The funding managed by Cameroon’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, seeks to address critical gaps in urban infrastructure and land management, which have hindered sustainable urbanization and private sector growth.
Faced with rapid urbanization and increasing climate vulnerabilities, Cameroon has secured a $200 million, approximately 114.6 billion FCFA World Bank loan to strengthen urban resilience and modernize land management systems in its major cities. The funding managed by Cameroon’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, seeks to address critical gaps in urban infrastructure and land management, which have hindered sustainable urbanization and private sector growth. The initiative will focus on two main components to enhance resilience and efficiency in Cameroon’s rapidly expanding cities.
The first component prioritizes investments in transformative, climate resilient infrastructure in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon’s largest urban centers. This includes upgrading roads, drainage systems, and other essential facilities to withstand climate related challenges. Technical support will also be provided to promote sustainable urban planning and development. The second component targets improvements in land administration services, a longstanding barrier to effective urban management.
By streamlining processes and modernizing systems, the project aims to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, facilitate property rights, and encourage private sector participation in urban development. The World Bank estimates that over 2 million people will benefit directly or indirectly from the project through improved access to infrastructure and land services. The initiative replaces the Inclusive and Resilient Cities Development Program, PDVIR, which is set to conclude in June 2025.
Cheick Kanté, World Bank Country Director for Cameroon, emphasized that the project aligns with Cameroon’s national development strategy, addressing structural obstacles that limit cities’ potential for socio-economic growth and job creation. The World Bank’s is a continued support for Cameroon’s urbanization goals, aiming to foster more livable, efficient, and climate-resilient cities.
