Douala is set to host the fourth edition of the Douala Economic Forum on November 25 and 26, 2026, under the theme, “Douala: The Challenges of Urban Transformation.” The two-day event will bring together public authorities, private sector operators, development partners, academics, civil society organisations and young people to explore practical solutions to the city’s development challenges. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanisation and mounting pressure on mobility, housing, sanitation, infrastructure, the environment and employment, the forum seeks to move beyond discussions towards concrete proposals, partnerships and commitments capable of transforming residents’ daily lives.The details were disclosed on Monday, October 26, during a press conference organised by the forum’s coordinating unit. Speaking at the event, the forum’s General Coordinator, Olivier Kingue Molli, announced that the major highlight of this year’s edition would be the Urban Transformation Competition, an initiative designed to encourage young people to identify problems affecting Douala and propose innovative solutions. The competition will focus on four priority areas: digital transformation, sustainable development, the social and solidarity economy, and the mobilisation of expertise and resources from the diaspora. These areas are intended to promote technology-driven solutions, environmental sustainability, community-based economic initiatives and greater participation by Cameroonians living abroad in the city’s development.
Students from universities and higher education institutions, youth associations and other interested citizens are invited to participate individually or in teams. Proposed projects may address pressing urban concerns such as flooding, waste management, public lighting, urban mobility, access to essential services and the overall living conditions of residents.According to Nkene Zogo II Patrick Serges, focal person for the Urban Transformation Competition, the application platform will remain open throughout the year, allowing citizens to submit proposals beyond the forum itself. However, the deadline for the current competition is November 15, 2026. Selected projects will be recognised and presented to decision-makers and economic stakeholders to explore opportunities for implementation. The first day of the forum will focus on the competition under the theme, “Youth Imagine the City of Tomorrow.” The second day will be devoted to institutional and economic exchanges, including discussions between the Douala City Council and socio-economic stakeholders, alongside a major economic roundtable.The roundtable will bring together institutions involved in investment promotion, urban planning, finance and port development to examine strategies for mobilising public and private investment, strengthening Douala’s attractiveness, developing infrastructure and securing sustainable financing for urban transformation. The organisers emphasise that the ultimate objective is to translate ideas and discussions into tangible results. By placing innovation, youth participation and investment at the heart of the forum, they hope to identify viable projects that will improve the quality of life of residents while strengthening Douala’s competitiveness as a major economic hub. The initiative is expected to provide a platform for young innovators and other stakeholders to contribute directly to shaping a more modern, inclusive, resilient and sustainable city.
Leave a Reply