The article examines environmental degradation in Douala, Cameroon’s main industrial hub, where poor waste management, weak environmental policies, and ineffective decentralization exacerbate social and health risks. Industrial zones such as Logbaba and Bonassama discharge untreated waste and effluents without adequate control, while local councils, legally responsible for environmental oversight, are hindered by contradictory regulations. The study highlights the “failure of corporate social responsibility” and the lack of local ownership of environmental governance. It calls for genuine decentralization, better institutional coordination, and stronger accountability for industrial actors. The case of Douala demonstrates the urgent need for participatory environmental management and effective implementation of CSR principles to balance industrial development with urban sustainability.

Governance, Environment, Decentralization, Hygiène, Pollution

This report by ADEA, published by WATHI, reviews how twelve African countries ensured learning continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools closed, governments implemented emergency measures such as radio and TV lessons, and online platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp. Despite these efforts, challenges remained—limited infrastructure, unequal access, and insufficient inclusion of vulnerable learners. Some countries, including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, and South Africa, developed specific initiatives to reduce educational disparities. The report highlights the importance of investing in distance education, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and building national expertise to ensure educational resilience during crises.

Governance, Inequality, Education, Politique publique, Santé publique, Inclusion

This WATHI podcast, produced in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland in Senegal, builds on UNESCO’s 2024 Global Report on Teachers and highlights the precarious working conditions faced by teachers in West Africa. Speakers emphasize that low pay, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of psychosocial support weaken the quality of education. Despite some positive reforms salary increases in Côte d’Ivoire, special status for teachers in Burkina Faso, and regularization of educators in Guinea major challenges persist. Experts call for stronger teacher training, transparent management systems, and greater professional recognition. The discussion concludes that investing in teachers’ well-being and professional value is essential for securing the future of education in the region.

Governance, Education, Politique publique

The 2023 Economic Report – Côte d’Ivoire, published by the Swiss Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire (June 2024), reveals that the Ivorian economy sustained strong growth despite global shocks (COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine crisis). In 2022, growth reached 6.9 %, followed by 6.5 % in 2023. Inflation fell to 4.4 % in 2023, and the budget deficit was reduced to 5.2 % of GDP. However, public debt stands at about 58 % of GDP, approaching the upper limit defined by UEMOA. The report highlights the challenges stemming from an informal economy, which accounts for around 90 % of GDP, and emphasizes the need for formalization to boost tax revenues. On trade, the growth of processed exports (cocoa, cashew, gold) is significant, while imports remain dominated by fuel, machinery, and industrial goods. The report recommends strengthening infrastructure, improving the business climate, digitizing the economy, and fighting corruption to support sustainable growth.

Governance, Economic Development, Public debt, Inflation, Economic growth

The 2025 Mid-Season Regional Biomass Bulletin by Action Against Hunger (ACF) provides an overview of agro-environmental conditions across the Sahel and West Africa. It reports that overall biomass production is average to good, except in specific zones of Mali, Niger, Chad, and northern Burkina Faso where vegetation remains below normal. Irregular rainfall and uneven temporal distribution have delayed the agricultural season in several pastoral regions, affecting pasture regeneration and water availability for livestock. The bulletin warns of potential rapid degradation of natural resources and emphasizes the need for continuous agro-pastoral monitoring through the end of the season to prevent food and livelihood crises.

Economic Development, Pastoralism, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Researh, Knowlege production

This Afrobarometer study by Joseph Koné examines the drivers of tax disobedience in Côte d’Ivoire amid strong post-crisis economic growth. Despite a 61 % rise in tax revenues between 2013 and 2019, public trust in the fiscal system remains weak. The findings reveal that neither poverty nor perceived corruption directly explain tax resistance. Instead, two unexpected factors emerge: perceived access to public information and stronger national identification both correlate with higher likelihood of disobedience, possibly as a form of civic protest. Ivorians who believe government services are effective are less likely to refuse taxes, while those who distrust their elected representatives are more inclined to resist. The study concludes that tax compliance depends largely on citizens’ trust, transparency in governance, and accountability mechanisms.

Governance, Poverty, Transparency, Taxation

The article “A Fertilizer Price Subsidy Policy to Mitigate Climate Effects on Women and Food Security in Cameroon”, published by Partnership for Economic Policy in July 2023, examines the impact of subsidizing agricultural fertilizers to counteract climate change’s negative effects, especially on rural women and food security. The authors (Célestin Sikube Takamgno, Nina Fotso Maya, Yselle F. Malah Kuete, Francine M. Petga, Pierre J. Nguetse Tegoum, Alain P. Yankap Noutanewo) demonstrate that Cameroon has experienced rising temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and increased climate variability over recent decades. The country confronts growing food insecurity, disproportionately affecting female-headed households. Simulations suggest that fertilizer subsidies could boost agricultural production, raise household incomesespecially for womenand reduce reliance on food imports. The paper explores two financing scenarios: public deficit or matching reduction in fuel subsidies. The authors recommend redirecting gains from fuel price liberalization toward fertilizer subsidies and implementing a phased, gender-targeted subsidy mechanism..

Governance, Agriculture, Climate change, Food security, Women

The article, drawing on an Afrobarometer survey, indicates that most Cameroonians disapprove of the government’s economic management: 78% express dissatisfaction. The social landscape is marked by high (38%) and moderate (43%) lived poverty, with disparities based on education, age, and region. Around 84% report lacking cash income, 70% lack access to safe drinking water, 57% lack sufficient food or healthcare, and 49% struggle with fuel access. The global crisis (pandemic, Ukraine war) is cited as an aggravating factor. Moreover, urban residents, the more educated, and those living in the Littoral or anglophone regions tend to be more critical of economic performance. The article stresses the urgent need for government intervention to improve living conditions, restore public trust, address unemployment, and reduce inequality.

Governance, Economic Development, Poverty

The article “Challenges to Girls’ Education: Menstrual Precarity in Schools,” published by WATHI, examines how difficulties in managing menstruation in school settings significantly hinder girls’ access to education. It highlights that many girls lack the means to purchase sanitary products or do not have access to adequate school sanitation facilities, resulting in absences during menstrual periods—thereby undermining their continuity in schooling and academic performance. The article also emphasizes cultural stigmas and taboos associated with menstruation that further exclude girls from participating fully in school life. To address these barriers, the article recommends implementing awareness programs, ensuring the provision of hygiene facilities in schools, and integrating menstrual issues into education and gender policies.

Gender, Poverty, Women, Health, Hygiène