Auteur/autrice : elvisteke

Cameroon has launched a nationwide census aimed at updating key data for development planning, with citizens called upon to participate fully.

The operation, combining the Fourth General Population and Housing Census (#GPHC) with the General Census of Agriculture and Livestock (#GCAL), is taking place from April 24 to May 29, 2026 across the national territory.

At a press conference in #Yaoundé on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, alongside the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe, and the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Taïga, outlined the objectives and expectations of the census.

A major highlight is the activation of the official call centre number, 8585, which is available to the public for information, assistance, and verification throughout the census period.

A Tool for Planning and Development

Speaking during the press conference, Minister René Emmanuel Sadi said the combined census will provide an updated demographic, agricultural and livestock data to guide public policy, economic planning and infrastructural development.
He noted that the operation will serve as a governance tool to support the implementation of Cameroon’s National Development Strategy (#NDS30) and the Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs).

Since independence in 1960, Cameroon has conducted three population and housing censuses : 1976, 1987 and 2005 with the last agriculture and livestock census dating back several decades.
The current exercise is therefore expected to fill existing data gaps and reflect present-day realities.

Scope of Data Collection

Information from the census documentation shows that the exercise will cover data on individuals and households, including place and date of birth, nationality, residence, level of education, professional qualifications, employment status, marital status and languages spoken, as well as involvement in agricultural, livestock and fishing activities.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development speaking at the press conference, said the data will provide insights into production systems, access to agricultural inputs and services, land use, crop yields and equipment.
Dr. Taïga, for his part, noted that the livestock component will generate information on farming systems, infrastructure, stakeholders and the use of digital services in the sector.

Public Mobilisation and Data Protection

Figures presented by the Minister of Communication from pilot tests conducted between October and November 2025 show a 99.46 percent participation rate, reflecting strong public support.
He indicated that traditional rulers, religious leaders and farmer organisations have been mobilised to support awareness efforts, alongside a nationwide media campaign.

The population is urged to welcome census officers, who are identifiable by badges and vests with the inscription “4th RGPH/RGAE”.

Census documentation further states that all information collected is strictly confidential and protected under the 2020 law on statistical confidentiality, with no personal identifiers retained in processed data.

Faster Results Through Digital Data Collection

Officials of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development during the press conference say the results of the census are expected in about five months after the end of data collection significantly earlier than in previous exercises. This is made possible by the use of digital tools, notably smartphones, which streamline data collection and processing and reduce delays associated with manual handling.

As the operation unfolds nationwide, authorities are counting on the cooperation of all residents to ensure reliable data is gathered, making the exercise a shared responsibility and a key step toward Cameroon’s development objectives.

Egoh Yvonne (Intern)

Cameroon is set to strengthen its scientific research, innovation, and engineering training following the signing of a framework partnership agreement between the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (#MINRESI) and the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (#2iE).

The agreement was signed on April 21, 2026, in Yaoundé by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr. Madeleine Tchuinté, and the Director General of 2iE, El Hadji Bamba Diaw.

It aims to enhance cooperation in strategic sectors including energy, infrastructure, environment, and transport, while expanding opportunities for student internships, doctoral training, and applied research.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Madeleine Tchuinté said the partnership should serve as an instrument to protect national interests while contributing to African scientific excellence and regional integration. She also cautioned against risks such as dispersion of efforts, financial constraints, and coordination challenges, stressing the need for strong governance and measurable results.

The Director General of 2iE, El Hadji Bamba Diaw, emphasised the importance of strengthening scientific collaboration and offering more practical research opportunities for Cameroonian students and doctoral candidates, while consolidating the institute’s presence in Central Africa.

Preparatory meeting shapes framework of cooperation

The agreement was preceded by a working session held on April 20, 2026, at the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation in #Yaoundé.

The session brought together 2iE representatives and officials of research institutions under MINRESI, serving as a platform to present institutional missions, assess research capacities, and identify priority areas of cooperation.

Key recommendations from the working session

During the meeting, participants recommended establishing targeted partnerships between MINRESI-affiliated institutes and 2iE, strengthening capacity to mobilise international research funding, and expanding doctoral training opportunities.

They also emphasised the need to co-organise scientific events, pool research expertise, promote research-based entrepreneurship, and ensure regular coordination to support effective implementation.

What changes after the signing?

With the agreement now formalised, both parties are expected to move from consultation to implementation, focusing on concrete research projects, stronger institutional collaboration, and better translation of scientific outputs into development solutions.

Egoh Yvonne (Intern)

Nursery and primary schools across Yaoundé have effectively resumed classes this April 20, 2026, marking the end of a two-week holiday and the start of the third term, widely known as the shortest but most decisive period of the school year.

At Groupe Scolaire Bilingue Les Amis, pupils returned to school in an orderly atmosphere, with lessons beginning immediately after routine assemblies.

The headmistress, Abo Loveline Mbah Makadaï, told CRTV WEB that the term has started effectively, stressing that it is packed with key academic activities, including official examinations, end-of-year exams, and end-of-year closing activities.

She further noted that the tight academic calendar leaves no room for delay, calling for discipline, focus, and consistency from learners, parents, and staff.

As the this term begins, parents are adjusting their daily routines to align with the school timetable, as pupils are expected to be in school by 7 a.m., requiring earlier morning preparation at home.

Meanwhile, secondary schools are expected to resume classes on Monday, April 27, 2026, in line with the official academic calendar.

The third term will particularly be marked by emphasis on discipline and time management as schools and families prepare for end-of-year exams and activities.

Egoh Yvonne (Intern)

Nursery and primary schools across Yaoundé have effectively resumed classes this April 20, 2026, marking the end of a two-week holiday and the start of the third term, widely known as the shortest but most decisive period of the school year.

At Groupe Scolaire Bilingue Les Amis, pupils returned to school in an orderly atmosphere, with lessons beginning immediately after routine assemblies.

The headmistress, Abo Loveline Mbah Makadaï, told CRTV WEB that the term has started effectively, stressing that it is packed with key academic activities, including official examinations, end-of-year exams, and end-of-year closing activities.

She further noted that the tight academic calendar leaves no room for delay, calling for discipline, focus, and consistency from learners, parents, and staff.

As the this term begins, parents are adjusting their daily routines to align with the school timetable, as pupils are expected to be in school by 7 a.m., requiring earlier morning preparation at home.

Meanwhile, secondary schools are expected to resume classes on Monday, April 27, 2026, in line with the official academic calendar.

The third term will particularly be marked by emphasis on discipline and time management as schools and families prepare for end-of-year exams and activities.

Egoh Yvonne (Intern)