Implementing support for increasing decentralisation, gender equality and financial governance in Cameroon

Context

Even though Cameroon has recently adopted several laws aimed at enhancing the country’s legal development such as the 2035 Vision and the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30), the existing legal framework remains insufficient. Councils face challenges in securing sufficient resources for enduring infrastructure development and efficient public services delivery. Actually, transfers do not fully cover the financing needs of municipalities. As a result, public services are not provided to the population in the required quantity and quality. Additionally, weak institutional power and inadequate sanctions undermine transparency in public action. Local policies lack adequate consideration of the needs and potential of local populations, particularly women, girls and other vulnerable and marginalised groups, during their formulation and development.

Objective

Cameroon’s governance is becoming more decentralised and citizen-oriented, with a specific emphasis on considering women and promoting gender equality.

Approach

To achieve its objective, the project employs the following key measures:

• Supporting municipalities in selected partner regions in Cameroon to play a more effective role in local governance by improving service delivery, implementing participation, dialogue and accountability formats in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
• Focusing on mobilising financial resources to support local authorities and increase local revenues.
• Improving the efficiency and transparency of tax and expenditure management by the tax administration and selected ministries.

Last update: February 2024