The economy of Yaoundé is dependent on the administrative structure of the civil service and the diplomatic services. Owing to its status as the capital city of Cameroon, it is characterized by higher standards of living and relatively good security as compared to other parts of the country. It is worth noting that the city has several industries that deal with tobacco, dairy products, beer, clay, glass goods, and lumber production. It also provides products like sugarcane, coffee, cocoa, rubber, and copra among others to other regions of the country.

Despite the security issues and humanitarian crises that have plagued the Central African nation, its economy remains stable. In fact, there is diversification of its productive economic activities, with the services sector contributing about half of the total domestic production.[9] However, just like many countries on the continent, Cameroon has been grappling with corruption, which dominates almost all the sectors, particularly in the capital city. Oil, gas, and mining revenues are rarely reported, which implies massive graft.[10] In addition, there is weak protection of real and intellectual property, and the judicial system is vulnerable to political manipulation.

The residents of Yaoundé engage in agricultural activities such as poultry and rearing of pigs. According to Yaoundé City Council data, there has been over 130 floods that have been striking the city from 1980 to 2014, causing massive loss of life and economic damage. However, there has been reduction of flooding in the city since the establishment of a sanitation master plan to address the issue[11]. Another measure was to relocate people living along the drainage routes and in low-lying flood zones. Ongoing improvements to sanitation and infrastructure are being carried out under a “$152 million plan, largely financed by loans, primarily from [null AfDB and French development agency]” and will be completed by 2017.[12]