Abstract
This study examines how the legacies of formal imperialism continue to shape contemporary business practices in Cameroon, focusing on the interaction between inherited historical structures and present-day economic life. Although Cameroon gained independence decades ago, colonial-era policies still leave their mark on its regulatory frameworks and business environment. The research analyses how these inherited structures affect local enterprises and their capacity to compete in a market increasingly dominated by multinational corporations (MNCs). Drawing on a qualitative design, the study uses semi-structured interviews with ten business leaders from five institutions to surface the challenges local firms face. Participants described substantial bureaucratic obstacles rooted in outdated colonial-era regulations that constrain daily operations and leave domestic firms at a disadvantage against better-resourced MNCs. The findings point to a dual economy marked by historical inequities and uneven market power. At the same time, they suggest that collaborative partnerships between local firms and MNCs can produce mutually beneficial relationships that help domestic enterprises adapt and innovate. On this basis, the study argues for policy reforms that confront the historical legacies of formal imperialism and cultivate a fairer business environment. By building an inclusive regulatory framework and actively supporting local entrepreneurship, Cameroon can move toward sustainable growth and greater resilience within a globalised economy. These insights are intended to inform policymakers, business leaders, and scholars concerned with the enduring influence of historical forces on present-day commerce.
Keywords: Formal Imperialism, Business Practices, Business Environment, Economic Development, Cameroon.
1.Introduction
Formal imperialism established direct political and economic control over colonised territories, and in Cameroon it left an enduring imprint on the structures and habits of commercial life. Even after independence, the arrangements built during the colonial period continue to influence trade, investment patterns, and entrepreneurial activity. Understanding this relationship between historical imperial influence and the present-day business environment is the starting point for this analysis. The study sets out to trace how the remnants of formal imperialism surface in contemporary business practice. It looks in particular at the regulatory frameworks that evolved out of colonial governance and asks how those frameworks shape the fortunes of local enterprises and foreign investors alike. Alongside this, it examines the relationship between local businesses and the multinational corporations operating in Cameroon, weighing the challenges and the opportunities that this interaction creates.
2. Methodology
The study adopted a qualitative research design to explore the influence of formal imperialism on contemporary business practices in Cameroon. A qualitative approach was well suited to the task, since it captures the nuanced experiences and perceptions of individuals within their own contexts and allows for a deeper reading of a complex subject.
3. Results
This section presents the findings from the qualitative study, which are based on semi structured interviews with ten businesspeople from five institutions. The analysis surfaced several recurring themes that together capture the participants' experiences and perspectives.
4. Discussion
The findings offer a clearer view of how formal imperialism influences contemporary business practice in Cameroon, and they can be read directly against the study's research questions.
5. Conclusion
This study has examined how formal imperialism continues to shape contemporary business practice in Cameroon, and it reveals how deeply historical legacies still mark the economic landscape. The findings show that colonial-era policy continues to affect business regulation, producing a demanding environment for local enterprises. Because such policies often favour multinational corporations, with their greater resources and market advantages, competitive imbalances persist. The accounts offered by local businesspeople point to a clear need for reforms that confront these inequities and open up a fairer field of play.
References
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Full reference list available in the PDF version.