The National Employment Fund (FNE) of Cameroon organized a sectoral meeting on October 27, 2026, in Bertoua, to discuss the promotion of tourism in the East region. The meeting, which was opened by the Prefect of Lom-et-Djerem, Nkwenti Simon Ndoh, brought together various stakeholders in the tourism industry to examine the challenges and opportunities in the sector. The theme of the meeting was "Tourism in the East region: economic stakes and job creation."

The objective of the meeting was to create a framework for consultation among stakeholders in the tourism sector, enabling them to discuss the realities of their professional environment, share best practices, and draw conclusions for better organization of the sector. According to Emmanuel Bebo, regional director of FNE in the East, the meeting aimed to assess the state of the tourism industry, address the issue of vocational training in the sector, and find solutions to make tourism a driver of development in the region.

The East region of Cameroon is endowed with exceptional tourism potential, including rich and varied biodiversity and unique parks. However, this potential remains under-exploited. The Prefect of Lom-et-Djerem noted that the meeting was intended to turn this potential into effective economic profitability. The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to unlock the tourism potential of the region and create jobs.

Indicators communicated during the meeting showed that the East region hosts a significant number of tourists, although the exact number was not disclosed. The region’s tourism industry has the potential to contribute to the country’s economic growth and create employment opportunities for local communities. However, the sector faces challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and vocational training.

The meeting was part of FNE’s mission to support and advise enterprises in the region. The Fund aims to promote employment and economic growth through various initiatives, including the development of the tourism sector. By organizing such meetings, FNE seeks to bring together stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the sector and find solutions to promote sustainable development.

The Cameroonian government has been promoting tourism as a key sector for economic growth and job creation. The country has made significant investments in infrastructure development, including the construction of new hotels and tourist facilities. However, more needs to be done to unlock the full potential of the tourism sector, particularly in the East region.

The sectoral meeting on tourism promotion in the East region is a step in the right direction towards harnessing the region’s tourism potential. The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector and find solutions to promote sustainable development. The outcome of the meeting is expected to contribute to the growth of the tourism sector and create employment opportunities for local communities.

Key points

  • The National Employment Fund (FNE) of Cameroon organized a sectoral meeting to discuss the promotion of tourism in the East region.
  • The meeting aimed to assess the state of the tourism industry, address vocational training, and find solutions to make tourism a driver of development in the region.
  • The East region has exceptional tourism potential, including rich biodiversity and unique parks, but it remains under-exploited.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.