Cameroon is accelerating a sweeping reform of its water and sanitation sector, seeking to mobilise about US$4.3 billion in investment as part of efforts to expand access and support economic growth, officials said.
Water and Energy Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba held talks in Yaounde with a World Bank delegation to fast-track implementation of the National Water Compact and advance the Sustainable, Efficient, and Equitable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SEEWASH) programme.
The discussions, led by World Bank regional water specialist Anna Cestari, focused on tightening execution timelines and meeting stricter performance targets for the country’s flagship reform agenda.
Authorities say the programme aims to transform access to potable water and sanitation services nationwide, while also supporting irrigation, climate resilience and broader economic development.
The government estimates that about 2,426 billion CFA francs — equivalent to roughly US$4.3 billion — will be required to implement the reforms through 2030.
Officials said part of the financing has already been secured from development partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, the European Union and the International Finance Corporation, although a funding gap remains.
The SEEWASH project, which is now operational, has been prioritised for accelerated rollout, with authorities streamlining recruitment processes, administrative procedures and project planning to improve delivery.
The government is targeting annual disbursement rates of up to thirty per cent as part of efforts to ensure faster implementation and tangible results.
At the centre of the reform agenda is the National Water Compact, a strategic framework designed to modernise the sector and guide investment across key priority areas.
These include expanding access to drinking water and sanitation in both urban and rural areas, increasing irrigation capacity to boost agricultural productivity and food security, and strengthening infrastructure to manage climate risks such as floods and droughts.
Officials say Cameroon’s abundant water resources — estimated at more than 610 billion cubic metres annually — remain underutilised due to uneven distribution and limited infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.
Addressing these disparities is seen as critical to unlocking economic potential and improving living standards.
The government has also convened a strategic roundtable bringing together public institutions, local authorities, development partners and private sector stakeholders to refine the reform programme and strengthen coordination.
Measures agreed include enhanced governance frameworks, improved procedural planning and weekly monitoring meetings to reduce delays and improve accountability.
Authorities say the reforms are aligned with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
Analysts note that improving access to water and sanitation is essential not only for public health but also for economic productivity, particularly in agriculture and industry.
However, they caution that successful implementation will depend on sustained financing, institutional capacity and effective coordination among stakeholders.
The government says it is seeking additional support from partners to close the remaining funding gap and move toward full-scale implementation.
If successfully executed, the reform programme could position the water sector as a key driver of inclusive growth and climate resilience in Cameroon over the coming decade.
