Cameroon’s push for urban waste management through circular economy reforms

Cameroon targets 2% of state budget for circular economy by 2030

Cameroon has set an ambitious goal: to allocate the equivalent of 2% of its national budget to circular economy initiatives by 2030. This strategic move is outlined in the National Circular Economy Roadmap (2025-2035), developed by the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Territorial Development (Minepat), which serves as the country’s blueprint for sustainable resource management and waste valorization.

Under this framework, circular economy expenditures are projected to reach 62.8 billion FCFA in 2025, while annual waste management costs hover around 30 billion FCFA. Combined, these figures represent 1.27% of the state budget. The government plans to incrementally boost this allocation to 2% by 2030—an increase of over 53 billion FCFA based on the 2025 budget baseline.

Urban waste production surges amid infrastructure gaps

This financial commitment responds to the escalating waste challenge. Cameroon generates approximately 6 million tons of waste annually, primarily from households, markets, public services, and businesses. However, the current system is heavily skewed toward collection, with minimal processing and recycling capacity.

The roadmap highlights critical inefficiencies: while the average waste collection rate stands at about 50%, recycling rates remain below 10%. In major cities like Yaoundé and Douala, annual waste output is expected to exceed 2.8 million tons by 2040, further straining already inadequate infrastructure.

Key systemic weaknesses include the absence of source separation, limited waste valorization, insufficient collection and treatment facilities, a lack of reliable statistical data, and institutional capacity constraints. Plastic pollution is a particularly pressing concern, with nearly 1,300 tons of plastic waste released into the environment daily. Shockingly, only 250 tons are collected each month, and a mere 180 tons are recycled, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades to drive change

To address these gaps, authorities are rolling out a series of reforms and investments aimed at transforming the entire waste management chain. Proposed measures include a Prime Ministerial decree embedding circular economy principles into value chains, updates to environmental legislation, strengthened regulatory oversight, and clearer delineation of responsibilities between sectoral agencies and decentralized local authorities. There are also discussions about establishing a National Waste Management Agency.

On the infrastructure front, the roadmap calls for the construction or modernization of sorting centers, transfer stations, and landfills compliant with international standards. Additionally, it proposes expanding composting and biodigester units to enhance organic waste valorization.

The strategy also emphasizes community-driven recycling incentives, nationwide awareness campaigns on source separation and illegal dumping prevention, and expanded training and innovation support in recycling industries.

Financing circularity: public, private, and international support

The funding model relies on a blend of public and private resources. Local tax reforms tied to waste management will be introduced, alongside a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system to fund collection and recycling through eco-contributions. The National Waste Exchange, already operational, will serve as a digital marketplace to streamline transactions involving recyclable materials, attract private investment, and stimulate a thriving market for secondary raw materials.

International partners are also expected to play a pivotal role. Potential financiers include the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Circular Economy Facility, the World Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and several United Nations agencies.