AGP Executive Report

CAF Politics: CAF president Patrice Motsepe says FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has been “loyal to Africa” and “loyal to me,” stoking fresh claims of a close, possibly future FIFA-linked, relationship. Aviation Deal: Etihad Airways and Nigeria’s Air Peace signed an interline agreement enabling single-ticket travel from Lagos and Accra to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Douala. Yaoundé Governance: Cameroon’s ruling CPDM held a rare senior leaders meeting as President Paul Biya remains abroad for about 45 days, with health-talk still officially banned. Investment Push: Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) signed deals worth CFAF10.88bn expected to create 200 jobs, plus addenda affecting tourism and agribusiness projects. Water Reform: CAMWATER launched a performance overhaul in Yaoundé aimed at improving drinking water delivery, cutting losses, and tightening billing and collection. Mining Crackdown: Cameroon froze over 200 semi-mechanised mining operations in East and Adamawa after gold smuggling concerns, triggering local job shocks. Transport & Trade: Cameroon ordered the Black Rhino shipowner to remove a stranded container vessel from the Douala-Bonabéri access channel within 15 days. Humanitarian/Refugees: MINAT met CAR and UNHCR on refugee repatriation, citing 412,521 refugees and 21,223 asylum seekers in Cameroon.

Maritime Safety: Cameroon gives the owner of the “Black Rhino” 15 days to clear the container ship blocking the Douala-Bonabéri access channel after a July 11-12 collision, with salvage firms already on site. Transport & Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad sign an interline deal to sell single-ticket journeys linking Abu Dhabi with Lagos/Accra and onward to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Douala. Investment Push: Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) signs new agreements worth CFAF10.88 billion, targeting 200 jobs in agribusiness, manufacturing and tourism. Water Reform: CAMWATER launches a Yaoundé performance overhaul aimed at improving drinking water delivery, cutting losses and tightening billing and collection. Politics & Governance: Cameroon’s ruling CPDM holds a rare meeting of senior leaders amid mounting criticism over President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence abroad. Economy & Trade: China invites Cameroonian exporters to the 2026 Shanghai Import Expo, urging a bigger business presence. Public Finance: Yaoundé races to complete the first nationwide census in over two decades before the July 31 deadline. Security: Gunmen attack a bar in Bali Nyonga, killing one and injuring two in the Northwest. Health/Community: An “Art for Peace” student art finals in Yaoundé promotes dialogue and a return to peace. Mining Crackdown: Cameroon freezes over 200 semi-mechanised mining operations in East and Adamawa after gold smuggling concerns, triggering local economic shock. Disaster: A Nigeria–Cameroon border boat capsizes; at least 20 feared dead, including 18 Nigerians.

Politics & Governance: Cameroon’s ruling CPDM called a rare meeting of senior leaders as President Paul Biya remains abroad for 45 days, with growing public criticism and renewed debate over health and continuity of power. Mining & Economy: Government says reforms are pushing Cameroon’s mining sector into a new phase, aiming for over 1,000 billion FCFA in annual revenue, while a separate crackdown freezes more than 200 semi-mechanised gold operations in East and Adamawa amid smuggling concerns. Maritime & Transport: Cameroon ordered the owner of the “Black Rhino” to remove a container ship from the Douala-Bonabéri access channel within 15 days after it ran aground, with salvage teams already on site. Public Finance & Services: CNCC seeks a partner to run mini bank branches and Mobile Money kiosks at roadside service centers, starting with Dibamba. Environment & Industry: Cameroon moves toward enforcing a 30% recycled PET requirement for plastic products from December 1, 2026. Humanitarian & Safety: A Nigeria–Cameroon boat capsized on the border waterway, with at least 20 feared dead, including 18 Nigerians. Diplomacy & Culture: Yaoundé begins preparations for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit (July 31–Aug 4). Sports: Commonwealth Games boxing spotlight: Cameroon’s Cyrille Tchatchet II aims to “set the record straight” in Glasgow, while Kenya’s boxing team prepares for medal hopes.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Kenya’s boxing team is in final gear, led by Boniface Mogunde as he makes his Commonwealth debut, aiming for medals alongside Robert Okaka, Amina Martha and Rosemarion Achieng’. Refugees & repatriation: MINAT says Cameroon hosts 412,521 refugees and 21,223 asylum seekers, and is pushing to resume safe, voluntary returns with CAR and UNHCR. Maritime pressure in Douala: Cameroon gives the Black Rhino shipowner 15 days to clear the Douala-Bonabéri access channel after a collision, with salvage teams already on site. Gold crackdown: Government moves to recover over $500m in unpaid gold taxes and duties from August 1, targeting undeclared exports and operators in East and Adamawa. Public finance training: CONSUPE trains regional officials in Garoua on public fund management and sanctions for mismanagement. Security in the Northwest: A bar attack in Bali Nyonga left one dead and two injured, as kidnappings and separatist violence continue. Environment & plastics: Cameroon enforces a 30% recycled PET mandate to cut plastic pollution ahead of the December 1 deadline. Trade & ports: China invites Cameroonian exporters to Shanghai’s Import Expo, while talks begin on advancing the long-delayed Limbe deep-sea port with MSC-linked TIL.

Gold Smuggling Crackdown: Cameroon has launched a major offensive to recover over $500 million in unpaid taxes and customs duties tied to undeclared gold exports, starting August 1, after findings showed a huge gap between official exports and gold shipments recorded abroad. Mining Reform Push: The government also says it is restructuring the gold sector and tightening oversight as it seeks to make mining a bigger driver of national revenue than oil. Port and Infrastructure Moves: Yaoundé has opened talks with MSC-linked Terminal Investment Limited to advance the long-delayed Limbe deep-sea port, while a key Yaoundé highway expansion is reported far behind schedule due to land and utility relocation issues. Governance and Data: Cameroon is racing to complete its first nationwide census in over two decades, with MINAT urging local officials to fix coverage gaps before the July 31 deadline. Security in the Northwest: Gunmen kidnapped seven passengers in the Northwest and a separate bar shooting in Bali Nyonga left one dead and two injured amid ongoing separatist violence. Human Rights: Readers’ donations helped free three women imprisoned for homosexuality in Cameroon, with more funds still needed to release additional prisoners. Health Financing: Nkafu Policy Institute discussions renewed calls to reduce out-of-pocket costs and expand chronic-disease coverage through private health insurance and universal health coverage reforms. Sports: Simba SC is reportedly targeting Cameroon striker Jules Armand Kooh ahead of the new season.

UN Appointments: Cameroonian development expert Njoya Tikum has been named UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Burkina Faso, taking office on 18 July as the Sahel country faces major humanitarian and security pressures. Parliament Watch: National Assembly Speaker Théodore Datouo criticized the late submission of key budget texts, with the Budgetary Orientation Document arriving just days before the June session ended. Census Push: Yaoundé is scrambling to complete the first population census in over two decades, with MINAT ordering sub-prefects to personally monitor slow areas ahead of the 31 July deadline. Infrastructure Delays: Yaoundé’s northern entry road expansion is only 25.86% complete despite most of the contract period passing, blamed partly on unresolved land and utility relocations. Security in the Northwest: A bar attack in Bali Nyonga left one dead and two injured, while seven passengers were kidnapped on the Bafoussam–Bamenda route. Mining and Revenue: Government moves to recover over $500m in unpaid gold taxes and customs duties from August 1, alongside a broader push to restructure gold and scale flagship mining projects. Finance and Business: Ecobank unveiled its first commercial wealth management solution in CEMAC, and the EU launched a CFA9.84bn business support call for value chains across five regions. Sports: Simba SC is reportedly targeting Cameroon striker Jules Armand Kooh after his 22-goal top-scorer season.

Security in the Northwest: A bar shooting in Bali Nyonga left one person dead and two injured, with gunmen believed to be separatist fighters also setting fire to a public building before fleeing. Kidnapping Crisis: In the same region, seven passengers were abducted on a Bafoussam–Bamenda route, with families saying ransom demands are underway. Ports & Trade: Cameroon has opened talks with MSC-linked Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) to advance the long-delayed Limbe deep-sea port, while Douala’s Bonabéri port operations resumed after a collision incident. Mining & Revenue: Yaoundé announced a crackdown from August 1 to recover over $500m in unpaid gold taxes and customs duties tied to undeclared exports, as officials also unveiled plans to push major mining projects and restructure the gold sector. Youth & Business: Mboa Jeunes Créatifs selected 48 Cameroonian entrepreneurs for incubation in green economy, digital, social enterprise and crafts. Education & Mobility: Protests continue over new French student-visa financial rules, with families in Yaoundé demanding clearer timelines and fairer access. Sports: Simba SC are reportedly targeting Cameroon Premier League top scorer Jules Armand Kooh.

Maritime Restart in Douala: Cameroon’s busiest port, Douala-Bonabéri, has reopened after a collision between MV Sea Honor and MV Black Rhino temporarily blocked the channel; no deaths were reported and a technical probe is underway. Security in the Northwest: Gunmen kidnapped seven passengers traveling from Bafoussam to Bamenda, with families saying ransom demands are behind the abductions. Gold Crackdown & Tax Recovery: The government says it will launch a major operation from August 1 to recover over $500m in unpaid gold taxes and customs duties, targeting firms linked to undeclared exports. Mining Push for Growth: Yaoundé unveiled reforms and five flagship mining projects, aiming to boost production and mobilize close to CFA1 trillion, while restructuring the gold sector. Health Financing Reform: Nkafu Policy Institute discussions spotlighted ways to reduce out-of-pocket costs and expand coverage for chronic diseases through private insurance and UHC. Education & Visas: Cameroonian students protested in Yaoundé over new France student-visa financial rules requiring proof of full tuition funding. AfDB Funding at Risk: A portfolio review warns Cameroon could lose about CFA292bn if key AfDB steps and disbursement deadlines slip.

Maritime & security: Douala’s Bonabéri port has reopened after a weekend collision between MV Sea Honor and MV Black Rhino, with no deaths reported and investigations underway. In the Northwest, gunmen kidnapped seven passengers on the Bafoussam–Bamenda route, with ransom demands linked to separatist violence. Economy & governance: The African Development Bank has approved CFA833.8B for Cameroon since 2023, but disbursements across the active portfolio remain low at 26%, while Cameroon also risks losing about CFA292B from AfDB projects over delays in agreements and disbursement requests. Mining crackdown: Cameroon launches a push from August 1 to recover over $500m in unpaid gold taxes and customs duties tied to undeclared exports, targeting under-reported production and untaxed sites. Health & policy: Nkafu Policy Institute dialogues in Yaoundé spotlight reforms to cut out-of-pocket costs and expand coverage for chronic diseases via private insurance models. Education & visas: Cameroonian students protest new France visa rules requiring proof of full tuition funding before applications. Politics & diplomacy: The 51st Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly wraps in Yaoundé with calls for unity, peace and youth engagement. Infrastructure & trade: Cameroon and Swiss Terminal Investment Limited explore options for the future Limbe deep seaport to boost logistics and jobs in the South-West. Banking leadership: Cameroon appoints new leadership at the renamed General Bank of Cameroon after the state’s acquisition of Société Générale’s stake.

Limbe Deep Seaport Talks: Cameroon and Swiss terminal operator TIL have started discussions in Yaoundé on options to develop, modernize and operate the future Limbe Deep Seaport, positioning it to boost industry, exports and jobs in the South-West while complementing Douala and Kribi. Mining Push: The government says mining is set to overtake oil, unveiling five flagship projects (iron ore, bauxite, marble and gold) and a gold-sector restructuring aimed at boosting production, traceability and public revenues. Gold Smuggling Crackdown: Authorities launched a sweeping offensive after customs data showed a huge gap between declared gold exports and volumes reported as imported into the UAE, with officials warning of billions lost to fraud. Health Financing Reform: Nkafu Policy Institute dialogues in Yaoundé focused on cutting out-of-pocket costs and expanding universal health coverage, including lessons from community-based insurance and proposals for private insurance coverage of chronic diseases. Digital Governance Gap: ANTIC urged North West mayors to embrace ICTs, citing low council website coverage and pushing for digital civil status systems and automated local revenue collection. France Student Visa Backlash: Cameroonian students and parents protested outside the French embassy in Yaoundé over new rules requiring proof of full tuition payment or equivalent funds before visas. Douala Port Reopens: Douala-Bonabéri resumed operations after a weekend collision between two cargo ships temporarily blocked the channel; an investigation is underway. Bank Leadership Change: Cameroon has appointed new leadership for the renamed General Bank of Cameroon after completing the state’s acquisition of Société Générale’s stake. AfDB Funding at Risk: Cameroon faces possible loss of about CFA292 billion if key AfDB administrative steps and disbursement deadlines are missed. Refugee Returns Framework: A Cameroon–CAR–UNHCR tripartite commission met in Yaoundé to finalize a timeline and modalities for voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation.

Port and logistics: Douala’s main port has reopened after a Sunday collision between the Tuvalu-flagged MV Sea Honor and the Cyprus-flagged MV Black Rhino temporarily blocked the navigation channel, with an investigation now under way. Maritime expansion: The government and Swiss terminal operator TIL have started talks on options to develop and modernize the future Limbe Deep Seaport, aimed at boosting trade and industry in the South-West while complementing Douala and Kribi. Mining push: Cameroon says five flagship mining projects plus gold-sector restructuring could soon lift mining revenues beyond oil, with expectations of nearly CFA1 trillion from iron ore, bauxite, marble and gold. Gold crackdown: Authorities have launched a crackdown on UAE-linked gold smuggling, citing a huge gap between declared exports and gold volumes reported as imported from Cameroon. Health financing: Nkafu Policy Institute dialogues focus on cutting out-of-pocket costs and expanding coverage for chronic diseases through community-based schemes and private insurance reforms. Digital governance: ANTIC urges North West mayors to adopt ICTs as only 48.6% of councils have functional websites, linking the push to better civil registry systems and revenue collection. Student visas: Cameroonian students and parents protest France’s new rule requiring proof of full tuition payment or equivalent funds before visas. Bank leadership: Cameroon has appointed new leadership for the renamed General Bank of Cameroon after the state completed its acquisition of Société Générale’s stake. Public finance controls: CONSUPE begins training in Garoua to prevent treasury losses and tighten management of public funds.

Chococam Sale Under Legal Cloud: Tiger Brands’ planned exit from Cameroon’s Chococam is nearing completion, but billionaire Baba Danpullo’s court fight is freezing about 5.612 billion CFA francs linked to the deal, adding uncertainty to Cemac clearance. Mining Push for New Revenue: Cameroon’s interim mines leadership says 2025 marked a turning point as five major industrial projects come online, while reforms target gold sector under-reporting and illegal mining. Health Financing Reform Talks: Nkafu Policy Institute dialogues in Yaoundé spotlight reducing out-of-pocket costs and expanding coverage for chronic diseases, including how private insurance could fit WHO PEN-Plus. Douala Port Back in Business: After a collision between two cargo ships temporarily blocked the channel, Douala-Bonabéri has reopened and investigations continue. Gold Smuggling Crackdown: Authorities say a major UAE-linked gold smuggling network has cost billions, driven by a huge gap between declared exports and gold imports reported abroad. Student Visa Shock: Cameroonian students protested in Yaoundé over France’s new demand for full tuition proof before visas, with families calling for clearer, fairer rules. Digital Gap in North West: ANTIC urges councils to adopt ICTs as only 48.6% of local councils reportedly run functional websites. Public Finance Oversight: CONSUPE trains officials in Garoua to curb treasury losses and tighten management of public funds.

Health Financing Reform: Nkafu Policy Institute dialogues in Yaoundé push to cut Cameroon’s heavy out-of-pocket costs, using lessons from community-based health insurance and the WHO PEN-Plus framework to expand coverage for chronic diseases. Private Insurance Coverage: Experts urged integrating PEN-Plus into private health insurance reforms, highlighting chronic illnesses as a growing financial burden. Gold Smuggling Crackdown: Cameroon launched a sweeping offensive against UAE-linked gold smuggling, citing a huge gap between declared exports and gold traced to Cameroon abroad. Mining as Growth Engine: Government briefings say five mining projects could help Cameroon eye nearly CFA1 trillion, alongside a gold-sector overhaul aimed at better traceability and revenue capture. Douala Port Disruption: Douala-Bonabéri resumed operations after a cargo-ship collision temporarily blocked the channel; investigations point to steering failure. Public Finance Oversight: CONSUPE training in Garoua targets tighter treasury controls to prevent losses. Student Visa Rules: Cameroonian students protested new French visa financial rules requiring full tuition payment or blocked funds before applications. Malaria Vaccine Reality Check: Cameroon’s RTS,S rollout is reducing severe illness, but health workers warn many children miss the final booster dose.

Commonwealth Games Prep: Kenya’s CGA and NOCK met at Kasarani Stadium to intensify preparations for Team Kenya ahead of Glasgow 2026, focusing on athlete welfare, training, logistics and performance targets. EU Support for Cameroonian Businesses: The EU and Cameroon opened applications for the CFA9.84bn PAD-CV business support programme, backing value chains across five regions with a push for women and youth entrepreneurs. Mining Push to Cut Oil Dependence: Cameroon is positioning mining as a new revenue engine, projecting nearly CFA1trn from five flagship projects and gold reforms aimed at better traceability and public revenue capture. Douala Port Back in Business: Douala-Bonabéri reopened after a Sunday collision between MV Sea Honor and MV Black Rhino, with investigations ongoing and navigation restored. Student Visa Rules Spark Protests: Cameroonian students protested outside the French Embassy in Yaoundé after France’s new student-visa rule requires full tuition payment (or blocked funds) upfront, with Campus France and the embassy issuing clarifications. Public Finance Oversight: CONSUPE launched a workshop in Garoua to strengthen treasury controls and prevent losses in East, Adamawa, Far North and North regions. Health & Vaccines: Cameroon’s malaria vaccine rollout is showing impact, but health workers warn many children miss the final booster dose. Refugee Returns: Cameroon, CAR and UNHCR met in Yaoundé to relaunch voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation, with tens of thousands already returned since 2019.

Mining Push: Cameroon is preparing a major shift from oil to mining, with government projections saying mining revenues could soon overtake oil and reach about $1.75bn, alongside a crackdown on illegal mining and under-declared gold volumes. Student Visa Shock: Dozens of Cameroonian students and parents protested in Yaoundé over new French visa rules requiring full tuition payment (or blocked funds) before applications; Campus France and the embassy later clarified the policy after complaints of poor notice. Douala Port Restarts: The Port of Douala-Bonabéri reopened after a weekend collision between MV Sea Honor and MV Black Rhino temporarily blocked the channel; authorities say initial findings point to a steering failure. Public Finance Training: CONSUPE is training officials in Garoua to curb treasury losses and improve public finance management in East, Adamawa, Far North and North. AfDB Funding at Risk: Cameroon faces possible cancellation of about CFA292bn in AfDB-backed projects due to delays in signing agreements and starting disbursement requests. Maritime Security: A new Gulf of Guinea rapid reaction naval task force was launched to fight piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing, with Cameroon-region states watching closely. Health & Security: Cameroon’s malaria vaccine rollout shows early gains but booster-dose dropouts remain a worry, while Boko Haram attacked an outpost in the Far North, killing one civilian and injuring soldiers.

Maritime Restart in Douala: Cameroon’s busiest port, Douala-Bonabéri, has reopened after a Sunday collision between MV Sea Honor and MV Black Rhino temporarily blocked the channel; authorities say all 15 crew were evacuated and early findings point to a steering failure, with a full technical probe underway. Public Finance Crackdown: The Supreme State Audit Office (CONSUPE) is training officials in Garoua to curb treasury losses, focusing on irregularities and sanctions tied to weak public spending controls. High-Stakes AfDB Funding Risk: Cameroon faces the possible loss of about CFA292 billion in AfDB-backed projects if key agreements aren’t signed and disbursement requests made on time, with the Ngoura–Yokadouma road among the most exposed. Martinez Zogo Trial: In the Martinez Zogo murder case, Colonel Otoulou’s testimony at the Yaoundé Military Court reportedly implicated Amougou Belinga and Eko Eko, as the trial moves deeper into the investigation’s early leads. Health and Displacement: Yaoundé hosted talks on keeping education going for IDPs under “Leaving No Learner Behind,” while a tripartite Cameroon–CAR–UNHCR meeting mapped modalities to relaunch voluntary, safe repatriation of Central African refugees. Energy and Industry Watch: SNH says CFA49.3 billion is available for transfer to the state in Q1, and Cameroon formalized land for an Afreximbank-backed African Medical Centre of Excellence near Yaoundé-Nsimalen airport.