Cameroon

Cameroon

Cameroon sits on the Atlantic coast where Western and Central Africa meet. It was named by Portuguese explorers for the Rio dos Camarões (‘River of Prawns’). Cameroon’s geography includes the Mandara Mountains in the north-west, coastal plains, a densely forested plateau and savanna plains. 

Secretariat support for Cameroon 

Elections support 

The Commonwealth sent a team to observe Cameroon’s presidential election in October 2018. The same month, Cameroon took part in Commonwealth Election Professionals (CEP) Initiative training. Participants learned about planning and financing elections, new electoral technologies, new media and gender equality. 

Elections work

Countering violent extremism 

The Secretariat is supporting Cameroon to tackle extremist views with early help for young people at risk. The approach also focuses on the role of women and helps former offenders integrate back into communities. 

The Secretariat funded a ‘No Hate Speech’ campaign in Cameroon’s schools. It also gave money to train young people in peacebuilding in local communities. 

Countering violent extremism work

Education 

In November 2018, Cameroon hosted ‘Faith in the Commonwealth’ training. 25 young leaders learned about using critical thinking, tolerance, respect and understanding to bring people from different faiths and cultures together. 

Education work

Trade 

The Secretariat supported the development of Cameroon’s national e-commerce strategy.  

Trade work

Blue Charter

Cameroon is a member of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance – the Blue Charter Action Group on tackling marine plastic pollution.

Blue Charter

Cameroon in the Commonwealth 

In 2016, Cameroon’s Achaleke Christian Leke won the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Award for his work as national co-ordinator of Local Youth Corner Cameroon, an organisation that promotes peace and counters violent extremism.   

Cameroonian Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong was awarded a Commonwealth Innovation for Sustainable Development Award in June 2019. This was for starting the DigCit SDG project, which focuses on using social media and information technology responsibly. 

Find out more 

Learn more about the Secretariat's work

Total population

Key Facts

Population
26.55 million (2022)
Area
476,350 square kilometres
Capital city
Yaoundé
Joined the Commonwealth
1960, following independence from Britain