Cameroon advances energy accounting for smarter policies
Yaoundé — With energy demand surging and climate challenges intensifying, Cameroon is taking decisive steps to build a robust statistical framework for its energy sector. Under the guidance of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, in collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics (INS) and the World Bank, the country is developing comprehensive energy accounts that will bridge the gap between economic activity, energy use, and environmental impact.
An intensive five-day workshop in Douala, running from June 22 to 26, 2026, has brought together key government agencies, energy specialists, and technical partners. The goal is to map available data, assess technical and methodological requirements, and design a clear roadmap for compiling energy accounts in line with the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA). This globally recognized framework enables countries to quantify the interplay between energy flows, economic output, and environmental consequences.
The energy accounts will serve as a powerful policy tool, answering critical questions: How much energy is produced domestically? Which sectors consume the most energy? How is energy transformed and utilized across industries? What is its contribution to economic growth? Most importantly, how do energy policies influence job creation, economic expansion, and greenhouse gas emissions? By providing these insights, the accounts will guide investment decisions that support Cameroon’s transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy system.
This initiative aligns closely with Cameroon’s Vision 2035 and the 2020–2030 National Development Strategy (SND30), both of which prioritize structural transformation, sustainable industrialization, and energy transition as pillars of national progress. Furthermore, the accounts will play a key role in tracking progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those tied to affordable and clean energy, climate action, and sustainable resource management.
Beyond statistics, the energy accounts will offer policymakers a structured way to evaluate the effectiveness of existing energy strategies, harmonize economic planning with natural resource management, and embed environmental considerations into public decision-making. The Douala workshop marks a pivotal phase in this process, focusing on identifying user needs, evaluating current data gaps, and establishing a practical timeline for compiling the accounts.
The initiative is part of the National Plan for Economic and Environmental Accounting (PNDEAE), adopted by the Cameroonian government in 2023. The PNDEAE positions energy accounting as a priority area for operationalizing environmental and economic accounting nationwide. Through this effort, the Economic Commission for Africa is reinforcing Cameroon’s statistical capacity, offering international best practices, specialized expertise—including support from the UK’s Office for National Statistics—and ongoing technical assistance to ensure the successful implementation of energy accounts.
As Cameroon advances toward a more data-driven energy governance model, these accounts will become indispensable for shaping policies that balance growth, energy security, and environmental stewardship.
