AGP Executive Report

Maritime Integrity Under Pressure: Cameroon says it has purged 39 ships from its registry after investigations linked fraudulent use of the Cameroonian flag to Russia’s shadow fleet, as Europe expands Mediterranean enforcement under Operation IRINI. Water Access in the Capital: Yaoundé’s drinking water push moves forward with the €184.9m PAEPYS expansion, aiming to modernise distribution, boost safe water output, and extend services to surrounding towns. Cocoa Farmers vs EU Rules: At “Cocoa Days” in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s trade minister warns the EU Deforestation Regulation is “punitive” for farmers, as farmgate prices lag behind compliance costs. Rainforest Alliance Results: Rainforest Alliance highlights Cameroon’s progress on certified crops, ecosystem restoration and climate resilience, including support to meet export rules. Child Protection by the Nachtigal River: UNICEF and NHPC sign a two-year deal to strengthen child-friendly local policies, upgrade schools and health services, and improve safe water around the project area. Digital Finance Push: Wave deepens talks with Cameroonian authorities to expand mobile money access across CEMAC through its CBC partnership.

Water & Urban Resilience: Cameroon launched an €87bn FCFA Yaoundé water supply upgrade to modernise aging distribution, boost safe drinking water output (300,000 m³/day, with room to reach 400,000), and extend services to Soa, Mbankomo, Mfou, Akak, Bikok and Nkomo. Maritime Pollution & Sanctions Risk: Europe stepped up action against “shadow fleet” tankers misusing Cameroon’s flag to move Russian oil; Reuters reports EU boarding and Cameroon’s registry dumped 39 such vessels, raising pressure on maritime governance and environmental safety. Industrial Pollution Control: In Douala’s Dibamba and Bonaberi areas, MINMIDT sealed about seven nonconforming/illegal companies across sectors including plastic recycling and palm oil refining, part of a broader industrial clean-up drive. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Cameroon’s cocoa farmgate prices hit a 2025/26 season high (CFA2,100–CFA2,250/kg) as marketing nears July 15, while “Cocoa Days” in Yaoundé tackles farmer pay and new EU green rules like the EUDR. Health & Emergency Preparedness: The US handed over two mobile field hospitals (over CFA6bn) to strengthen rapid response for epidemics, disasters and humanitarian crises, with one stationed in Maroua and another kept as a national reserve.

Environmental Justice: ERA is launching 20-country Environmental Rights case studies to map how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice when environmental rights are violated. Cocoa & Climate Policy: Cameroon opened “Cocoa Days” in Yaounde to tackle farmer pay and align the supply chain with EU sustainability rules, with ministers warning that price volatility still leaves farmers short-changed. Deforestation Regulation Readiness: Rainforest Alliance says it has invested $15.5m since 2020 to certify and support sustainable farming across Cameroon’s Dja, Western Highlands and Grand Mbam landscapes, aiming to meet EUDR traceability demands. Pollution Control in Douala: Government sealed nonconforming, illegal industrial firms in the Dibamba/Bonaberi area, targeting illegal manufacturing and product quality breaches. Water & Disaster Preparedness: The US handed over two mobile field hospitals to Cameroon’s Ministry of Defence for rapid response during epidemics, natural disasters and emergencies—one based in Maroua, another as a Yaounde reserve. Biodiversity & Health: AIMS-Cameroon graduation highlighted climate science training for new researchers, while a separate study on insect diversity links healthier ecosystems to better human well-being.

Cocoa Supply Chain & Farmer Pay: Cameroon’s cocoa farmgate prices jumped to a 2025/26 season high of CFA2,100–CFA2,250 per kg as the marketing season nears its July 15 end, with processors reportedly stepping up buying ahead of closure. EU Sustainability Pressure: Yaounde hosted the first “Cocoa Days” dialogue to tackle long-running farmer pay gaps and prepare producers for tougher EU green rules, including the EU Deforestation Regulation. Industrial Pollution Control: Cameroon’s government sealed multiple nonconforming, illegal companies in the Douala-Dibamba/Bonaberi area, targeting sectors including plastic recycling and palm oil processing. Environmental Justice Research: The ERA coalition launched 20-country environmental rights case studies to map how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice. Water & Nature Protection: Cameroon began implementing the €184.9m SEWASH water project, while UNESCO designated new biosphere reserves on World Environment Day. Agri-Land Use Worry: CDC reported large idle areas in mature oil palm and rubber plantations in 2025, citing insecurity and disrupted harvesting.

Environmental Rights: ERA coalition launches a 20-country Environmental Rights Case Study on July 1, with participatory research on how communities can access environmental information, join decisions, and seek justice. Industrial Pollution Control: Cameroon’s government seals nonconforming, illegal companies in Douala’s Dibamba/Bonaberi area, targeting firms in sectors like recycling, palm oil processing and other manufacturing. Water Security: Cameroon begins operational rollout of the €184.9m SEWASH water project, aiming to expand safe drinking water and sanitation from 2025–2030 with World Bank support. Sustainable Cocoa & Exports: Rainforest Alliance says it has invested $15.5m since 2020 to certify and support sustainable farming in Cameroon’s Dja, Western Highlands and Grand Mbam landscapes, helping producers meet EU deforestation rules. Biodiversity Protection: UNESCO designates 14 new biosphere reserves on World Environment Day, including Cameroon, boosting conservation of unique ecosystems. Climate-Nature Policy Dialogue: A UK High Commission roundtable in Cameroon pushes for balancing growth with conservation in the Congo Basin, warning that weak resource management could worsen food insecurity. Agri-Livelihoods & Regeneration: Rainforest Alliance highlights regenerative gains in Ghana (1.3m trees planted in 2025), offering a regional model for restoring degraded landscapes. Aviation Safety Watch: Cameroon faces an ICAO audit later in 2026 that could pressure compliance for international airport certification, including Garoua and Maroua.

Water Security Push: Cameroon has officially kicked off the €184.9m SEWASH water and sanitation project, with a first Steering Committee meeting in Yaounde to set governance tools and expand access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation across regions. Energy Reform & Cleaner Power: Government unveiled reforms to stabilise the electricity sector after creating SOCADEL to take over ENEO’s operations, aiming to cut losses and improve supply amid public frustration over blackouts. Refinery Modernisation: Cameroon began an international market sounding for the CFA700bn Sonara rebuild and upgrade, shifting from simple repair to full modernisation to boost domestic refining capacity. Biodiversity Spotlight: A new study highlights the Goliath frog’s unusual breeding strategy in Cameroon’s fast-flowing rivers, where it reshapes habitats to create sheltered pools for offspring. Climate Risk for Food: A UN-backed El Niño anticipatory action appeal flags Cameroon among countries likely to face climate-linked food shocks, urging early financing for drought and flood responses. Wildlife Rescue: Ape Action Africa shared archived footage of Shufai, a Cameroon ape shot during a hunt that killed his mother, underscoring the long-term damage of bushmeat trade.

Water Security Push: Cameroon officially launches SEWASH, a €184.9m World Bank-backed water and sanitation programme, with a steering committee in Yaounde to set governance tools and expand access to clean drinking water and safer sanitation. Energy Reform & Pollution Risks: Government unveils reforms to boost the troubled electricity sector via SOCADEL, while separate reporting flags new petroleum pollution threats in the Taman area of the Black Sea—an environmental warning that resonates with Cameroon’s own pollution concerns. Forestry, Climate & Growth Debate: A UK High Commission roundtable in Cameroon’s climate and nature space urges balancing economic growth with conservation in the Congo Basin, warning that weak resource management could worsen food insecurity. Wildlife Under Pressure: Ape Action Africa revisits the survival story of Shufai, an injured baby ape saved after hunters killed his mother—highlighting the wider harm of bushmeat trade. Biodiversity Research: A study on the Goliath frog in Cameroon shows how the species reshapes river breeding pools, underlining how local habitats matter for conservation. Food Security Planning: Stakeholders meet on Cameroon’s maize sector, discussing import substitution, quality control, and options to protect local production.

Water Security: Cameroon officially launched the SEWASH water and sanitation overhaul in Yaoundé, with the Minister of Water and Energy chairing the Steering Committee (COPIL). The €184.9m Cameroon Water Security Project, backed by a World Bank IDA credit, targets lasting improvements in clean drinking water and public sanitation from 2025–2030, including stronger institutions and updated work and procurement plans. Household Waste & Media: Ahead of World Environment Day, IHS Cameroon and BIOCAMER trained 30+ journalists in Yaoundé on tackling the household waste crisis, focusing on climate actions and how media can help change public behaviour to reduce visual pollution and health risks. Oil Pollution Watch: Satellite monitoring flagged renewed petroleum pollution risk in Taman after a tanker leak threatened previously cleaned Black Sea coastline areas, with images showing shifting oil slick patterns. Energy Modernisation: Cameroon also kicked off an International Market sounding for SONARA’s strategic modernization, aiming to restore and upgrade refining capacity with international engineering and environmental standards. Biodiversity Spotlight: A study highlights how Cameroon’s Goliath frog reshapes river breeding pools in fast-flowing rainforest habitats. Wildlife Rescue Story: Ape Action Africa revisited the survival of “Shufai,” an injured baby ape whose mother was killed by hunters—an example of the wider harm of bushmeat trade. Green Finance & Transition: Ecobank Cameroon CEO Gwendoline Abunaw joined ORF’s Green Transition council, signalling stronger push for climate-focused, responsible finance.

Wildlife & Forests: Ape Action Africa in Cameroon shared archived footage of Shufai, a baby ape whose mother was killed by hunters and who was shot—his arm later had to be amputated—highlighting how bushmeat hunting harms primates far beyond the initial kill. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund and the European Investment Bank signed a landmark deal: $233m from GCF into the Global Green Bond Initiative, aiming to mobilise up to $23.2bn for sustainable infrastructure in emerging economies. Cameroon Energy: Cameroon is shifting focus to electricity transmission, urging partners to invest in grid infrastructure and opening the door to more private participation via public-private partnerships under its National Energy Compact. Digital Inclusion: Wave met BEAC, ART, Cameroon’s tax and telecom bodies in Yaoundé to push safer, more inclusive digital payments and expand digital finance adoption. Urban Environment & Media: IHS Cameroon and BIOCAMER trained over 30 journalists in Yaoundé on tackling the household waste crisis and raising climate action awareness. Clean Water Data: A global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach—over 2 billion people lack it—useful context for Cameroon’s WASH priorities.

Household Waste & Climate Action: IHS Cameroon and BIOCAMER trained 30+ media professionals in Yaounde on tackling the household waste crisis, linking cleaner cities to climate actions and public health. Water Access Data: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the infrastructure gap that still leaves many communities exposed. Cameroon Energy Shift: Cameroon is pushing fresh investment into electricity transmission, aiming to expand clean power access and support cleaner cooking and industry through public-private partnerships. Digital Finance Push: Wave met Cameroon’s regulators and institutions (BEAC, ART, DGI, GIMAC, CRTV) to deepen digital payments and financial inclusion. Electric Mobility Funding: Spiro secured $270m to scale electric vehicles and battery-swap infrastructure across markets including Cameroon. Climate Finance & Banking: Ecobank Cameroon CEO Gwendoline Abunaw joined ORF’s Green Transition council, spotlighting sustainable banking and climate finance. WASH & Child Protection Media: Plan International Cameroon and the MTN Foundation trained journalists and influencers on child safeguarding and responsible reporting.

Household Waste Crisis: IHS Cameroon and BIOCAMER trained 30+ journalists in Yaoundé on World Environment Day themes, pushing media to raise awareness and educate communities on waste and city health risks. Electric Mobility Boost: Spiro secured $270m to expand electric mobility across Africa, including operations in Cameroon, with support for EV rollout and smart battery-swap infrastructure. Green Finance & Policy: Ecobank Cameroon CEO Gwendoline Abunaw joined ORF’s Green Transition council, spotlighting climate finance and responsible investment. Energy Infrastructure Push: Cameroon is seeking more investment in electricity transmission under its National Energy Compact, aiming to speed clean power access and consider public-private partnerships. Wildlife Rescue: Ape Action Africa says Parry the gorilla has returned to the forest after recovery from leg injuries and surgeries in Cameroon. Conservation Discovery: A rare short-tailed roundleaf bat was highlighted as a tiny, endangered species found only in Nigeria’s Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary—an urgent biodiversity reminder for the region.

Wildlife Rescue: Ape Action Africa says Parry the gorilla has returned to Cameroon’s forest after multiple surgeries for a broken leg, a win for conservation care in Mefou. Household Waste & Climate Action: IHS Cameroon and BIOCAMER trained 30+ media professionals in Yaounde to tackle the household waste crisis and push “climate actions” through better public awareness. Energy Transition (Cameroon): Cameroon is urging more investment in electricity transmission as a priority under its National Energy Compact, including opening the transmission segment to private investors via public-private partnerships. Digital Finance (Cameroon): Wave met BEAC, ART, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, DGI, GIMAC and CRTV in Yaounde to deepen digital payments, security and financial inclusion. Electric Mobility (Africa): Spiro secured $270m to expand electric mobility across markets including Cameroon, aiming to roll out vehicles and battery-swap infrastructure. Conservation Spotlight: A rare short-tailed roundleaf bat is being urgently protected after a confirmed roosting population was rediscovered in Nigeria’s Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.

Household Waste Crisis: IHS Cameroon and BIOCAMER trained 30 journalists in Yaoundé ahead of World Environment Day, urging stronger climate actions and better reporting to tackle Cameroon’s fast-growing urban waste problem and its health risks. Energy Strategy: Cameroon is pushing a new phase of its energy plan by prioritizing electricity transmission investment, including public-private partnerships, as it seeks to mobilize $12.5bn by 2030 for cleaner power and wider access. Wildlife Protection: TRAFFIC warns of a new illegal trade in African grey parrot blood near Lobéké National Park, showing traffickers are shifting to harder-to-detect products. Digital Finance: Wave says it has deepened talks with BEAC, ART, tax authorities and other regulators in Yaoundé to expand digital payments and financial inclusion. Disaster Preparedness: UNDP-backed training in Buea is building community disaster risk management relays to improve climate adaptation messaging at neighbourhood level.

Household Waste & Media Training: In Yaoundé, IHS Cameroon and BIOCAMER trained 30 journalists for World Environment Day on how to tackle Cameroon’s household waste crisis, warning that waste has become “wild,” creating visual pollution plus health and environmental hazards. Climate-Ready Communities: UNDP-backed disaster preparedness training in Buea (June 16–20) is building a network of community relays to spread practical climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction messages locally. Energy Transition Focus: Cameroon is pushing a new phase of its energy strategy toward electricity transmission, urging partners to invest in grid infrastructure and opening the door to public-private partnerships. Wildlife Crime Watch: TRAFFIC reports a growing illegal trade in African grey parrot blood near Lobéké National Park, adding to fears that traffickers are shifting to harder-to-detect products. Digital Finance Inclusion: Wave met BEAC, ART, DGI, GIMAC and CRTV in Yaoundé to deepen collaboration on digital payments, transaction security and broader financial inclusion. Cocoa Resilience: Research highlights that climate change is hitting both cocoa yields and farmers’ health and labour capacity, arguing that resilient farmers are essential for a resilient cocoa sector.

Energy Infrastructure Push: Cameroon is courting more investment for electricity transmission, with Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba urging Italian partners to back grid expansion as part of the National Energy Compact and plans to open transmission to private investors via public-private partnerships. Disaster Risk & Climate Adaptation: UNDP is training community leaders and disaster preparedness relays in Buea to strengthen local climate adaptation and faster, trusted early-warning communication. Wildlife Recovery in Cameroon: Ape Action Africa reports Parry the gorilla has returned to the forest after multiple surgeries for a broken leg, following specialist medical intervention. Ocean Conservation Commitments: The Our Ocean Conference in Kenya ended with $6.4 billion in pledges for marine protection, fisheries monitoring and climate finance, with experts urging stronger follow-through on past promises. Illegal Wildlife Trade Alert: TRAFFIC warns of a new macabre trade in African grey parrot blood near Lobéké National Park, adding pressure to an already endangered species. Urban Roads for the Long Run: Cameroon is shifting urban road and drainage maintenance toward results-based contracts that pay for long-term performance, not just construction.

Wildlife Crime: TRAFFIC reports a growing “macabre” trade in African grey parrot blood near Lobéké National Park, linked to trapping and killing birds for medicine and religious practices—an alarming shift to harder-to-detect wildlife products. Urban Resilience: Cameroon is moving toward Results-Based Road Contracts for long-term road and drainage performance, aiming for smoother mobility and better use of public funds under a World Bank-supported project. Climate & Security: New research warns climate change is intensifying conflict in the Lake Chad Basin, worsening droughts, floods, and resource stress across Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Trade & Infrastructure: The World Bank approved $1.12bn to modernize the Douala–Bangui corridor, including climate-resilient road upgrades and logistics hubs, with Cameroon receiving the largest share of initial funding. Gender & Rights: Human Rights Watch says Cameroon has failed to meet commitments to cut violence against women and girls, citing discriminatory family laws and weak protection systems. Energy & Policy: Cameroon is developing “energy accounts” to guide smarter environmental and economic energy planning. Governance: Cameroon’s regional role is highlighted as subnational leaders push decentralisation through the Forum of African Regions. Regional Environment Tech: Yango Cameroon and Zindi hosted a Yaoundé mobility prediction hackathon, using weather and travel data to improve urban transport planning.