Minister Paul Tasong Affirms Total Support For President Biya In Lebialem Division

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Paul Tasong, Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, has announced that the people of Lebialem Division are ready to deliver a 100 percent landslide victory for President Paul Biya in the upcoming presidential election set for October 12, 2025.

**Minister Paul Tasong speaking after the rally**

In an exclusive interview with The Lebialem Today newspaper, Minister Tasong, who also serves as the Head of the CPDM Central Committee’s Permanent Divisional Delegation for Lebialem and the division’s Campaign Manager, called on the population to vote en masse, assuring that Lebialem will fully engage in this significant national event.

“We are committed to giving President Paul Biya 100% support in the presidential election,” Minister Tasong confidently declared. “Our aim is to ensure that elections occur in Lebialem just as they do in the other 57 divisions of the Republic.”

Minister Tasong highlighted various achievements in Lebialem under President Biya’s leadership. He pointed to the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as the revitalization of educational institutions, noting considerable progress despite previous challenges.

“The division has seen the opening of numerous schools, aimed at bringing education closer to the community. There is ongoing reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and even more projects are on the horizon,” he explained.

He also promised that every household in Lebialem would soon have access to electricity and other essential social amenities, a commitment made during a rain-soaked address he referred to as “blessings from the gods of Lebialem.”

A Harvard-trained economist, Minister Tasong expressed satisfaction with the return of education to many areas in Lebialem. “Several years ago, our division was a dark spot on the educational landscape of Cameroon. We have turned that around; schools are operational, and children who were previously unable to study due to insecurity are now back in class,” he stated.

Social life in the division, once disrupted by conflict and inadequate infrastructure, is gradually returning to normal. Markets have reopened, and the local economy, especially agriculture, is recovering. “Cocoa farmers, who faced immense difficulties transporting their crops, can now access markets. We also produce Irish potatoes, cabbages, and other crops, and this season’s harvest has been plentiful due to favorable weather,” he added.

Addressing security concerns, the Minister noted that administrative officials, including Divisional and Senior Divisional Officers, are fully operational in the division, ensuring peace and security. “Their presence, along with other services, guarantees that we will all vote on October 12. It’s crucial to change the narrative that Lebialem is ‘hell’; it is not. I invite all registered voters to head to their polling stations and cast their votes,” he urged.

As the campaign manager for the ruling CPDM party in Lebialem, Minister Tasong stated that preparations are well underway to ensure maximum voter turnout and a significant victory for President Biya. “In Lebialem, when it comes to CPDM, we are united. I’m proud to lead the campaign for a candidate with a strong chance of winning, and I say it again: we will achieve a landslide victory,” he declared.

He emphasized that beyond merely winning, massive participation is vital: “We want to remind everyone that victory is not just about the results, but about showing up in large numbers.”

Minister Tasong has made several visits to Lebialem alongside CPDM comrades and local leaders, distributing farm inputs and essential materials to support local livelihoods and engage directly with the community.

With hope rekindled and development slowly returning, Minister Paul Tasong is confident that President Paul Biya will secure not only a victory but also a strong endorsement from the people of Lebialem.

“Lebialem is once again basking in the rays of light. Our people are ready, our hearts are united, and our victory is assured.”

Defensive Stalemate Marks Goalless Start To 13th Bui Sports Fans Competition

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The 13th edition of the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC), the flagship tournament organized by the Bui Strikers Veteran Football Club of Yaoundé, kicked off on Sunday September 28 with an unusual—and unforgettable—display of defensive grit.

All four participating teams registered goalless draws in their opening matches, leaving spectators eager for the first breakthrough goal of the tournament.

The opening day was dominated by a resolute show of defensive strength and tactical discipline. Both afternoon contests failed to produce a single goal, setting a tense tone for a competition that is not only about football but also about fostering community spirit among the Bui community living in and out of Yaoundé.

In the first eagerly anticipated match, Dzekwa Rangers FC and Melim United FC battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw. Dzekwa Rangers, an established presence and the oldest participant in the BSFC—having competed since the 2013 edition—entered the field as one of the favorites.

However, they were repeatedly thwarted by a fiercely determined Melim United squad. Melim, appearing intent on taking points away from the veterans, executed a tight defensive plan that frustrated the Rangers’ attack.

After a barren first half defined by midfield skirmishes, the second half promised more goals but ultimately ended with the points shared. Both clubs also competed in the last edition in 2024, continuing a developing rivalry.

Melim United, which joined following the tournament’s relaunch in 2022, has publicly stated its ambition to lift the prestigious trophy this year.

The action continued in the second fixture, where Chitah FC’s title aspirations were put on notice when they were held to a surprising goalless draw by the new commers, Nso Youth of Nkolmeseng FC.

**Chitah FC and Nso Youths FC battle for supremacy during the opening match** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

While Chitah FC looked strong on paper, boasting a talented lineup in what is their second time participating in the competition, the action on the field proved significantly different. Chitah pressed hard in the opening minutes, attempting to impose their style of play.

Yet, the young Nso Youth side responded with a series of unexpected, energetic moves that increased the match’s tension. This robust performance from the newcomers signaled clearly that Chitah FC was up against a far more formidable and organized side than perhaps expected.

Despite a lively second half that saw more spectacular offensive attempts from both teams, the match also finished 0-0.

**Dzekwa Rangers and Melim United battle for supremacy during the opening match** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The 13th edition of the BSFC features a compact, intense format. The four competing teams will first complete a round-robin phase, playing each other once to determine their final group standing. Following this, the competition will advance to the decisive knockout phase, where there will be no room for further draws. The BSFC is a highlight of the Bui community calendar, symbolizing unity and healthy rivalry through sport.

Next week’s fixtures promise a shift in the current dynamic, as teams will be under pressure to find the back of the net to secure a better position before the knockout stage.

In the next matches, Chitah FC will face Melim United while Dzekwa Rangers will confront the spirited newcomers, Nso Youth.

Will the second week finally see the goal drought broken, or will the defensive masters continue their reign?

CAF, SIDI ALI Announce Partnership For AFCON Morocco 2025 Water Supplier

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès, a leading Moroccan bottled-water company, have partnered to make SIDI ALI the Official Water of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025. Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès is a pioneering Moroccan company and a leader in the nation’s bottled-water sector.

According to CAF www.cafonline.com/inside-caf/, the official signing ceremony took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, the same venue designated to host the AFCON opening match on Dec. 21, 2025. The event was attended by prominent officials from both the sports and business communities.

Among those present were Fouzi Lekjaa, CAF First Vice-President and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF); Véron Mosengo-Omba, CAF General Secretary; Mohamed Hassan Bensalah, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Holmarcom; and Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun, Vice-Chair and Managing Director of Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès.

SIDI ALI’s new role expands Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès’ long-standing support for Morocco’s national football teams to the continental stage.

The company stressed that this partnership with CAF represents more than just brand visibility; it embodies a determination to contribute to African sporting growth through operational excellence, a long-term vision, and socially responsible initiatives.

By broadening its commitment across Africa, SIDI ALI underscores Morocco’s role as a catalyst for progress and sporting pride throughout the continent.

CAF General Secretary Mosengo-Omba expressed his pleasure in welcoming SIDI ALI as the official water supplier. He described AFCON as “more than a football competition — it is a celebration of African unity, passion, and excellence.”

Mosengo-Omba noted that the partnership with a leading Moroccan brand highlights the growing strength of African companies supporting the continent’s flagship tournament. He affirmed that SIDI ALI will not only ensure “world-class hydration for players, officials, and fans” but also reinforce Morocco’s commitment to hosting an exceptional event that will inspire millions across Africa and beyond.

Here to hydrate talent, to refresh fans.💧

Please welcome Sidi Ali as the official water of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 🤝🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/Zu6ygsu450

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) September 25, 2025

Naoufel Jellal, Chief Executive Officer of Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès, called the agreement a “strategic partnership,” reflecting the ambition of a Moroccan private group to actively contribute to an African momentum rooted in excellence, youth, and cooperation.

As the Official Water of the tournament, Jellal stated SIDI ALI reaffirms its mission to support a unifying African sport that embodies shared values, uplifts communities, and empowers young people across the continent to realize their full potential.

SIDI ALI is tasked with ensuring proper hydration at every level of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, from the athletes and match officials to the thousands of fans gathered at all competition sites.

At Bissaï University Institute, We Incorporates Principles Of Solidarity Economy – RENAPROV Comm. Officers

Jean Patient Tsala and Abel Bela Samari, Manager and Deputy Manager of Communications and Public Relations at RENAPROV Finance SA, have stated that at Bissaï University Institute, the approach of the institute incorporates the principles of the solidarity economy, stressing collaboration and mutual support. Speaking to News-Lens during the Open Door Day held on September 3, the officials highlighted that the institute’s mission goes beyond merely training Cameroonians to be job seekers. Instead, it aims to empower them to become job creators, fostering a dynamic spirit of entrepreneurship that can drive economic growth and innovation in the country. Read the following excerpts.

**Jean Patient Tsala and Abel Bela Samari, Manager and Deputy Manager of Communications and Public Relations at RENAPROV Finance SA speaking during the Open-Door-Day** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Excepts

News-lens: What inspired Bissaï University Institute to host an Open Door Day today?

Samari Abel: Today’s Open Door Day is a significant milestone for us. After three years, we felt it was the perfect opportunity to evaluate our progress and engage directly with parents and the wider community. We want to share the philosophy behind the creation of Bissaï University Institute, which uniquely specially incorporates both the professional training and the university LMD programme. Many parents are often confused about what makes our institution special. This is an opportunity and we are discussing with the parents to let them know what we offer. We aim to train Cameroonians not just to be job seekers, but to become job creators, and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship.

Can you elaborate on the concept of job creation and the solidarity economy that you mentioned?

Jean Patient Tsala: Absolutely! At Bissaï University Institute, we are deeply committed to empowering our students to become successful entrepreneurs. We understand that while many individuals aspire to start their own businesses, they often lack a foundational philosophy that can drive sustainable growth and long-term success. Our approach integrates the principles of the solidarity economy, which stressing collaboration, mutual support, and community engagement.

**Jean Patient Tsala, Manager of Communications and Public Relations at RENAPROV Finance SA** **speaking during the Open-Door-Day** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

This Open Door Day presents a valuable opportunity for us to share this vision with parents and prospective students. We want to convey that education at Bissaï University Institute is not only transformative but also accessible, particularly for those who may face financial constraints. We firmly believe that education is a powerful tool for alleviating poverty and fostering economic independence. By encouraging entrepreneurship, we aim to equip our students with the skills and mindset necessary to create their own opportunities, contribute to their communities, and ultimately pave the way for a brighter future for themselves and others.

How does Bissaï University Institute ensure that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market?

Jean Patient Tsala: Great question! Our curriculum at Bissaï University Institute is designed with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, featuring an impressive 80 percent practical training and only 20 percent theory. This practical experience is conducted within our own enterprises, such as RENAPROV Finance SA for banking and accounting, Royal FM for journalism, and MAMU Hospital Complex for health-related fields.

**visitors** **during the Open-Door-Day** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

By the time our students graduate, they are not merely job seekers; they are equipped with the skills and confidence to create jobs and contribute actively to the economy. We prioritize nurturing talent and fostering an environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their starting point. This approach ensures that every student not only gains valuable industry experience but also develops the entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in today’s dynamic job market. Our goal is to empower them to become leaders in their fields, driving innovation and positive change in their communities.

What message do you have for parents considering Bissaï University Institute for their children?

Samari Abel: Our message is clear: Bissaï University Institute is dedicated to recruiting the best students, but we also believe in inclusivity and opportunity for all. We strive to create a supportive environment that transforms every student into a valuable contributor to society, regardless of their background or academic history.

**Abel Bela Samari, Deputy Manager of Communications and Public Relations at RENAPROV Finance SA speaking during the Open-Door-Day** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Our Open Door Day serves as an invitation to parents to discover how we can assist their children in not just securing employment, but also becoming active agents of development within our community. We envision a collaborative effort where students are empowered to take charge of their futures, fostering innovation and positive change.

Together, we can build a brighter future for Cameroon through the combined forces of education and entrepreneurship. By investing in our young people, we are investing in the nation’s progress and prosperity, ensuring that they have the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Interviewed by Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon, AFDB Sign FCFA 8.9 billion Loan Deal To Develop Skills & Entrepreneurship In Far North

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have signed loan agreements worth FCFA 8.9 billion (€136 million) to finance a program aimed at building skills, creating jobs, and modernizing infrastructure in the country’s conflict-affected Far North region.

**Cameroon’s Economy Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey and AfDB Central Africa Director General Léandre Bassolé sign the agreements in Yaoundé** (Source: AfDB)

The agreements for the “Building Capacities and Skills for Employability and Entrepreneurship in the Extrême Nord Region” (CAP2E) were signed in Yaoundé on Sept. 17.

Cameroon’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey, signed on behalf of Cameroon. Léandre Bassolé, the AfDB’s Director General for Central Africa, signed for the bank.

The financing package includes €130.2 million from the bank’s non-concessional window and €5.8 million from its concessional lending arm, the African Development Fund.

**Mey and Bassolé exchange documents after signing the agreements** (Source: AfDB)

The five-year program will support technical and vocational training for 6,000 young people and is expected to create at least 5,000 jobs, with 40% reserved for women. It will also provide backing for over 500 small and medium-sized businesses.

Additionally, the initiative will fund the construction or rehabilitation of 22 training centers and 29 social facilities, expand access to health and education services, and support renewable energy solutions to strengthen climate resilience.

“The aim is to invest in human capital, strengthen the skills of local people and create job opportunities in promising sectors such as agriculture and renewables,” Minister Mey said at the signing ceremony.

He added that the program will help to promote shared prosperity, reduce inequalities, and consolidate social stability, with particular attention paid to young people and women.

**Family photo with Cameroon officials, AfDB representatives and lawmakers from the Far North region** (Source: AfDB)

Bassolé described the initiative as “a genuine catalyst for transformation” that would strengthen infrastructure, promote private sector entrepreneurship, and support the solar energy sector.

He emphasized that through this initiative, the bank reaffirms its commitment to promoting the sustainable empowerment of young people and women by means of targeted, high-impact interventions.

The program aligns with Cameroon’s national development strategy and the bank’s 2023-2028 country strategy. It also directly supports the government’s Special Program for the Reconstruction and Development of the Far North.

Cassava Technologies Partners With Accenture To Expand Sovereign AI Across Africa

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader rooted in African heritage, has announced a strategic collaboration with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to enhance its sovereign AI capabilities throughout Africa.

Under the agreement, Accenture will utilize its AI Refinery platform and other technologies to develop sovereign AI solutions that take advantage of Cassava’s GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), housed in secure data centers accelerated by NVIDIA AI infrastructure.

These solutions will enable Cassava’s current and prospective customers to process AI workloads and data within national borders, adhering to local regulations.

Cassava plans to initiate its rollout in South Africa, with expansions planned for Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. This phased approach aligns with Cassava’s ongoing development of additional data center facilities across Africa.

The company will leverage its pan-African, high-speed, ultra-low-latency fiber broadband network, which connects its energy-efficient data centers to support AI computing workloads.

“AI is creating exciting new opportunities for innovation, competitiveness, and growth across Africa,” said Mauro Macchi, CEO of Accenture for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. “With our extensive global experience in sovereign cloud and AI, Accenture will help Cassava deliver secure, scalable sovereign AI solutions and reimagine its operations. Together, we will empower organizations across the continent to adopt AI with confidence and unlock new ways to create value.”

“With our GPUaaS, Cassava aims to lead the continent’s AI revolution by offering businesses flexible access to computing power tailored to their needs,” said Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Cassava AI. “Our commitment is to ensure Africa has the infrastructure to compete in the AI era. AI is not just a technology story; it’s a nation-building story focused on inclusion. Partnering with Accenture allows us to leverage their expertise in developing a sovereign AI cloud tailored for the African market. This collaboration will enhance data governance, facilitate practical AI adoption across key industries, and ensure that we provide African solutions for African challenges.”

The partnership will integrate local context, languages, and cultural nuances into AI solutions, making them relevant and impactful for African enterprises in sectors such as financial services, mining, telecommunications, agriculture, and healthcare. This localized approach will strengthen compliance and trust while ensuring the technology reflects market realities, enabling businesses to innovate sustainably.

Cassava will invest in building the necessary infrastructure and platforms to support commercialization, focusing on scalability, security, and compliance. This initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible AI adoption, innovation, and productivity growth in Africa.

Accenture is a leading global professional services company that assists businesses, governments, and organizations in building their digital core, optimizing operations, accelerating revenue growth, and enhancing citizen services, creating tangible value quickly and at scale.

Cassava Technologies, headquartered in the UK, provides a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure to enable digital transformation across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the United States.

Unstoppable Africa 2025, Igniting A Revolution In AI Innovations & Investments

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Major projects and initiatives aimed at positioning Africa at the center of global innovation have been highlighted during Unstoppable Africa 2025, held in New York City. This year’s event brought together CEOs to discuss Africa’s role in the global economy, marking a significant step for the continent’s stakeholders in developing local AI solutions to address pressing challenges.

**Unstoppable Africa 2025, United Nations Global Compact**

Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, founder and executive chairman of Econet Global and Cassava Technologies, announced plans to establish Africa’s first network of AI factories.

Powered by NVIDIA GPUs, Masiyiwa said the facilities are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, setting the stage for homegrown innovation and accelerating Africa’s participation in the global AI economy.

Meta also made an ambitious announcement. Kojo Boakye, vice president and public policy director for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, signaled upcoming investment opportunities in Africa’s digital ecosystem, highlighting the company’s confidence in the continent’s growing tech and AI potential.

These initiatives reflect a shift toward locally led solutions and long-term planning, focusing on robust systems, the adoption of advanced technologies, and capital investment to drive regional integration and global competitiveness.

Unstoppable Africa 2025, the flagship event of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), also brought together business leaders, African heads of state, global investors, and international institutions to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation.

New commitments in infrastructure, advanced technologies, and investment underscored the growing confidence in Africa’s private sector.

In the financial services sector, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), in collaboration with African pension and social security institutions, launched the “Africa Savings for Growth” initiative.

This initiative seeks to explore ways to channel African institutional savings into longer-term investments that support inclusive growth. It builds on AFC’s 2025 analysis, which identifies at least $1.17 trillion in institutional assets across Africa, much of which remains allocated to short-term, low-yield instruments.

The Global Africa Business Initiative also launched two new GABI Action Pathways focused on digital transformation and healthcare, aiming to connect businesses, governments, and innovators in sectors critical to Africa’s competitiveness and resilience.

The Healthcare Action Pathway aims to improve access to medical services through digital tools, build stronger regional supply chains, attract investment, and support the growth of Africa’s healthcare workforce.

Meanwhile, the Digital Transformation Action Pathway focuses on upgrading government services, expanding internet access and digital infrastructure, training people for future jobs, assisting small businesses with technology and funding, and promoting responsible use of AI and data.

Discussions also centered on new partnerships, Africa’s digital growth, and the continent’s thriving sports and creative industries, including music and fashion.

Notable attendees included acclaimed director Ava DuVernay; 15-year-old climate and health champion Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun-Githae; Paralympic champion Marcus Samuelsson; and international singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage, who performed at the event. Their contributions echoed the forum’s central message of empowerment, innovation, and sustainable progress across the continent.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed stated, “When people say Africa is resilient, they’ve got a different definition of resilience than we have. Africa’s resilience is about how we build on what we have and how we strengthen our markets, our economies, and our democracies. Unstoppable Africa is a space to remind ourselves that this is who we are; it is our narrative, on our terms that we go forth.”

Unstoppable Africa is the leading African business forum held outside the continent. Hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union, the event took place just ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Unstoppable Africa aims to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation and empower Africa to take a leading role in shaping the markets of the future.

MINJEC, LOYOC Partner To Boost Socio-Economic Integration Of Young People

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC) and Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC) have signed a partnership agreement aimed at fostering the socio-economic integration of young people and enhancing civic education.

**Minister Mounouna Foutsou and Achaleke Christian Leke signing MoU**

The agreement was formalized during the launch of the Youth, Peace, and Security National Action Plan 2025–2030 that took place on September 22 in Yaounde. Minister Mounouna Foutsou represented MINJEC, while Achaleke Christian Leke signed on behalf of LOYOC.

The launching ceremony took place as Cameroon joined the international community to celebrate the 44th edition of the International Day of Peace. This year’s theme is “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”

The collaboration focuses on key areas, including moral and entrepreneurial development, technical capacity building in leadership and citizenship, and the promotion of community volunteering.

**Minister Mounouna Foutsou and Achaleke Christian Leke exchanging MoU**

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to have a significant impact by equipping youth with essential skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing their participation in civic activities and decision-making processes.

Additionally, the partnership addresses pressing challenges such as violent extremism and social exclusion, promoting a more inclusive and resilient society.

Through coordinated efforts, both parties will leverage their resources to implement sustainable solutions that nurture responsible, dynamic, and engaged youth, ultimately contributing to national development goals and fostering a culture of peace and security across Cameroon.

**Minister Mounouna Foutsou and Achaleke Christian Leke brandishing MoU**

By engaging young people aged 15 to 35, particularly those registered with the National Youth Observatory, the partnership seeks to empower youth as active agents of change and catalysts for peace in their communities.

Cameroon PM Opens Long-Delayed Babadjou-Bamenda Road

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, has formally inaugurated a crucial 35km road connecting the West and Northwest regions, a project long hampered by delays and insecurity.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Babadjou–Bamenda stretch took place on September 17 in Matazem, under tight security.

Speaking at the event, Chief Dr. Dion Ngute said the new road would “boost trade, reduce costs for goods, and improve access to markets for farmers and families in the Northwest.”

The government has hailed the completion of the project as a major step toward addressing transport challenges and fostering regional integration, despite years of setbacks, security threats, and accusations of inflated costs.

During his visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Mile 4 bridge, inspected C2D-funded projects, and laid the foundation stone for a new administrative block at the Mile 4 market.

However, the tour was overshadowed by a two-week-long, separatist-enforced lockdown that has reportedly led to several casualties.

The timing of the visit has drawn scrutiny from political commentators, who suggest it could be a strategic move to rally support for President Paul Biya ahead of upcoming presidential elections.

The inauguration of the long-delayed infrastructure is viewed by some as a campaign tool amidst a volatile political and security climate.

Gov’t Honours 5 Councils For Outstanding Public Investment Performance

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Cameroon government, through the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), has recognised five councils for their exemplary performance in implementing the 2024 Public Investment Budget (PIB). The awards were presented at the “Model Councils Award Ceremony” in Yaoundé on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.

**Winners pose for a group picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The ceremony, chaired by MINEPAT Minister, Alamine Ousmane Mey, was attended by Finance Minister Louis Paul Motaze, Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister Dr Taiga, and representatives from the United Councils of Cities of Cameroon UCCC, among others.

The honoured councils were Idenau (Southwest Region), Ndelele (East Region), Nkambe (Northwest Region), Nyambaka (Adamawa Region), and Pette (Far North Region). Each council received FCFA 50 million, totalling FCFA 250 million, as a reward for their effective use of public funds.

Speaking at the event, Minister Mey praised the councils for setting a strong example in Cameroon’s decentralisation process, a cornerstone of national development policy since the 1996 Constitution.

**Winners and officials pose for a group picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

He noted that between 2018 and 2024, over FCFA 700 billion had been allocated to councils for development projects, though approximately FCFA 70 billion remained unutilised due to various challenges.

“We celebrate those who have excelled in performance while encouraging others to improve,” Minister Mey said. “We are committed to supporting councils to enhance project preparation, budgeting, execution, and monitoring to meet public expectations.”

**Officials during the award ceremony** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to decentralisation, describing it as “irreversible” and urging mayors, communities, and government bodies to work together to transform living conditions through effective resource use. He expressed hope that more councils would achieve similar recognition in the future.

Hon. Gerald Ngala, MP for Nkambe, representing the mayor, thanked the government for the initiative, which he said would motivate mayors to advance President Paul Biya’s decentralisation agenda.

**Minister Ousmane Mey talking during the award ceremony** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

“The FCFA 50 million will fund income-generating projects, particularly for youth and internally displaced persons, ensuring job creation in peaceful Nkambe,” he said.

The mayors of Idenau and Pette also expressed gratitude, pledging to continue efforts to improve living standards. According to MINEPAT, the awards align with President Biya’s goal of transforming regional and local authorities into engines of growth and development.

**Council Representatives and officials pose for a family picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The initiative aims to optimise PIB implementation, with state transfers to councils rising by 55.7 percent from FCFA 92 billion in 2018 to FCFA 143.2 billion in 2024.

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