In June 2000, the government completed an IMF-sponsored, three-year structural adjustment program.