Latest news with #Yaoundé
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
2025 Country Report on Cameroon: the African Development Bank urges the country to strengthen capital mobilization for sustainable growth
The African Development Bank Group ( officially launched its 2025 Country Report on Cameroon in Yaoundé on 22 July 2025. The launch ceremony featured frank and wide-ranging discussions on the country's economic challenges. Country reports form part of the African Development Bank's African Economic Outlook 2025 which provides an annual assessment of the economic performance and outlook of the continent's 54 countries by examining growth trends, socio-economic challenges, and development progress. The 2025 AEO report was released last May during the Bank Group's Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, under the theme 'Maximizing Africa's Capital for Sustainable Development. "Making Cameroon's Capital Work Better for its Development," highlights the levers that will enable the country to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and boost inclusive and resilient growth. It calls on the government, the private sector, civil society, and development and financial partners to collectively re the drivers of the country's structural transformation. The ceremony was attended by members of the Cameroonian government, notably representatives from the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade as well as the business sector. The report paints a picture of an economy in recovery, with estimated growth of 3.6 percent in 2024, mainly by continued investment in infrastructure and strong momentum in manufacturing industries, which have benefited from efforts to transform local agricultural and textile products. The country paper relies on a detailed analysis to identify sectors where Cameroon can make progress, particularly in mobilizing domestic resources, strengthening governance, improving the business climate, digitalization and optimizing its natural capital potential. The report also identifies several priority reforms to enable Cameroon to transform its potential into concrete growth drivers, including reducing tax exemptions and accelerating digitalization, restructuring strategic public corporations, particularly in the energy and refining sectors. Report findings also stress the importance of strengthening governance, transparency and the rule of law through greater accountability and the publication of the financial statements of public corporations. This includes the need to adopt the National Integrated Financing Strategy (SNFI) to diversify funding sources and leverage carbon market opportunities. Consolidating the financial sector, processing commodities locally and developing regional infrastructure round out the list of priorities. Finally, the report calls for preserving macroeconomic balances by gradually reducing fuel price subsidies at the pump while supporting investment spending, prioritizing concessional financing, accelerating development in insecure areas and strengthening budgetary capacity to better absorb shocks. Ameth Saloum Ndiaye, African Development Bank Senior Country Economist for Cameroon and Godwill Kan Tange, Country Economist for Cameroon, presented the report's main findings. They emphasized the report's concrete proposals to optimize the use of budgetary resources, as well as the country's natural, human and financial capital, with a view to stimulating more inclusive and sustainable growth. The presentation also explored key issues such as public corporation reform, governance, debt management, industrial development, vocational training and the challenges of mobilizing innovative financing, as well as sovereign debt ratings for African economies. "The African Development Bank Group commends the Cameroonian authorities for their commitment to implementing a National Integrated Financing Strategy, which is currently being adopted and should enable the country to diversify financing sources for its development agenda. This means that the report is fully aligned with the government's priorities," said Mamadou Tangara, Head of Operations, speaking on behalf of the Bank's Director General for Central Africa. The Secretary General of Cameroon's Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Jean Tchoffo, representing the Bank's Governor for Cameroon, welcomed the Bank's recommendations, which are aligned with the National Development Strategy 2030 (SND30). "This report comes at a key moment, as we are conducting a mid-term review of the implementation of our National Development Strategy 2020-2030,' Tchoffo said. 'We are convinced that its recommendations will enrich our thinking and strengthen our efforts to return to solid, sustainable and inclusive growth and accelerate the structural transformation of our economy." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Al Arabiya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Cameroon's election board bars main opposition candidate from presidential race
Cameroon's electoral commission on Saturday rejected the candidacy of Maurice Kamto in the upcoming presidential election, fueling fears of unrest and increasing the likelihood of another Biya victory. Kamto, a former government minister, is seen as the main challenger to long-serving President Paul Biya. The electoral commission ELECAM said it approved 13 presidential candidates, excluding Kamto. No reason was given. Biya is included. Kamto, who has two days to appeal, was considered Biya's strongest rival in past elections. He came second during the last presidential election in 2018 with 14 percent of the vote, while Biya cruised to victory with over 70 percent in an election marred by irregularities and a low turnout. Biya, 92, the world's oldest serving head of state, said last month he would seek reelection on Oct. 12 despite rumors that his health is failing. He has been in power since 1982, nearly half his lifetime. Biya's rule has left a lasting impact on Cameroon. His government has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption and a deadly secessionist conflict in the nation's English-speaking provinces that has forced thousands out of school. Fears of protests and unrest surged around Saturday's release of the list of approved candidates. Security forces were deployed around the ELECAM headquarters and along major roads in Yaoundé, the capital, and in Douala, the economic hub. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security had warned Friday that the announcement could trigger protests in the capital.
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Africa Launches Continental Strategy to Decentralize Diagnostics and Accelerate Outbreak Response
In a major step toward faster and more localized outbreak response, Africa CDC convened public health leaders from ten African countries in Yaoundé to co-develop a continental framework for decentralizing laboratory services. The four-day workshop, which began on 14 July, placed equitable access to diagnostics at the core of Africa's epidemic preparedness and response strategy. Organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Cameroon, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Union, the workshop brought together government officials, national laboratory directors, and public health experts from across the continent. Together, they produced the Continental Guidance for the Decentralization of Laboratory Services—a practical, action-oriented tool to help Member States design national diagnostic strategies that bring testing closer to communities and improve outbreak detection and response. 'Member States cannot respond effectively to outbreaks if diagnostic capacity is limited to national reference laboratories. Detection capabilities must be decentralized to sub-national levels and below to enhance early warning surveillance and timely confirmation of disease threats,' said Dr. Yenew Kebede Tebeje, Acting Director, Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems, Africa CDC. 'Decentralized laboratory services are also essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage.' Dr. Kakambi Christelle, a senior official from Cameroon's Ministry of Public Health, shared the country's approach to decentralizing diagnostics for epidemic-prone diseases. This includes strengthening regional laboratories, training personnel, establishing a national sample transport system, and conducting lab mapping to improve surveillance. 'Laboratory detection is the first line of defense in identifying potential outbreaks. Decentralizing labs widens the net, increasing our chances of catching the culprit pathogen early and guiding timely public health action,' said Rachel Achilla, WHO AFRO representative. Delegations from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) demonstrated how Mpox diagnostic capacity was expanded from just two laboratories to 56 in Burundi and 27 in DRC—within a single year—dramatically improving detection and case management. 'One of the key lessons learned from recent epidemics in Africa is the strategic value of decentralizing diagnostics to overcome sample transport delays and accelerate response,' noted Professor Pembe Issamou Mayengue, researcher at the National Public Health Laboratory, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. However, participants acknowledged that decentralization is not without challenges. While it brings diagnostics closer to communities, it also multiplies the burden on fragile health systems—particularly where data integration, trained personnel, equipment maintenance, supply chain management, electricity, and internet access remain unresolved. 'National Public Health Laboratories serve as the backbone of laboratory services decentralization by setting standards, guiding policy, ensuring quality, and mentoring peripheral laboratories. Their leadership is critical to building a resilient, responsive system,' emphasized Gifty Boateng, a public health researcher and academic from Ghana. Over four days, participants co-developed a practical, adaptive guideline rooted in African realities and global good practices. The document offers strategic orientations to help countries implement decentralization in ways that ensure ownership, institutional integration, and sustainability. 'If we move from two laboratories with chronic issues in sample collection, data flow, infrastructure weakness, and supply chain bottlenecks, decentralizing laboratories means multiplying these challenges in proportion to the expansion,' warned Yao Selom, Unit Lead for Laboratory Systems and Networks at Africa CDC. 'Our presence here is essential to guide, alert, and support Member States in identifying what to consider, how to prepare, and how to move forward.' This initiative is part of the Partnership to Accelerate Mpox and Other Outbreaks Testing and Sequencing in Africa (PAMTA) program, launched by Africa CDC and ASLM, and co-funded by the European Union through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), and administered by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). It contributes to a broader continental effort to strengthen diagnostics, build technical capacity, and improve readiness for epidemic threats across Africa. Together, we can detect faster, respond smarter, and save lives! Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Zawya
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
United States (U.S.) Embassy's Statement on the Announcement of Cameroon's Presidential Election
The United States Embassy in Yaoundé welcomes the official announcement of the date for Cameroon's presidential elections on October 12, 2025. As a longstanding partner and friend of Cameroon, the United States underscores the importance of free, fair, peaceful, and inclusive elections as a cornerstone of democratic governance and stability in Cameroon and Central Africa. We commend the efforts of Cameroonian institutions, civil society, political parties, and all stakeholders working to prepare for these elections. We urge everyone concerned to engage in the electoral process in a manner that promotes peace, respects the rule of law, and upholds democratic norms and the rights of all citizens to participate freely and to vote their consciences without fear of repercussions. It is critical that the Cameroonian people have full confidence in their democratic institutions—not only on election day, but throughout the entire electoral period. This includes protecting the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and association as guaranteed in the Cameroonian constitution, electoral code, and other relevant statutes. Journalists, political parties, civil society organizations, and religious institutions must be allowed to operate without harassment or undue restrictions. We stand with the Cameroonian people as they take this important step along their country's democratic journey. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Cameroon.
CNN
12-07-2025
- Sport
- CNN
From sleeping on a golf course to turning pro: How Issa Nlareb rediscovered his love of the game after illness
Watching Issa Nlareb's swing, you'd never know he didn't take a golf lesson until five years after turning professional. For 13 years, observing others and reading two-time major champion Greg Norman's book were the closest things the Cameroonian had to formal instruction. Nlareb was just 11 years old when his mom died. Living on the streets near a golf course, he began collecting balls to earn money to survive, eventually picking up the game himself and becoming a caddie. However, his life dramatically changed in 2018 when he contracted bacterial meningitis while at a tournament in Egypt. The golfer developed sepsis, fell into a coma and required the amputation of both legs and most of his fingers. He wasn't sure he'd ever play the sport again. Life has thrown a lot of challenges Nlareb's way in his 34 years, yet while speaking to CNN Sports, he's as laid-back and confident as ever, believing he can be one of the top disabled golfers in the world. Nlareb lived with his dad and stepmom in a house near Yaoundé Golf Club in Cameroon's capital after his mother's death, leaving school and taking care of four step-siblings before running away from home a year later. Eleven years old, 'pissed off' at the situation and living on the streets, most nights he was picked up by the police and brought in to sleep in the station. One evening, though, he ran. 'I hid myself in the golf course. When I stand up in the morning in the golf course, I was looking around me and I found a golf ball. And I took two golf balls, I went out, and I see the golf course. When I see the golf course, I was like, 'Wow,'' Nlareb said. Impressed by the scale and grandeur of the course and thinking the balls belonged to the players on the hole, he washed and offered them to the men. They gave him a dollar in return. 'That was my first contact with golf,' Nlareb said. With no school, he spent a lot of his time watching the players at Yaoundé Golf Club, thinking about how the players could improve their shots. He visualized this all without owning a club or having played a round. There was one man – who Nlareb recalls as 'Mr. Davou' – who attempted the same shot day after day on the 13th hole. 'There's out of bounds to the right, water in front of the green and behind the green. So, the guy was trying to go over the water every time and he lost some balls,' Nlareb said, smiling at the memory. 'I was laughing, and he say, 'Stop laughing. What can you do in this position?'' Despite never having swung a club, the 11-year-old had been learning the game since earning that first dollar and decided to offer some wisdom: 'I say, 'You got to play to the left, and you come back right to play the green.' And he said, 'Come, we make a challenge.'' Davou handed him a three iron – not an easy club for even a more seasoned golfer. But Nlareb was up for the challenge and made it onto the green following the path he advised Davou to take. His success earned him his first golf club – that hard-to-hit three iron. Nlareb continued collecting and cleaning balls, practicing with his iron and developed friendships with the golfers. He often helped players aim shots and find their balls on the hilly course. All that time, he was on his own from age 11 to 17; no family, no school, just the money he could earn at markets and on the course. It was only once an aunt learned of his whereabouts and that he hadn't heard from his father in six years that Nlareb returned home and went back to school to take his caddie exams. 'I was playing golf when I was 12, but I was not playing the regular golf like stroke play, 18 holes. No, I was playing three holes, one hole, half a hole sometimes,' Nlareb remembered. Caddying at Yaoundé Golf Club allowed him to play complete rounds once a week – usually Mondays after events finished for the day. Things soon accelerated after that. 'After a year, I was number one of the caddies,' Nlareb said. 'So, I turned pro in 2009 in Yaoundé.' He didn't buy his first set of clubs until after turning professional. 'My dream was to be the best player in the world, but my other was to beat Tiger Woods,' Nlareb said. '(But) I realized that there's a big difference between the course Tiger Woods is playing and the course I play. … So, I (got) my first golf lesson when I was 24 (in 2015),' Nlareb told CNN Sports. After more than five years competing on African tours, Nlareb set goals for himself to slowly work toward those dreams. In 2015, he decided to try his hand at qualifying for the third division circuit in Europe, the Alps Tour. He had three young children and, with two quick wins at the Gabon and Senegal Opens, was at the peak of his career and personal life up to that point. That is until he fell ill at the Ein Bay Open in Egypt in February 2018. He awoke from a five-day coma to learn he had contracted bacterial meningitis and had developed septic shock. A terrified Nlareb was told he needed to have both legs above the knee and both arms above the elbow amputated. 'I refused because I was so afraid,' Nlareb said. 'I say, 'Why?' and I say, 'No, no, no, don't do that. Leave me dead.'' The fear was all-encompassing: Nlareb couldn't imagine a life with no arms or legs. He waited a month until his visa in Egypt ended and transferred to a Cameroonian hospital. There, he once again heard a prognosis he wasn't ready to accept. His stepmother was working in Belgium at the time and called local hospitals to see if they would take Nlareb's case. He flew to Brussels where his latest doctor sat him down and explained amputation was his only viable option, although things had slightly improved. 'He wrote everything (down for) me. He showed me. And I (saw) that difference between the last two months where I would get to be amputated and where I would be amputated right now.' Three months after waking from his coma, Nlareb underwent an operation and had both legs below the knee and most of his fingers amputated. In his recovery process, the doctor explained the importance of taking things slow – starting with just 30 minutes a day of getting used to his prosthetics and building up from there. However, after a further three months in isolation to rebuild his immune system, he was eager to establish his new normal as soon as possible. 'When they put me in the prosthetics, I walked all day long. But it was a big mistake,' he remembered. 'I wore off my skin. I was not able anymore to put the prosthetics on my feet. 'There'd be pain for me. I was tight in my heart. I cry.' Nlareb refused to think about golf after his amputations: 'I forget about golf. I give up.' He went 'back (to Cameroon) to take care of my family, enjoy my life,' adding that he didn't 'want to play anymore golf because I was so sad.' However, his friends had other plans. They forced him back onto a course a couple of months post-surgery to help his physical and mental recovery. His first swing back on the course went '50 meters (55 yards) with one hand.' For the 6-foot-4-inch Nlareb, who was used to crushing his drives well over 200 yards before his illness, it was a difficult thing to take. It was at that point that he turned his focus to teaching. He went to school for two years to grow and develop as a golf teaching professional and began coaching a team in Cameroon: 'I learned how to share my passion with people.' However, a tournament at the end of 2019 left him fuming. 'They played so bad. … I was so pissed off,' Nlareb said. 'How'd they do that? Even me, (hitting) 50 meters, I can make bogey in the hole. How can they play so bad?' Angry and disappointed, he didn't expect his then five-year-old daughter to find the solution. 'She smiled and said, 'Dad, you need to play golf,'' Nlareb recalled. His daughter suggested wrapping a strap around his hands and club to give him the power and grip to swing with two hands again. 'It was eight o'clock – in Cameroon, night comes at seven – I was like, 'Why don't you come with (me) and we run and go directly to golf?'' The father and daughter spent all night at the course. In 2019, Nlareb returned to the pro game via the African Golf Tour. Two years later, now residing in France, he made a remarkable comeback, making the cut in the very Alps Tour tournament he contracted meningitis three years earlier. The World Golf rankings for people with disabilities was created in 2019, a year after Nlareb's illness and amputations, while the Golf for the Disabled (G4D) Tour didn't launch until February 2022. Disability golf events are still in their infancy. Last year, Nlareb played in the third annual US Adaptive Open – his first time visiting the United States – where he won the multiple limb amputee category and placed fourth overall for men. He won the same category and finished tied for seventh overall this year. What did he earn for twice winning his category and two top-10 finishes? Nothing. 'There is not currently a purse for the U.S. Adaptive Open,' the USGA confirmed in an email to CNN Sports. 'We announced recently that Deloitte will provide financial support in the form of travel-related expense reimbursements to all players in the field this year, and we are incredibly excited about that.' Nlareb estimated it would have cost $10,000 to take part in the US Adaptive Open if he didn't have sponsors and hadn't received an exemption into the tournament due to his result at last summer's edition. 'You pay for your flight ticket. You pay your reservation hotel, your car, and you pay your entry fee,' the eighth-ranked player in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability said. And he's lucky in that he's received free prosthetics since 2021 after meeting with Alain Montean, the then-president of a prosthetics company. Without these, Nlareb estimated it would cost him $50,000 every two years to replace. The exposure gained from the US Adaptive Open is significant, but paying thousands for events is not sustainable. Nlareb needs to play more golf to gain a following, but he can't play tournaments without sponsors and external funding. It's a vicious cycle that's hard to see a way out of. 'I know I have good level, but it's not that easy without a sponsor because it's very expensive,' Nlareb said. 'Just to register in the event it's very expensive. Today, I'm a dad of three and it's not easy for me to take care of my children and to play my golf.' 'It's a big event. … So to be there, I'm coming close to my dream because from there, the world can know about my story,' the 34-year-old told CNN Sports. 'I need the support. I need the help. And I got a good game. I live for golf. I can't live without golf. Golf is my life.'
