Ahead of 2027 deadline: Gov’t intensifies implementation of Niger basin climate programme.

The move was discussed during an audience granted by economy minister Alamine Ousmane Mey, to the Executive Secretary of the Niger Basin Authority, NBA, Kocou Amand Houanye, in Yaounde on June 1.

According to officials, Houanye led a delegation on a mission aimed at strengthening support and advocacy efforts to speed up implementation of the programme in the nine member countries of the Niger Basin. 

MINEPAT revealed that discussions during the meeting focused on measures to improve the pace of project delivery and ensure that planned investments are completed before the programme closes. 

It emerged from the audience that the initiative is being implemented with support from the African Development Bank Group, the Green Climate Fund, the European Union and German development cooperation.

Authorities disclosed that the programme has an overall budget of nearly CFA134 billion and is designed to improve the resilience of ecosystems and communities facing the effects of climate change through sustainable management of natural resources. 

Officials explained that over 9 billion FCFA has been allocated to activities in Cameroon, while close to 3 billion FCFA will be invested in the construction of multi-purpose infrastructure for agricultural, pastoral and other economic uses.

Speaking after the meeting, Houanye said the programme was intended to strengthen the resilience of both ecosystems and communities across the Niger Basin, which is home to nearly 200 million people.

The Executive Secretary noted that implementation rates remain below target as the programme enters its final phase. 

According to figures presented during the meeting, overall execution stands at about 35% across the region, while implementation in Cameroon is estimated at around 30%.

The official added that the mission to Yaounde forms part of a wider tour of member states aimed at identifying measures that could improve delivery rates and help participating countries achieve expected results before the programme ends. He said there was a need to intensify implementation efforts during the remaining period.

“With less than twenty months remaining before the programme closes, it is important to work closely with the authorities of each member country to significantly improve implementation rates. The objective is to ensure that expected results are achieved and that communities gain better access to water resources that can support youth employment and food security,” he said.

According to information published by MINEPAT, the meeting also examined mechanisms to strengthen institutional coordination, improve project monitoring and address operational constraints affecting implementation. 

MINEPAT noted that the discussions formed part of ongoing efforts to advance regional cooperation on climate adaptation, water resource management and ecosystem restoration across the Niger Basin.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3812 of Tuesday June 09, 2026