AIMF-Cameroon cooperations in the spotlight
Cameroon is one of the countries with which the International Association of French-speaking Mayors (AIMF) has the most successful partnerships and in which it invests the most. The visit by AIMF’s General Delegate Frédéric Vallier from 17 to 25 May 2025 was an opportunity to take stock of ongoing cooperations, but also to look back on the significant projects carried out together.
Numerous ways to deepen cooperations were identified during discussions with the Mayors of Yaoundé, Mr Luc Messi Atangana, and Douala, Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine, with the President of the United Towns and Cities of Cameroon (CVUC), Mr Augustin Tamba, with the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms Célestine Ketcha Courtès, with the French Ambassador, HE Mr Thierry Marchand, and with all the local, national and international partners met on this occasion.
Several priority topics were identified: urban development and concrete responses to improve the lives of residents, the protection of forests and mangroves, but also, more broadly, climate issues and the need for access to climate finance for cities.
Inclusive sanitation and emergency preparedness
The cities of Douala and Yaoundé, and the United Towns and Cities of Cameroon (CVUC) are involved in an initiative which focuses on two major urban development issues: inclusive sanitation on the one hand, and emergency preparedness on the other. This initiative is led by the AIMF with the support of the Bill Gates Foundation.
Sustainable energy
Since 2016, the Network of Elected Local Women of Cameroon (REFELA) and AIMF have been implementing a major programme to develop solar energy. This programme, co-financed by a wide range of national and international partners, has strengthened the capacities of municipalities and developed solar infrastructure in 14 municipalities in Cameroon: solar power plant equipment, installation of 586 streetlamps, creation of 200 local jobs and 600,000 inhabitants now benefiting from low-cost energy.
House of culture and sport
During the visit, the Mayor of Foumban, Ms Ndam Njoya, also officially inaugurated the House of culture and sport, which has been renovated and equipped with the support of the network of French-speaking mayors. This new facility, located on the renovated site of the former rural town hall, is central to the policy of social and cultural inclusion and the promotion of harmonious coexistence, which is at the heart of the city’s project. It will offer a multidisciplinary space dedicated to exchange and knowledge sharing, open to all without distinction.
More information on AIMF website.