Yaounde, Cameroon - Cameroon revises its national youth policy to focus on human capital development, moral and entrepreneurial values. With 36,89% of the population between 15 and 35 years out of 29.8 million, Cameroon could actually harness the demographic dividend. Yet, with its high fertility rate, inadequate educational and health systems and a limited economIC growth , this prospect might not be achieved unless a big policy shift is implemented.
The government, with the support of key partners such as UNFPA and other stakeholders, has taken actions to change the trajectory. It conducted a large consultation and policy review to draft a more ambitious and cross-cutting policy framework covering 2025 to 2035. The new concept that was submitted to the validation of experts and policy analysts this 6th may 2025 at Mount Febe Hotel in Yaoundé seeks to create an environment in which at least 70% of young people have access to quality health and well-being services. The policy also seeks to increase the number of young people who can participate, integrate and benefit from social and economic development processes.
At the opening ceremony of the validation session, Minister Mounouna Foutsou called experts and other stakeholders to "adopt a policy that bridges the gap in professional, vocational and entrepreneurship training." A statement widely applauded by Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Minister of Employment and Vocational Training who attended the ceremony. UNFPA Resident Representative Dr Justin Koffi showed confidence that as the draft under review is based on youth needs and aspirations, the youth policy that will be validated could help accelerate the harnessing of the demographic dividend in Cameroon.
UNFPA's support in this process reiterates the organisation's commitment to partner with the government, young people as well as national and international organisations to assist countries in identifying and implementing policies and programs to secure the health, development and human rights of adolescents and youth .
