Cameroon

AFD supports rural development through a comprehensive set of initiatives that contribute to:

• Promoting the integration of young agro-entrepreneurs and improving the economic performance of key agropastoral value chains.
• Supporting research, development, and the dissemination of agroecological farming practices adapted to desertification in the Far North.
• Strengthening onion and rice value chains by improving seed production and certification, increasing land productivity, and enhancing the role of women in supported cooperatives.
• Providing agricultural enterprises with a full range of financial, technical, and advisory services across five targeted regions (Far North, North, Littoral, West, and Center).

AFD supports the sustainable development of the country’s main cities* by helping plan urban expansion and enhance city attractiveness. The projects aim to:

• Improve transport infrastructure to facilitate mobility.
• Strengthen market facilities to boost the local economy.
• Expand neighborhood-level urban services to improve living conditions.
• Reduce flood risks and population vulnerability through the development of drainage systems in Yaoundé and Douala.
• Open up rural areas along the Belabo–Ngaoundéré corridor by rehabilitating the railway to strengthen the economy, ease the transport of goods and passengers, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate domestic and international trade.

*Yaoundé, Douala, Bertoua, Bafoussam, Garoua, Maroua, and Bamenda

AFD’s support aims to strengthen the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of the State and public administrations.

This includes:

• Designing and supporting public policies that deliver essential services to the population.
• Supporting the transfer of responsibilities and financial resources to local governments.
• Contributing to the reform of public financial governance.

To respond to climate challenges and help reduce Cameroon’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions – currently estimated at 0.4% – AFD supports efforts to:

• Develop Cameroon’s hydropower potential through the financing of dams in the Sanaga River basin.
• Promote the sustainable management of forests and biodiversity.
• Prevent flood risks.
• Support the development of national climate change mitigation strategies.

To boost growth, improve business productivity, and promote the creation of skilled jobs, AFD supports private sector stakeholders to:

• Modernize and professionalize agricultural and agri-food SMEs by improving access to financial and non-financial services.
• Facilitate access to financing in collaboration with local financial institutions.
• Strengthen vocational training to align skills with SME needs and promote youth employment.