French Development Agency's New Director for Cameroon Meets Public Works Minister
On July 17 in Yaoundé, the outgoing Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), Virginie Dago, formally introduced her successor, Jérôme Notebaert, to Cameroon's Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi. The meeting served as both a farewell for Ms. Dago and an introduction to Mr. Notebaert, marking a transition in leadership for the AFD in Cameroon. During their discussion, the two partners reviewed the achievements of their collaboration, which has facilitated several significant infrastructure projects in Cameroon. These include the construction of the bridge over the Sanaga River, the second bridge over the Wouri River, and the bridge over the Logone River. The discussions also focused on the upcoming Douala-Bangui Economic Corridor Development Program, specifically the rehabilitation of National Road No. 3 between Edéa and Douala, and the construction of a second bridge over the Dibamba River. The new director pledged to continue the work initiated by Ms. Dago, emphasizing efficiency and adherence to deadlines. Minister Djoumessi acknowledged Ms. Dago's contributions and wished Mr. Notebaert success, reaffirming the government's commitment to enhancing the national road network. Mr. Notebaert arrives in Cameroon after Ms. Dago's four-year tenure, at a time when the Debt Reduction-Development Contract (C2D) program is nearing its conclusion. Since 2006, the C2D program has channeled over 967 billion CFA francs into Cameroon's economy, funding projects across infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, urban development, and vocational training. Mr. Notebaert is not new to Cameroon, having previously been involved in monitoring the "Regional Capitals" urban C2D project, which received 111.5 billion CFA francs in funding. He also has experience in the Central African Republic, where he served as an international technical expert for the Ministry of Interior and Public Security from 2014 to 2016. Prior to his appointment in Cameroon, Mr. Notebaert was the Deputy Director of the AFD agency in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
This leadership transition within the French Development Agency's Cameroon office highlights the continuity of development partnerships between France and Cameroon, particularly in infrastructure. The meeting underscores the importance of established projects like the C2D program, which has significantly mobilized financial resources for national development. As Mr. Notebaert takes over, the focus on economic corridors and road network rehabilitation reflects a strategic approach to regional connectivity and trade facilitation. The AFD's continued engagement, guided by principles of efficiency and timely project completion, suggests a long-term commitment to supporting Cameroon's economic growth. Future challenges may involve ensuring that these infrastructure investments translate into sustainable economic benefits and equitable development across the country, particularly as the C2D program concludes and new funding mechanisms are considered.
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