Every year, the start of the school year is an important event in the lives of students and their parents. In Cameroon, around 6 million primary and secondary school students are going back to school on Monday 4 September. However, this new school year is marked by a difficult economic situation, particularly with regard to inflation.
In the markets of the capital, the prices of accessories and foodstuffs are on the rise. Parents who go to Mokolo market in Yaoundé, one of the most popular in the city, face exorbitant prices for school supplies. Traders seem to be taking advantage of the increased demand as the back-to-school season approaches to push prices up.
But it’s not just school supplies that are subject to inflation. Foodstuffs are also experiencing an increase in prices compared to previous years. Parents who want to stock up on tomatoes or fish are faced with significantly higher prices. This situation weighs heavily on the budgets of households already under economic pressure.
The Cameroonian government has tried to respond to this situation by organizing promotional sales fairs where school supplies and basic necessities are sold at below market prices. However, this measure seems insufficient to deal with inflation which is affecting several sectors of the economy.
Delors Magellan Kamseu Kamgaing, president of the Cameroonian Consumer League, points to the lack of communication around these government initiatives, which prevents consumers from benefiting from them. He also points to the impact of rising prices on the shopping basket, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by many families.
It is essential to find lasting solutions to deal with this difficult economic situation. The authorities must work to stabilize prices, in particular by strengthening communication around government initiatives aimed at supporting consumers. In addition, it is important to take steps to fight inflation and ensure equitable access to basic necessities.
The start of the school year is a crucial time for students and their families. It is essential to ensure that the prices of school supplies and foodstuffs remain affordable in order to allow all children to have access to education in peaceful conditions. A stable economy is essential to ensure the well-being of citizens and promote the development of the country.