Under the leadership of Nicolas Beyeme Nguema, Commissioner in charge of economic policies, the Community outlined its strategy to build an integrated data architecture. The challenge is to transform often fragile national systems into a robust regional structure, capable of producing comparable indicators that comply with global standards.

At the heart of the discussions, the Sub-Regional Statistical Program (STAT-CEMAC) established itself as the cornerstone of this transformation. Its ambition is to overcome structural deficiencies—lack of resources, digital deficits, and institutional instability—to provide decision-makers with reliable analytical tools. This dynamic relies on the HISWACA project, supported by the World Bank, which serves as a catalyst for modernizing collection methods and strengthening the capacities of national institutes. Henceforth, the objective is no longer merely to compile figures, but to generate economic intelligence at the service of sustainable development.

The Commission's advocacy is based on palpable achievements that are already redefining the contours of public management. The harmonization of household living conditions surveys (EHCVM) and the production of more precise harmonized consumer price indices (IHPC) constitute the first milestones. Furthermore, the transition to the 2025 System of National Accounts (SNA 2025) and the implementation of a community energy information system testify to a desire to adapt to contemporary requirements. By also integrating data on informal cross-border trade, CEMAC intends to capture the complex reality of its internal exchanges.

The success of this undertaking will depend on the sustainability of funding and the quality of cooperation with global partners. By reaffirming its commitment to transparent statistical governance, CEMAC is laying the foundations for a resilient ecosystem. The ultimate goal remains the transformation of this data into effective political decisions, allowing for a shift from passive growth to planned development. Central Africa no longer wishes to be an informational gray area, but a territory whose economic trajectory is measurable, predictable, and attractive.

Asaba