Key policies and governance approach

Cameroon has embarked on a pathway towards green growth through the ratification of the Paris Agreement and adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In accordance with the Paris Agreement, the Government of Cameroon updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2021 [1], through which it intends to reduce its GHG emissions by 35% by 2030, compared to the business-as-usual scenario, conditional on obtaining finance. This target is broken down into a 12% unconditional target (at a cost of US$ 25.7 million), and a 23% conditional target which is dependent on support from the international community in the form of funding, capacity building actions and technology transfer [7]. To achieve the overall mitigation target, the government has identified 32 mitigation actions in four key sectors (forestry, agriculture, energy, and waste). The updated NDC also reflects Cameroon’s vision for adaptation, including the goal to turn climate-related challenges into development solutions in the country’s 5 agro-ecological zone by 2035. Proposed measures include 21 adaptation actions across 8 sectors and themes, at a cost of US$ 31.85 million [1].

Additionally, both Cameroon’s Vision 2035 and the National Development Strategy for 2020–2030 (Stratégie Nationale de Développement, SND 30), recognize the importance of sustainable development and the fight against climate change [1]. The overall objectives pursued by the SND 30 are to (i) establish conditions favourable to economic growth and accumulation of national wealth and ensure that the structural changes indispensable for the industrialization of the country are achieved; (ii) improve on the living conditions of the population and their access to basic social services by ensuring a significant reduction in poverty and underemployment; (iii) strengthen climate change adaptation and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure environmental management that assures sustainable and inclusive economic growth and social development; and (iv) improve on governance to enhance policy performance towards achieving development goals. In order to achieve these objectives, the Government will rely on 4 main pillars, namely, 1). structural transformation of the national economy; 2). development of human capital and wellbeing; 3). promotion of employment and economic integration; and 4). governance, decentralization and strategic management of the State [9].

Successes and remaining challenges

Cameroon has embarked on a pathway towards green growth and is progressing in developing its climate policy, but still lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework to support its goals. While the SND 30 sets a dedicated objective to combat climate change with a proposed set of reforms to create an environment conducive to economic growth, improved governance and institutions, and decentralization, this has not led to the incorporation of climate change in the country’s core planning instruments. Cameroon does not yet have a law requiring public institutions to integrate climate change into their policy and planning instruments and budget process, and most sectors lack legislation supporting the country's adaptation and decarbonization goals [1].

Additionally, the government has not yet been effective in mobilizing domestic and external resources to meet the NDCs. A significant share of the country’s updated NDC funding is dependent on the mobilization of resources by development partners and the private sector. However, the implementation of the first NDC showed that very few measures were adequately funded, and the private sector has a very limited capacity to integrate climate change impacts into its business models. Cameroon has also applied to mobilize funding available under global funds (for example, REDD+, Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund). But limited technical capacity, staff, and resources have undermined the country’s ability to advance on accreditation processes [1].

Moving forward, climate actions should go hand in hand with development actions in Cameroon. A more favourable business environment and fiscal space would allow the authorities more options to finance climate actions (other than borrowing), and thereby limit GDP losses or even achieve slightly faster growth. A more favourable business environment would also make it more attractive for the private sector, domestic as well as foreign, to play a bigger role and cover part of the financing. Carrying out climate action investments in a more business-friendly environment is expected to reverse the trend of climate changed-induced poverty [1]. By undertaking robust reforms to induce climate-action investments, Cameroon could reduce its poverty rate five-fold by 2050. In addition, robust investments of $58 billion in adaptation and mitigation measures over the next 10 years could bring an additional GDP growth of 1% in 2050 [6].

Initiatives and Development Plans

Several programs have been implemented within the framework of Cameroon’s vast national program for the construction of hydroelectric dams and thermal power stations, to improve the energy supply, in particular: the LOM dams PANGAR11, MEMVELE, MEKIN; the 75MW hydroelectric development in Warak on the BINI with electric transmission line (100% completed); the development of hydroelectricity on the Sanaga (completed at 100%); the electrification of 1000 localities by photovoltaic solar system; construction of thermal power stations. Other parallel projects are carried out at the level of the private sector with a view to exploring alternative forms of energy (solar, wind) to compensate for the coverage deficit [10].

Cameroon has also been allocated 29 billion CFA francs (€44 million) for the implementation of 2 sustainable development projects in the Centre, Littoral and Far North regions. This funding allocated by the European Union will ultimately improve the living conditions of populations affected by the effects of climate change. According to the Head of the EU Delegation in Cameroon, these 2 agreements will contribute to the implementation of the SDGs, with the creation of jobs in the field of agro-ecology as well as nature protection. 

The first project “Cameroon: green, inclusive and sustainable cities”, which costs 15.7 billion CFA francs (about 24 million euros), targets the cities of Douala, Maroua and Yaoundé. In the Cameroonian capital, it will enable the development of sustainable mobility to reduce atmospheric pollution through the implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). In Douala and Maroua, the initiative aims to develop green spaces and strengthen the waste management system in the municipalities.

The second project, “Cameroon: Green and Resilient North”, aims to strengthen the climate adaptation of agro-pastoral activities, particularly livestock, crafts and fishing, around the cities of Maroua, Garoua (in the North region) and Ngaoundéré (in Adamaoua). These northern areas are affected by drought, which affects the livelihoods of the population. At a total cost of 13 billion CFA francs (19.8 million euros), the project will eventually protect the national parks of the Faro-Benoué-Bouba Ndjida corridor [11].