Gov’t, AFD discuss strengthening partnership in urban resilience.

The delegation was led by the Project Team Leader in the Urban Development, Planning and Housing Division at AFD headquarters in Paris, Nina Hadji. 

Discussions focused on ongoing urban development programmes such as the Regional Capitals programme and the Regional Capital, SPORCAP initiative and the identification of new operations to strengthen the resilience of cities in the country. 

The meeting was part of an AFD mission to Cameroon which ran from September 21 to 25, with was to review ongoing programmes supported by French cooperation and identify new operations capable of addressing the growing challenges facing urban areas.

According to officials, a major part of the mission was the supervision of the Urban Development and Sport & Development portfolios with focus on the SPORCAP initiative.

We gathered that the review provided an opportunity for the partners to assess progress, examine results achieved, identify challenges and determine the actions required to ensure the effective continuation of the programmes. 

The officials equally discussed on strengthening dialogue on urban development priorities. The AFD representatives also expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of cooperation with the ministry.

Discussions also touched on the Regional Capitals programme which was implemented since 2014 in the cities of Bafoussam, Bertoua, Garoua, Bamenda and Maroua, to improve urban infrastructure and access to basic services in the regional capitals.

It helped to realise major road infrastructure in Bafoussam, Bertoua and Garoua, as well as complementary urban facilities, including markets and socio-collective infrastructure. 

The second phase with financing of about €20 million, expanded the scope of interventions, including additional roads, market facilities and water-access infrastructure. 

Officials review SPORCAP initiative 

The SPORCAP programme was another key focus of the mission. Supported by a €10 million AFD grant, the programme seeks to improve access to local sports facilities in Bafoussam, Bamenda, Bertoua, Garoua and Maroua.

The initiative provides for 15 neighbourhood sports facilities and aims to benefit more than 1.8 million people while strengthening the capacity of more than 20 structures involved in the management and animation of sports infrastructure.

Beyond sports, officials said the programme is conceived as part of an urban-development approach, using accessible public facilities to foster social cohesion and improve the quality of urban life.

Outline new focus on urban resilience

During discussion, officials also identified new urban-resilience operations which seek to identify projects that can respond to rapid urban growth, territorial vulnerabilities and the growing effects of climate change. 

Particular attention was reportedly given to bank protection works along the Mayo Kaliao in Maroua. The field phase of the study is expected to help identify operations that could subsequently qualify for financing from AFD and the Green Climate Fund. 

Such interventions, officials said, could provide additional support to cities facing environmental and climate-related risks. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3923 of Monday September 28, 2026