Message from the Chief Representative

Cameroon's land area is approximately 1.3 times that of Japan. Its population is approaching 30 million and continues to grow rapidly. The economy is projected to achieve GDP growth exceeding 4% in 2025. The Cameroonian government is making efforts to diversify it economy, through mainly agriculture and manufacturing, and aims to realize this growth with the active participation of young people and women. Cameroon shares borders with six countries and lies at the center of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), serving as a driving force for regional economic development and integration. Additionally, reflecting its historical background, both French and English are used as official languages, with newspapers and news broadcasts utilizing both languages.

International cooperation between Cameroon and Japan has evolved significantly over the years. It began with projects such as the construction of 120 schools – still affectionately known locally as “École Japonaise” and symbolising trust in Japan – and the establishment of water supply facilities in rural areas, through a combination of technical cooperation, grant aid, yen loans, and volunteer programs. The year 2026 marks a significant milestone as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of JICA Cameroon Office and the 20th anniversary of the volunteer program. Currently, nearly 20 JICA volunteers continue to build strong relationships of trust with the Cameroonian people and carry out their activities with great enthusiasm. Furthermore, JICA is advancing initiatives in sectors including agricultural development to enhance rice productivity and market competitiveness (rice produced under the project is being sold in supermarkets in the capital city Yaoundé), fisheries development to promote aquaculture and ensure stable supply of fishery production, and the introduction KAIZEN methodologies to improve productivity in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, JICA supports networks conservation efforts aim to prevent deforestation in Congo Basin driven by agricultural development, as well as infrastructure development including main roads and electricity.

Particularly in the cooperation of Rice Production and Kaizen, JICA is fostering human resources through extensive training across West and Central Africa via projects currently implemented in Cameroon. Furthermore, the JICA Cameroon office also covers the cooperation with Gabon, Chad, and the Central African Republic. As a hub for JICA's cooperation in Africa, we will advance initiatives contributing to human security, aiming for economic development, peace, and stability not only in Cameroon but across West and Central Africa.

Finally, Cameroon's connection with Oita Prefecture in Japan continues, stemming from the friendship formed between the Cameroon national football team and Nakatsue Village (as it was then) during the FIFA World Cup co-hosted Japan and Korea in 2002. Furthermore, given Cameroon's diversity as highlighted earlier, Japanese universities and researchers, including Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Hokkaido University, and Kyoto University, visit Cameroon to conduct research. Furthermore, through JICA's cooperation in the field of kaizen, we have established relationships with over 1,600 Cameroonian companies. We hope that this established relationship will encourage compagnies to develop more interest in Cameroon.

The JICA Cameroon Office will also strive to communicate our local initiatives and the connections between Japan and Cameroon to the Japanese public. We look forward to collaboration and cocreation with the various people through JICA's cooperation.