The current prime minister, Joseph Ngute, was appointed by President Paul Biya.

The position has existed in the eastern part of Cameroon since it gained its independence from France in 1960.

In 1972, Cameroon became a unitary state and the position of prime minister was temporarily unfilled.

In 1975, Paul Biya was appointed as prime minister for all of Cameroon.

After Biya's succession to the presidency, the post of prime minister did not exist from 1984 to 1991.