Cameroon’s Parliament has been particularly active over the past year, passing a series of bills and enabling laws that aim to strengthen local governance, facilitate international cooperation, modernize public service, and improve resource management. Many of these are now before the Senate or awaiting presidential enactment. Here’s a full breakdown of the most significant developments.
1. Strengthening International Cooperation
a) Transboundary Ecosystem & Wildlife Management
Law No. 2025/003 (25 April 2025) authorizes the President to ratify a Cameroon–Nigeria Cooperation Framework Agreement focused on conservation of forests, wildlife, and ecosystem sustainability across shared borders.
b) Bilateral Agreements with Tunisia & Czech Republic
- Law No. 2025/005 enables ratification of a visa-exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports with Tunisia (journal.rdpcpdm.cm).
- Law No. 2025/002 permits ratifying a double-taxation avoidance and visa waiver deal with the Czech Republic (prc.cm).
c) Multilateral Maritime & Security Treaties
In November 2024, Parliament passed several bills authorizing ratification of:
- The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (Bill No. 2066),
- The OIC Convention on Combating Terrorism (Bill No. 2067),
- A Marine Aids to Navigation convention (Bill No. 2070), and
- The Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on geographical indications (Bill No. 2071) (mimimefoinfos.com).
2. Empowering Local Governance & Public Administration
a) Reforming Local Taxation (Bill No. 2064/PJL/AN)
Passed in November 2024, this reform aims to:
- Harmonize tax rates across municipalities,
- Introduce digital tools for tax collection,
- Ensure that more revenue stays in local budgets for development projects.
b) Civil Status Digitalization (Bill No. 2063/PJL/AN)
Also adopted in November 2024, this law:
- Creates a centralized national civil registry for births, marriages, and deaths,
- Plans electronic registration systems to reduce delays and fraud,
- Extends access in rural areas.
These represent significant strides in decentralization and administrative modernization.
3. Resource Management & Economic Governance
Fisheries & Aquaculture Bill No. 2073/PJL/AN
Debated and passed in late 2024, this bill sets up regulatory frameworks to manage Cameroon’s fisheries and aquatic resources sustainably, aiming to strengthen coastal economies.
Public Investment Budget Increase
The 2025 draft finance law proposes a 16% increase in public investment (CFA 1.863 trillion), allocating over 33% of total expenditures to development—up from 24–26% in recent years. While not a bill per se, it’s a key policy move requiring legislative approval.
4. Continental & Gender Equality Initiatives
In May 2025, Cameroon hosted the Pan‑African Parliament’s technical review of the Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity. Parliamentarians and experts gathered in Yaoundé to align the draft with AU standards and Cameroon’s own commitments.
Implications and Impact
- Governance & Decentralization: Tax reform and digital civil registries enhance local autonomy and transparency.
- International Integration: Ratified treaties expand diplomatic reach, trade, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.
- Economic Management: Sustainable fisheries and greater public investment support economic resilience.
- Gender Equity: Participation in continental gender legislation places Cameroon on the path to legal reforms for equality.
What to Watch Next
| Bill / Initiative | Next Step |
|---|---|
| Local tax & civil registry bills | Senate review → Presidential enactment → rollout |
| Environmental & resource bills | Ministry guidelines & implementation |
| Multilateral treaties | Ratification process + treaty enforcement |
| Finance law with investment increase | Parliamentary debate & adoption |
| Gender equality model law | National incorporation and drafting adjustments |
Conclusion
Recent parliamentary activity in Cameroon demonstrates a growing legislative momentum toward modernizing governance, empowering local entities, deepening international engagement, and addressing gender equity. However, challenges remain in ensuring laws are fully implemented and resources are allocated effectively.
Stay informed: follow the Senate deliberations, implementation updates, and civil society monitoring to see how these laws translate into tangible change for citizens across the country.
📢 Join the Discussion
Which of these parliamentary reforms do you think will most directly affect your life—whether living in Yaoundé or rural Far North? Let us know in the comments below!