THE CHINESE IN INFORMAL TRADE IN YAOUNDÉ-CAMEROON: ANALYSIS OF THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION AND THEIR INTEGRATION (1971-2018)

Abstract

This work focuses on the informal trade of Chinese in Yaoundé. Based on oral sources, selective bibliography and on participative observations, this article shows that the presence of Chinese traders in Yaoundé has contributed to a large extent to the amelioration of the living conditions of the Cameroonian population. Even though, the installation of the Chinese has also led to the problem of social interactions. The Chinese are not easily integrating and inserting themselves into the host society, whereas their commercial activities are liable to put them in a « face-to-face » situation and relation of exchange with members of the same society.