Yaoundé is intensifying its efforts to protect the environment while consolidating its economic development. This ambition was reaffirmed during a meeting between the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey, and H.E. Ruth Davis, the UK's Special Representative for Nature, and H.E. Matt Woods, the UK High Commissioner to Cameroon.
The discussions focused on finding a balance between economic growth, social inclusion, and biodiversity preservation. Ruth Davis emphasized the importance of integrating environmental issues into public policies to stimulate green job creation and ensure sustainable prosperity in a healthy environment. Matt Woods added that genuine economic development is inseparable from nature protection, as people are more likely to preserve their environment when they have decent livelihoods.
The discussions also covered key sectors such as job development, the promotion of sustainable agriculture, and the realization of socio-economic infrastructure, considered essential levers for inclusive and environmentally friendly growth.
This meeting is part of a context of strengthened bilateral cooperation, notably through the signing of a loan agreement of 51.8 billion FCFA between Cameroon and the United Kingdom, with France. This funding aims to revive the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), a public company specializing in the production and export of bananas, rubber, and palm oil, employing over 13,000 people.
These initiatives align with Cameroon's National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30), which aims for strong, inclusive, and sustainable growth, focused on poverty reduction, job creation, and balanced territorial development. Cooperation between Cameroon and the United Kingdom, established since 1960, is based on trade, defense, security, and education. The Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries guarantees preferential access to the British market for Cameroonian products.
The UK also supports Cameroon in its transition to a green economy, through symposiums and funding. A £60 million financing deal has been concluded to help Cameroon improve its agricultural land.
Cameroon has committed to investing 1.5 trillion FCFA by 2035 in its transition to a green economy, in partnership with the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI). A coalition of donors, including the United Kingdom, supports this initiative, aiming to mobilize financial resources for forest preservation.
