The Ministry of water resources and energy and UNICEF in Cameroon officially present the new national water policy

Yaoundé, April 11, 2025 – The Ministry of Water Resources and Energy (MINEE) and UNICEF in Cameroon officially presented today the National Water Policy (PNE), a strategic document to ensure sustainable and equitable management of the country's water resources by 2035.

This initiative represents a crucial step in Cameroon's efforts to address water-related challenges, including pollution, increasing demand, and the effects of climate change, with a focus on sustainable development.

In line with Cameroon's forward-looking development vision for 2035 and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Cameroonian authorities, with the support of technical and financial partners, including UNICEF, recognized the need to develop a National Water Policy and actively contributed to its formulation.

The document presents a strategic vision for integrated and sustainable management of water resources, responding to the country's socio-economic, cultural, and environmental needs. It highlights current issues such as water pollution, increasing pressure due to demographics and urbanisation, and the consequences of climate change. Proposed solutions include: implementing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), improving access to drinking water and sanitation, strengthening institutional and regulatory capacities, investing in water infrastructure, promoting public-private partnerships, and decentralisation to ensure equitable and sustainable management.

The Government's goal is to achieve a sanitation rate of 60% by 2030. The National Water Policy aims to make water resources a true lever for socio-economic development while ensuring the preservation of ecosystems.

Statement by the Minister of Water Resources and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba: “The National Water Policy is an essential roadmap to ensure that our water resources fully contribute to Cameroon's socio-economic development while preserving our ecosystems. We are committed to implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the needs of our population and support our vision of an emerging Cameroon by 2035."

Statement by Nadine Perrault, UNICEF Representative in Cameroon: "Access to drinking water and sanitation is fundamental to the well-being of children and communities. UNICEF is proud to support Cameroon in this ambitious initiative, which aims to improve the quality of life for millions of people. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities."

The issue of water remains crucial in Cameroon. For the well-being of every child, UNICEF Cameroon reaffirms its commitment alongside the Government to ensure equitable access to drinking water and quality sanitation services.