World Bank signals fresh boost for energy projects, jobs.

It was during an audience the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, granted the World Bank Operations Director for Cameroon, Cheick Kanté. 

Discussions focused on strengthening ongoing development programmes and accelerating the implementation of projects considered priorities for the Cameroonian government.

The meeting reviewed the broad cooperation framework between Cameroon and the Bretton Woods institution, which finances programmes across several sectors including digital development, urban planning, education, energy, decentralisation and transport infrastructure. 

During the event, both officials assessed the progress of these initiatives and examined ways to reinforce the partnership to achieve stronger results. Both sides also discussed ongoing policy reform support backed by the international lender.

Speaking to reporters after the audience, Cheick Kanté said the exchange centred on the institution’s continued backing for government reforms and development priorities. 

He added that the meeting also explored ways to expand investment in the country’s energy sector, which is considered essential for economic transformation.

According to Kanté, energy development remains a critical component of Cameroon’s economic ambitions.

“This sector is critical for the economic growth, the economic transformation of Cameroon that aspires to become an emerging country by the horizon of 2035,” Kanté explained.

The World Bank official indicated that the institution is already investing in the sector through several financing instruments, including guarantees and direct funding.

He said both sides reviewed ways to intensify investments while speeding up the delivery of projects already underway.

Kanté also referred to Cameroon’s participation in the M300 energy compact, which aims to expand electricity access across the country.

“We discussed how our portfolio and future investment can accelerate energy self-sufficiency,” he said. 

Under the programme, authorities aim to connect around eight million additional citizens to electricity by 2030, with the World Bank playing a central role in supporting the initiative.

Youth employment and skills development formed another key part of the discussions, as the country continues to seek strategies to address youth job creation, particularly through economic transformation and skills training. 

Kanté noted that the World Bank Group is examining ways to support programmes that expand employment opportunities for young people.

“We also discussed youth and skills for youth. How jobs can be created through economic transformation here, and how the World Bank Group can support that agenda of ensuring that youth in Cameroon have access to more and better jobs,” he said.

On his part, Chief Dr, Joseph Dion Ngute welcomed the continued cooperation with the World Bank and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the partnership as development projects move forward.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3733 of Monday March 16, 2026