Cameroon has launched a 10.4-billion-CFA-franc (US$17 million) tourism development programme aimed at improving infrastructure, promoting domestic travel and attracting more international visitors, officials said.
The programme, which forms part of the country’s 2026 tourism budget, was officially launched this week in Yaounde by acting Minister of Tourism and Leisure Gabriel Mbairobe, according to government officials.
Authorities say the initiative is designed to revitalise Cameroon’s tourism sector by modernising facilities, strengthening marketing efforts and enhancing the skills of tourism operators.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mbairobe said the investment would support the promotion of domestic destinations and encourage greater use of the “Made in Cameroon” brand across the tourism industry.
“The programme will help strengthen the economic value of our natural and cultural assets while stimulating activity in the tourism sector,” he said.
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Cameroon is seeking to position tourism as a stronger contributor to economic growth by leveraging its diverse landscapes, wildlife reserves and cultural heritage.
The government hopes that improving infrastructure and increasing marketing efforts will boost visitor numbers and generate employment in tourism-related industries such as hospitality, transport and crafts.
According to figures presented during the launch, about 4.65 billion CFA francs of the budget will be allocated to promoting domestic tourism across the country.
Another 3.2 billion CFA francs will be directed toward strengthening inbound tourism campaigns aimed at attracting international visitors.
Officials say the strategy reflects the government’s intention to balance international tourism promotion with efforts to encourage local travel and support domestic tourism businesses.
An additional 1.2 billion CFA francs will be transferred to municipalities to help local authorities implement tourism promotion initiatives and develop attractions within their jurisdictions.
Regional administrations will also receive about 300 million CFA francs to improve tourism visibility and marketing efforts in different parts of the country.
The funding breakdown was presented by Abou Hamadou, director of general affairs at the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, who outlined the programme’s key priorities.
The initiative also includes measures to strengthen training for tourism operators and improve the overall quality of services offered to visitors.
Officials say improving professional skills in the sector will help raise service standards and enhance Cameroon’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
At the launch event, Mbairobe emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the funds allocated to the programme.
He urged public officials responsible for implementing the projects to ensure strict oversight and efficient use of public resources.
“Public funds must be managed rigorously to guarantee the success of this programme,” he said.
To accelerate implementation, the acting minister also set a deadline for procurement procedures linked to the projects.
All public procurement contracts related to the initiatives are expected to be launched before April in order to ensure the rapid execution of planned activities throughout 2026.
Tourism officials say the programme forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the sector’s contribution to national economic development.
Like many countries in Africa, Cameroon is seeking to expand tourism as a source of foreign exchange earnings, job creation and regional development.
The country offers a wide range of attractions, including national parks, wildlife reserves, beaches along the Gulf of Guinea and diverse cultural traditions.
However, analysts say the sector still faces challenges including limited infrastructure, insufficient marketing and gaps in tourism services.
Authorities hope the new investment programme will help address some of these issues while increasing Cameroon’s visibility as a travel destination both within Africa and internationally.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could help stimulate tourism activity, support local economies and create opportunities for small businesses involved in the travel and hospitality industries, officials say.
