- Douala awarded Genelcam a CFA954 million contract to collect household waste starting January 2026.
- The city allocated CFA7 billion to waste management in 2026, within a CFA66 billion municipal budget, down 9% year on year.
- Douala generated 2,700 tonnes of waste per day, while operators collected about 70%, according to city data.
From January 2026, Cameroonian sanitation services company Genelcam will handle the collection and transport of household waste in Douala. Mayor Roger Mbassa Ndine announced the decision on December 31, 2025 during an ordinary session of the Douala Urban Community (CUD) dedicated to approving the 2026 budget, which the council set at CFA66 billion, down 9% from last year.
Authorities selected Genelcam through a competitive tender process. The company secured a CFA954 million contract from the CFA7 billion allocated to waste management in 2026. However, the mandate remains limited, as Genelcam will operate in the 4th district, alongside Hysacam, which will retain responsibility for waste collection and transport in the four other districts.
The introduction of a second operator came as Douala’s waste crisis persisted. Garbage continued to accumulate on streets and public spaces, exposing residents to public health risks. According to the CUD, the city produced 2,700 tonnes of household waste per day. Hysacam reported daily collections of 1,800 tonnes, or about 70% of total output. As a result, roughly 30% of waste remained uncollected, worsening sanitation conditions.
The mayor said the city intended Genelcam’s arrival to support Hysacam’s operations. Upstream, the CUD announced a CFA100 million allocation to district councils. The councils will channel the funds to associations or small and medium-sized enterprises to purchase bins and bags for pre-collection and transfer of household waste to designated collection points.
In 2026, the urban executive ranked waste management among its six priority projects. Beyond collection and transport, the municipality committed to financing transfer centers, which officials presented as tools for circular economy development. The centers will allow specialized firms to recycle pre-sorted waste, according to the city.
This article was initially published in French by Frédéric Nonos
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
