When did petroleum production begin in Cameroon?

Petroleum production in Cameroon began in 1977. While deposits were known to exist in the country as early as the 1950s, it was not until the 1970s that exploitable reserves were discovered and developed. Following the start of production, oil quickly became the country's most important export by 1980, providing significant foreign-exchange income that supported various economic initiatives during the Ahidjo presidency.12