At French National Day ceremony: Ambassador reveals over 964 billion FCFA invested in Cameroon within 20 years.

This was during the celebration of the French National Day. The event, held at the Ambassador’s residence, was attended by several members of government, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners amongst other important State personalities. 

In his address, Ambassador Riquier revealed that the investment of over 964 billion, 256 million FCFA (1 billion 470 million euros) in the last 20 years, is proof of the excellent ties between Paris and Yaounde.

Riquier said for several decades, Paris and Yaounde have maintained an exceptional partnership, translating shared political commitment into concrete achievements for the benefit of the population. 

The diplomat cited that the Debt Reduction and Development Contract, C2D, which marked its 20th anniversary last June, as an innovative mechanism that has converted Cameroon's debt repayments into grants. 

“The C2D is moreover just one of the vehicles of the partnership between our two countries, alongside grants and loans from the AFD and the French Treasury, as well as projects directly funded by the Embassy's cooperation service,” he said. 

Riquier further mentioned that: “In total, we are speaking of nearly 2 billion euros over a 20-year period, in addition to the one and a half billion of the C2D. This partnership is deployed in areas that are genuinely useful to the Cameroonian population”.

He clarified that the investments have covered key sectors like health, infrastructures, education, economy, arts and culture promotion, fighting terrorism, maritime security amongst others.

“The actions deployed under the Regional Capital Project have enabled work in Bamenda, Bafoussam, Bertoua, Garoua, and Maroua to improve urban mobility and put in place collective facilities; sports facilities and market infrastructure, for example,” he avowed. 

Enabling shared prosperity

The French Ambassador was categorical that his country is pursuing joint efforts, aimed at supporting Cameroon's efforts to energise its economy and enable shared prosperity for all, by making the most of its enormous potential. 

According to Ambassador Riquier, Cameroon's ability to create an environment conducive to investment is essential to attracting capital; thereby increasing its wealth through the engagement of the private sector. 

He said the key to economic growth is confidence, which he added is built through concrete actions and predictability. 

In this regard, the diplomat saluted the about 250 French companies present in Cameroon, that are active in strategic sectors of energy, infrastructure, logistics, agri-food, and services. 

“These companies create value, they invest in Cameroon, they generate 20,000 direct jobs, and they contribute significantly to the Cameroonian State budget,” he emphasised. 

Necessity of multilateralism

In a world where brutality is deployed without shame and where global challenges put societies under strain, Ambassador Riquier noted that France shares with Cameroon a strong conviction of the necessity of multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. 

He said France will continue to advocate the strengthening of Africa’s permanent representation on the United Nations, UN Security Council. 

“France intends to remain a force for proposals, with concrete solutions grounded in the primacy of the rule of law,” he added. 

The Ambassador used the opportunity to commend Cameroon's organisation and hosting of the just ended 51st General Assembly of the Parliamentary Association of La Francophonie, APF, in Yaounde. 

It should be said that Tuesday’s celebration of the French National Day was marked by cultural display and songs, selected from artists of both countries. It also featured the live screening of the World Cup semi-final encounter between France and Spain.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3847 of Tuesday July 14, 2026