Management of the Extractive Sector and Energy Diplomacy: Their Impact on the Economic Development of Cemac Countries – The Case of Cameroon

This article aims to analyze the impact of extractive sector management and energy diplomacy on the economic development of developing countries. It examines the strategic role of extractive resource governance and energy diplomacy in the dynamics of sustainable and inclusive economic growth. In a context where industrialization and development rely heavily on access to energy, the study analyses the link between the management of the extractive sector, energy diplomacy and their contribution to economic growth and sustainable development. Methodologically, the research employs an autoregressive integrated moving-average (ARDL) model applied to two equations, covering the period 2000–2024. The econometric results obtained reveal that the management of the extractive sector, when it incorporates energy diplomacy, has a positive and significant effect on GDP per capita, thereby reflecting inclusive growth in both the short and long term. Furthermore, energy diplomacy also contributes to sustainable development, with an impact that is noticeable in both the short and long term, though more pronounced over the long term, thereby confirming its pivotal role in Cameroon’s development strategy. Finally, this research highlights the importance of effective governance of the extractive sector and proactive energy diplomacy in stimulating growth and promoting sustainable development. It also emphasizes the need for Cameroon to strengthen its natural resource management policies and intensify its international energy cooperation in order to transform its extractive potential into a genuine driver of economic prosperity.