At farewell audience: Housing minister, outgoing AFD Director evaluate decades of urban cooperation.

The outgoing AFD Director also used the audience to officially introduce her successor, Jérôme Notebaert.

Both officials used the audience to exchange on the enduring strength of relations between Cameroon and France. They said the collaboration built on partnership has played a significant role in advancing economic, social and urban development initiatives across the country.

The meeting also offered an opportunity to review the progress of ongoing projects, recognise achievements made under the outgoing leadership and reaffirm the commitment of both partners to continue investing in the sustainable development of Cameroonian cities.

Minister Ketcha Courtès paid tribute to Virginie Dago for her contribution to strengthening cooperation between AFD and the government.

She praised the outgoing director’s professionalism, commitment and close monitoring of urban development projects, which have helped consolidate trust and cooperation between the two institutions.

For her part, Dago expressed satisfaction with the work accomplished during her four-year tenure. She noted that the projects implemented under her leadership stand as tangible examples of the strong relationship between France and Cameroon. 

The AFD official also commended the minister’s regular presence in the field and her determination to ensure the successful execution of development initiatives.

Speaking during the audience, new AFD Director, Jérôme Notebaert, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him and reaffirmed his determination to continue supporting urban development programmes in Cameroon. 

The development expert with more than 25 years of experience in territorial governance, sustainable development and international cooperation, it should be said, is expected to officially assume office on August 24, 2026. 

Celebrating twenty years of transformative partnership

The meeting also provided an opportunity to celebrate nearly two decades of cooperation under the Debt Reduction and Development Contract, C2D, signed between Cameroon and France on June 22, 2006.

Through the mechanism, substantial investments have been directed toward improving urban infrastructure, mobility, public spaces, market facilities and the capacities of local authorities.

Initially focused on the cities of Douala and Yaounde, the programme has gradually expanded to include Bafoussam, Bertoua, Garoua, Bamenda and Maroua through the Regional Capitals C2D initiative. 

The expansion has enabled a more balanced distribution of development investments across the national territory.

Among the flagship projects implemented under this cooperation is the SPORCAP programme, which has received approximately six billion FCFA to develop local sports infrastructure in Bafoussam, Bamenda, Bertoua, Garoua, and Maroua.

Another major initiative is the Flood Control Programme in Douala and Yaounde, PLIDY, financed with 98 billion FCFA to reduce the vulnerability of urban populations to flooding while enhancing the integration and development of affected neighbourhoods.

Impact on urban development

The results of the Cameroon-France partnership, according to officials, are visible across several regions of the country. 

Infrastructure projects financed through the cooperation framework have significantly improved living conditions and urban functionality.

To date, 62 kilometers of urban roads have been completed in Bafoussam, Bertoua, Garoua, and Maroua, facilitating mobility and accessibility. 

In Garoua, six kilometers of drainage infrastructure have been constructed to improve water management and reduce flood risks. 

The partnership has also led to the construction of five modern markets, the development of 11 public spaces, and the implementation of 704 urban service projects benefiting local authorities.

The achievements, officials said, have contributed not only to safer and more efficient transportation networks but also to enhanced flood prevention, improved public services and stronger local economies.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3854 of Tuesday July 21, 2026