AGP Executive Report

Logistics Push: MSC has integrated the Port of Kribi into a door-to-door service, linking Cameroon to Yaoundé and onward to Moundou and N’Djamena (Chad) and Bangui (CAR), with up to four weekly vessel calls to Asia to cut delays and speed up cargo movement. Telecom Skills Boost: CAMTEL’s DG, Judith Yah Sunday Achidi, received international recognition from the Fiber Optic Association after training and certifying 130 local technicians to expand fiber deployment and faster FTTH connections. Governance in CAR: The Central African Republic has formed a new government, appointing and retaining ministers ahead of renewed focus on development and peace. Trade Policy Signal: APEC ministers met in Suzhou to defend open, rules-based trade as protectionism rises. Agri Sovereignty: Ngand Biton 2026 in Edéa put palm nuts at the center of youth-led, smallholder-focused economic self-sufficiency. State Business Resilience: CDC reported 24.93 billion CFA turnover in 2025 despite disruptions in South-West and North-West estates.

Electricity Upgrade: The Energy minister visited CIC 30 S.A. in Nkometou, pushing a switch from wooden to reinforced concrete poles to boost power stability nationwide; the firm says it has already produced 100,000+ poles since 2018 and plans new units in the North West and South West. Public Finance Watch: Cameroon’s public debt stock rose to 15,416 billion FCFA, with the CAA pointing to continued State financing needs while stressing debt remains within CEMAC ceilings. Refugee Support: EU diplomats toured Minawao Refugee Camp, launching “Solutions Alternatives au Programme de Minawao” to expand education, health, water, energy and income skills for families. Trade & Logistics: Cameroon and Chad signed a deal to cut cargo delays on the Douala-Kribi/N’Djamena corridor via linked information systems, electronic tracking and simpler transit. National Life: Cameroonians marked National Unity Day and National Day with calls for peace and election readiness, as security concerns remain in the background.

World Cup Ticket Rush: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut is already turning into a scramble for seats, with their June 15 opener vs Spain in Atlanta and matches in Miami and Houston—GOAL reports official lotteries are over and a last-minute first-come phase is now live. AI and Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV is set to release his first encyclical next week, Magnifica Humanitas, directly tackling AI’s impact on people. Youth Skills Boost: President Biya approved about 6.59 billion FCFA for the Ntui Vocational Training Centre, part of a wider push to expand training for women and youth. Security and Diplomacy: The EU says it will keep backing Cameroon’s peace-building and disaster response, while the US reiterates travel warnings amid ongoing instability. Health Alert: Cameroon says no hantavirus cases have been recorded, but surveillance is ongoing after global reports. Infrastructure Momentum: Cameroon secured fresh funding for the long-delayed Ebolowa–Kribi road, reviving a project stalled for years. Sports & Culture: Yaoundé’s jazz scene gets a major boost as Kirk Whalum announces concerts for June 5 and 6.

AI and Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV is set to release his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” tackling artificial intelligence and what it means for human dignity, with a Vatican press conference Monday. Youth and Women Promise: President Biya has approved 6.59 billion FCFA for the Ntui Vocational Training Centre, part of a wider push to train young people across several regions. Politics and Appointments: Cameroon’s Presidential Majority leaders are publicly urging Biya not to appoint a Vice President, even as the debate over the new post heats up. Security and Diplomacy: The EU says it can do more in the North West and South West conflict, while the US Embassy reiterates travel warnings tied to the country’s worsening security picture. Public Health Alert: Government says no Hantavirus case has been recorded in Cameroon, even as global monitoring expands. Local Economy and Governance: FEICOM and tax authorities roll out a new revenue tracking guide to tighten local taxation and improve follow-through. Infrastructure Push: Cameroon marks progress on roads and logistics, including fresh momentum for major corridors and port expansion plans.

Flood Crisis in Douala: Torrential rains have swept through Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, killing a five-year-old after the child was swept away in the Banya-Sable area; several districts saw traffic blockages and drainage problems, prompting the Douala Urban Council to urge residents to avoid flood currents and keep drainage pathways clear. EU–US Trade Push: The EU has moved ahead with a provisional deal to cut duties on US industrial goods and expand access for American farm and seafood products, as Washington keeps a 15% tariff on most EU exports under a framework tied to a Trump deadline. Trade Corridor Upgrade: Cameroon and Chad signed a new deal to ease cargo delays on the Douala–Kribi/N’Djamena route, including linked information systems and electronic cargo tracking. Digital Payments Reform: Cameroon is rolling out a World Bank-backed Government-to-Person payments programme to digitise salaries, pensions and social transfers via bank accounts and mobile money. Sports & Culture: FECAFOOT inaugurated its new Yaoundé HQ, while jazz legend Kirk Whalum announced two Cameroon concerts for the 2026 Yaoundé Jazz Festival.

Disaster Watch: Torrential rains have swept through Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub, with flooding hitting the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th districts and areas like Bonapriso and Bonanjo; a 5-year-old child drowned after being swept away in the Banya-Sable area, while residents report traffic blockages and drainage problems. City Response: The Douala Urban Council has urged residents to avoid flood currents, limit non-essential travel in high-risk zones, keep drainage pathways clear, and stay vigilant—especially for children. Trade & Transport: Cameroon and Chad signed a deal to ease cargo delays along the Douala-Kribi/N’Djamena corridor, including linked information systems and simplified transit procedures. Rights & Support: A campaign says 56 LGBTQ prisoners have already won early release, and calls for help to free 8 more. Business & Infrastructure: Kribi’s port is planning an 8-hectare expansion to lift container capacity, as Cameroon pushes digital payments reforms with World Bank support.

Solidarity at the grassroots: Yaoundé 5’s “Heart of Cameroon” initiative, led by Alain Christian Engoulou, is pushing tangible gains through health, education, and culture—turning local spaces into a Health Hub for consultations and treatment, then moving into the next phase focused on building an education culture for vulnerable residents. Trade and ports: Cameroon and Chad shippers have signed up to modernise the Douala–Kribi/N’Djamena corridor, aiming to cut delays with digital tracking and customs facilitation, while Kribi’s port is set to expand container capacity after a rapid traffic surge. Infrastructure momentum: After years of delays, Cameroon has secured fresh funding for the long-stalled Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi road, and a UK-backed drive is trying to speed up investment project approvals. Governance and services: Cameroon is also rolling out World Bank-backed digital payments to digitise salaries and social transfers.

Road Revival: Cameroon has finally secured new financing for the long-stalled Ebolowa–Kribi road, signing a CFA130.4 billion loan that brings total funding with Standard Chartered to CFA138.2 billion—after years of delays. Trade & Logistics Push: Cameroon and Chad signed a deal to cut cargo delays along the Douala–Kribi/N’Djamena corridor, aiming at smoother transit and fewer bottlenecks. Port Expansion: Kribi Port is set to expand its container terminal by 8 hectares, targeting capacity growth from 24,000 to 34,000 TEUs. Digital Payments Reform: The World Bank-backed G2Px programme is moving Cameroon toward digitised salaries, pensions and social transfers via bank accounts and mobile money. Education & Heritage: UNESCO is advancing a roadmap to strengthen World Heritage higher education in African universities, including Yaoundé II. Human Rights Warning: CHRC says millions of Cameroonian children are still being denied basic rights, with insecurity worsening hardship in the Far North, Northwest and Southwest.

Maritime Security Boost: The U.S. Sixth Fleet has integrated advanced unmanned surface vessels during Exercise Obangame Express 2026 in Douala, using Lightfish and GARC systems to detect, track and intercept simulated threats in contested coastal waters. Customs Crackdown on Digital Devices: Cameroon’s Directorate General of Customs says the 200 million FCFA threshold was crossed in the week ending May 9, as it steps up surveillance against smuggling of phones and tablets under the CAMCIS electronic clearance system that uses IMEI checks. State Takes Over Banking Unit: Government has completed the takeover of Société Générale’s Cameroon branch, with officials saying it protects confidence in the financial environment. Football Administration: FECAFOOT inaugurated its modern headquarters in Yaoundé, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute attending. Human Rights Warning: The CHRC says about 6 million children are deprived of key rights, citing insecurity-driven poverty and school dropouts. Sports—Ghana Shines: Ghana won bronze in both men’s and women’s 4x100m relays at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.

Customs Crackdown: Cameroon Customs says the FCFA 200 million threshold was crossed in the week ending May 9, and warns of tighter surveillance against fraud and smuggling of imported digital devices as the electronic clearance system (CAMCIS) stays in force since April 1, requiring phones/tablets to be declared with IMEI before activation on local networks. EU Peace and Security: At Europe Day events in Yaounde, the EU delegation stressed support for disaster risk reduction and stabilization in Cameroon’s crisis regions, while also pointing to cooperation against Boko Haram and maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Banking Takeover: Government has taken over the Cameroon branch of Société Générale, with Finance Minister Louis Paul Motaze framing it as a confidence test for the financial system. Maritime Tech Drills: The U.S. Sixth Fleet showcased unmanned surface vessels during Obangame Express 2026 in Douala, aimed at faster detection and interception of threats. Football Infrastructure: FECAFOOT inaugurated its modern headquarters in Yaounde, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Prime Minister Dion Ngute attending.

Maritime Security Upgrade: The U.S. Sixth Fleet has just tested unmanned surface vessels in Douala during Exercise Obangame Express 2026, pairing systems for persistent coastal surveillance with fast intercept craft—aimed at spotting, tracking and stopping threats with a lighter logistical footprint. CAF Champions League Buzz: Mamelodi Sundowns host AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday, with striker Brayan León in sharp form and chasing both team glory and the Golden Boot. Justice in Nigeria: A Nigerian court sentenced ex-power minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years over fraud and money laundering, underscoring tougher action against high-level graft. Regional Governance & Rights: Cameroon’s CHRC warns that millions of children still lack basic healthcare, quality education and safe environments, especially in conflict-hit regions. Football Infrastructure: FECAFOOT inaugurated its modern headquarters in Yaoundé, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Samuel Eto’o in attendance.

Prime Minister Switch in CAR: Felix Moloua has been reappointed Prime Minister of the Central African Republic, returning to the post after submitting his resignation following President Touadéra’s new seven-year term. WAFCON Build-Up: Nigeria’s Super Falcons set for a June double-header friendly against Senegal as they sharpen preparations for WAFCON 2026. Human Rights Alarm: Cameroon’s CHRC says inequalities are blocking millions of children from healthcare, quality education and safe living, with insecurity-hit regions hardest hit. Football Power Move: FECAFOOT inaugurated its modern headquarters in Yaoundé with CAF boss Patrice Motsepe and Prime Minister Dion Ngute in attendance. Maritime Security: The U.S. Sixth Fleet integrated unmanned surface vessels during Obangame Express 2026 in Douala, boosting port and threat-response capabilities. Digital Payments Push: Cameroon begins World Bank-backed Government-to-Person payments to digitise salaries, pensions and social transfers. Sports Spotlight: Kenya’s Chepng’eno leads the women’s steeplechase gold charge in Accra, while Ghana and Nigeria trade relay medals at the African Senior Athletics Championships.

Prime Minister Switch in CAR: Felix Moloua has been reappointed Prime Minister of the Central African Republic, taking office under the country’s “Seventh Republic” after Touadéra accepted his resignation following the 2025 election. WAFCON Build-Up: Cameroon’s Super Falcons are set for a June double-header friendly against Senegal as they fine-tune preparations for WAFCON 2026. Human Rights Alarm: The Cameroon Human Rights Commission says inequalities are blocking millions of children from healthcare, quality education and safe environments, with insecurity-hit regions bearing the brunt. Sports Spotlight: In Accra, Kenya’s Chepng’eno leads the women’s steeplechase gold charge, while Cameroon’s football scene gets a boost with FECAFOOT’s new headquarters inaugurated in Yaoundé. Maritime & Digital Push: Cameroon is rolling out World Bank-backed digitisation of government payments, while the U.S. and Cameroon highlight maritime security cooperation using unmanned systems in Douala. Corruption Focus: CONAC’s leadership has been highlighted at a Commonwealth anti-graft conference with an AI-driven reform agenda.

FECAFOOT Modernisation: Cameroon’s football body just cut the ribbon on a new five-storey FECAFOOT headquarters in Yaoundé, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute joining Samuel Eto’o—another push to professionalise the sport’s administration. Anti-Corruption Push: At the Commonwealth anti-graft conference in Yaoundé, CONAC boss Rev. Dr. Massi Gams was handed the AAACoA leadership, promising an AI-backed, innovation-led fight against corruption. Education & Inclusion: The 6th “Chinese Bridge” primary school show wrapped in Cameroon, while UNESCO and partners trained non-formal education actors to better support children with special needs amid crisis-hit regions. Digital Payments Reform: Cameroon launched a World Bank-backed G2Px programme to digitise salaries, pensions and social transfers via bank accounts and mobile money. Maritime Security: The U.S. Sixth Fleet integrated unmanned surface vessels during Obangame Express 2026 in Douala, boosting port and coastal threat response.

Digital Payments Push: Cameroon has launched a World Bank-backed programme to digitise government payments—salaries, pensions and social transfers—using bank accounts and mobile money, aiming to cut cash manipulation and improve traceability. Football Administration Upgrade: CAF President Patrice Motsepe joined Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute and FECAFOOT boss Samuel Eto’o to inaugurate FECAFOOT’s new headquarters in Yaoundé, a major boost to football governance and infrastructure. Energy Sector Reset: In Douala, SOCADEL management was installed after the state’s renationalisation push to regain control of electricity distribution from ENEO. Investment Climate Drive: IPA kicked off a nationwide campaign for a new investment incentives ordinance, promising faster approvals via a one-stop shop. Trade Rules Update: The US and 18 partners agreed not to impose duties on e-commerce after WTO talks stalled. Sports & Security: Cameroon mourns athletics leader Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, while Douala steps up action against illegal occupation of strategic public land.

Energy Control & Roadmap: SOCADEL’s management was formally installed in Douala as government moves to restore state authority over electricity distribution after the ENEO renationalisation, with a 100-day roadmap set in motion. Investment Push: Cameroon’s IPA kicked off a nationwide campaign to sell a new investment incentives law, promising faster approvals through a one-stop shop. Digital Trade Diplomacy: The US and 19 WTO members agreed to keep duties off e-commerce transmissions after WTO talks stalled. MTN Legal Tangle: President Biya has ordered official checks into billionaire Baba Danpullo’s long-running legal fight against MTN Cameroon, signaling the dispute is still politically sensitive. Lake Chad Climate Action: Young climate advocates launched community projects to shift from emergency coping to long-term adaptation in the Lake Chad Basin. Football & Institutions: FECAFOOT inaugurated its modern Yaoundé headquarters, while Cameroon also completed its Société Générale takeover, renaming the bank GBC Finance. Security & Regional Logistics: A new tripartite forum in N’Djamena focused on modernizing transit corridors for Chad and CAR, including port and customs reforms.