Douala: Stakeholders move to formalise scrap metal sector.

Held from March 26 to 27, it brought together government officials, representatives of the International Labor Organisation, ILO, workers’ union representatives, employers, civil society actors and development partners, to chart a path toward structuring the sector.

Organisers noted that the forum aimed to foster collective ownership of ongoing reforms by all stakeholders. Participants were expected to contribute to the implementation and financing of an integrated national strategy and action plan for the sector, alongside recommendations to guide future interventions.

The initiative came at a time of growing global attention on the circular economy. According to the Circularity Gap 2024 report published by the Circle Economy Foundation, the world’s circularity rate stands at just 7.2 percent, with developing countries relying heavily on circular activities as key sources of livelihood.

In Cameroon, the scrap metal sector, covering the collection and recycling of metal waste has become a significant source of income for thousands, particularly in urban areas. 

However, it remains largely informal, with organisers estimating that up to 80 percent of activities operate outside regulatory frameworks.

Stakeholders at the forum highlighted major challenges plaguing the sector, including unregulated pricing of scrap materials, difficult access to environmental permits, and unsafe working conditions.

These constraints not only affect productivity but also expose workers and surrounding communities to environmental hazards such as soil and groundwater pollution.

Despite these challenges, the sector continues to demonstrate strong economic and environmental value. Data presented at the forum indicate that in 2024 alone, the industry generated over 18 billion FCFA and contributed significantly to waste reduction efforts. 

In Yaounde, for instance, approximately 36 tonnes of waste are collected daily. The sector is also said to have created an estimated 20,900 direct jobs in 2025, alongside numerous indirect employment opportunities.

The forum marks a key step in ongoing efforts led by ILO, in collaboration with the Government of Cameroon and social partners to formalise the sector. Central to this effort is a project titled “Formalisation of the collection and recycling of ferrous waste sector for the promotion of decent work and environmental sustainability,” launched on October 7, 2024.

The project seeks to address deficits in decent work, facilitate a transition from informality to formality, and strengthen environmental management practices. Progress so far includes steps toward improving the legal framework, expanding access to social protection, enhancing working conditions, and promoting social dialogue among stakeholders.

Speaking at the forum, Mbougio Ahanda Angélique Salomé, the representative of the Minister of Labour and Social Security, underscored the sector’s vast economic and environmental potential. She, however, noted that many workers remain vulnerable, operating under precarious conditions with limited institutional support.

According to her, government action is geared towards ensuring that the benefits of the circular economy are inclusive, particularly by supporting grassroots actors involved in daily waste collection.

ILO representative, Rodrigue Raoul Zuchuon, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting social justice and expanding access to decent work, especially for women. He described formalisation as a gradual but necessary process that will be supported through incentives, partnerships and the development of national tools for effective waste management.

On his part, Christophe Ndassi, President of the National Syndicate of Ferrous Scrap Collectors, known by its French acronym, SYNAFSEC, emphasised the sector’s role in environmental protection and job creation. He called for stronger government commitment, including measures to curb harassment of workers and the establishment of a price regulation mechanism to ensure fair compensation for collectors.

According to him, such reforms would help streamline operations, strengthen national coordination, and improve conditions for workers across the country.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3746 of Monday March 30, 2026