Cameroon launches national smart city development plan

Cameroon has officially launched its National Action Plan for Smart City Development, a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming major urban centers such as Yaoundé, Douala, Bafoussam, and Garoua into inclusive, connected, and sustainable cities.

Developed in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the plan rests on three strategic pillars: utilizing digital technology for urban management (including traffic, waste collection, and public lighting), fostering innovation and social inclusion through local startups and universities, and modernizing governance by empowering decentralized local authorities with dedicated funding and tools.

The initiative comes as Cameroon faces rapid, often uncontrolled urbanization, resulting in challenges such as traffic congestion, flooding, insecurity, and a housing deficit estimated at 2.5 million units. To address these, UN-Habitat and government officials are emphasizing the need for better land management, improved access to affordable housing, and the integration of sustainable development goals into public policy. Discussions held at the National Assembly in Yaoundé highlighted the importance of strengthening local government capacities and ensuring women's access to land and property.