Cameroon-IsDB Cooperation: Ambitious Projects, Strategic Agreements

A t the behest of the Presi­ dent of the Republic, the Prime Minister, Head of Go­ vernment, Joseph Dion Ngute, yesterday September 14, 2026 presided over the official ope­ ning ceremony of the Islamic Deve­ lopment Bank Group Day in Came­ roon, coupled with the launch of ac­ tivities under the Country Engage­ ment Framework (CEF) for the period 2027-2029. The event celebrates milestones in the cooperation bet­ ween the two parties and real life impact projects financed by the bank in communities in Cameroon. To this effect, five financing agreements and letters of intent amounting to 385,85 million euros (approximately FCFA 253 billion), were signed, aimed at strengthening public-private part­ nerships. The bank also approved the provision of FCFA 140 billion for the rehabilitation of the Yaounde- Bafoussam road. In his opening statement, the Prime Minister said Cameroon is resolutely on a move of promoting a diversified, industrialised and resilient economy, thus, its partnership with the Islamic Development bank is paramount. Ac­ cording to the Head of Government, the partnership moves towards more innovative results, capitalise on full opportunities offered by the different financing windows of the bank, and provides and opportunity for dialogue, reflection and joint planning amongst various stakeholders in the deve­ lopment process. With regards to the Country Enga­ gement Framework activities of the financial institution for the next three years, Joseph Dion Ngute said both parties will jointly draw up a specific strategic document to scale up cooperation. Meantime, as at date, the total portfolio of the Islamic De­ velopment Bank in Cameroon for its over 50 years of operations stands at FCFA 2,000 billion notably in the sectors of agriculture, energy, trans­ port infrastructure, health and edu­ cation. “We hope that on the basis of the 2027-2029 Country Engage­ ment Framework, the coming years will see the emergence of initiatives with a greater focus on industriali­ sation, the local processing of our raw materials, food security, energy, job creation economic empowerment of women and youths and the de­ velopment of the private sector. Ca­ meroon is prepared to play its full part in ensuring that this partnership reaches a new level and remains firmly focused on impact, speed and shared results,” stated Joseph Dion Ngute. On his part, the Vice President o...