LocationsThe Government of Japan and UNDP Cameroon Launch Phase III of Recovery Efforts in Cameroon’s South-West Region
December 5, 2025
Ambassador of Japan to Cameroon, H.E. MINAMI Kentaro and UNDP Cameroon Resident Representative, Mathieu Ciowela after signing Phase III of Japan’s support to the UNDP Recovery Programme in the South-West Region
Yaoundé, 5 December 2025 – The Government of Japan, represented by H.E. MINAMI Kentaro, Ambassador of Japan to Cameroon, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Cameroon, represented by its Resident Representative, Mr. Mathieu Ciowela, have signed a new partnership agreement to launch Phase III of Japan’s support to the UNDP Recovery Programme in the South-West Region. This new phase aims to enhance resilience and accelerate recovery through the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure, promoting basic service delivery in Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and education, while directly benefiting 682,402 people and indirectly reaching 3,118,118 more.
Valued at 416,000,000Japanese Yen (approximately US$ 2,657,128 or XAF 1,504,109,964), this third phase will strengthen efforts to restore critical public services and improve living conditions in communities affected by the crisis. The intervention will address persistent gaps in healthcare, access to clean water, and education—sectors where availability remains limited. Key outputs include the rehabilitation of six health centres, the construction of twelve solar-powered boreholes, and the restoration and equipping of six schools, benefiting 13 councils across the region. The project will be implemented by UNDP in collaboration with national and local authorities over the period of January 2026 to January 2028.
A collective moment as UNDP, the Government of Japan, and partners pose after the signing of Phase III, showcasing a shared commitment to restoring essential services in the South-West Region
Japan remains the sole bilateral donor to the Recovery Programme, and its support since January 2021, through phases one and two of the projects, has generated substantial results, including the rehabilitation and equipment of 18 integrated health centers and 22 solar-powered boreholes, now serving hundreds of thousands of people across the South-West Region.
Although Phases I and II of the Japan Support to the Recovery Programme improved conditions in several communities, the need remains significant. The widespread damage to infrastructure in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions continues to restrict essential services.
Phase III is building on the achievements so far and extending assistance to underserved areas, contributing to a more balanced distribution of support across the South-West Region. By restoring schools, health facilities, and water systems, the project aims to strengthen community resilience and support the gradual normalization of daily life.
H.E. MINAMI Kentaro, Ambassador of Japan to Cameroon, and UNDP Cameroon Resident Representative Mathieu Ciowela formalize Phase III of Japan’s support to the UNDP Recovery Programme in the South-West Region.
“This new phase strengthens the deep and longstanding partnership between the Republic of Cameroon, the Government of Japan, and UNDP. By rehabilitating schools, health centres, and water points, we are restoring dignity, expanding human security, and helping communities rebuild their lives with renewed hope and opportunity.” Mathieu Ciowela, Resident Representative, UNDP Cameroon.
“Japan remains deeply committed to promoting sustainable development and strengthening resilience across Cameroon. Through this new phase of the project, we aim to restore essential services, safeguard lives, and help communities regain stability, enabling them to build a more secure and hopeful future.” H.E. MINAMI Kentaro, Ambassador of Japan to Cameroon.
Through this continued partnership, Japan and UNDP reaffirm their commitment to the Government, to supporting Cameroon’s recovery efforts and promoting long-term stability and development in communities most affected by the crisis.