The fourth edition of the Douala Economic Forum has been postponed from May to November 2026 as organisers seek to reposition the event into a larger international platform capable of attracting investors, development partners and urban transformation stakeholders to Cameroon’s economic capital.
Initially scheduled to take place from May 5 to 8, 2026, the forum was officially rescheduled following consultations between the organising committee and the Douala City Council, CUD, which is sponsoring the event. Organisers said the additional preparation period is intended to strengthen the structure of the summit and align it more closely with national economic and urban development priorities.
The forum, which focuses on urban transformation challenges in Douala, is expected to centre discussions on four main pillars: digital innovation, human capital development, sustainable development and diaspora-backed financing. The event also aims to support implementation of Cameroon’s National Development Strategy, NDS30, through projects designed to improve the competitiveness of Douala as an economic and technological hub in Central Africa.
The postponement comes as organisers seek stronger coordination with institutional partners and international participants. According to Olivier Kingue Molli, donor coordinator of the forum and strategic management expert, the additional months will allow organisers to better structure the event in line with the expectations of investors and the city council.
He said the additional time will allow them align the organisation with the requirements of the sponsor and build a reliable structure for national and international investors.
Organisers said the objective remains to stimulate employment creation through “win-win partnerships” involving the private sector, young entrepreneurs, start-ups and members of the diaspora. The initiative also seeks to encourage the development of the social and solidarity economy as part of broader efforts to reduce pressure on Douala’s city centre and promote more balanced urban growth.
Urban transformation financing at centre of agenda
A major innovation planned for the upcoming edition is the launch of the “Citizen Competition for Urban Transformation”, which will finance projects proposed by young people, start-ups and diaspora groups. The projects are expected to target sectors linked to urban management, including waste treatment and flood prevention.
Under the initiative, the three best projects in each thematic area will receive implementation support from the Douala City Council and its partners. Organisers said the postponement would provide more time to operationalise the innovation component and ensure that selected projects generate measurable and sustainable outcomes.
The forum is also expected to serve as a meeting point for policymakers, businesses and development actors seeking solutions to Douala’s growing urbanisation pressures. By moving the event to November, organisers intend to secure broader international participation and reinforce Douala’s positioning as a regional centre for investment and urban development discussions in Central Africa.
Mercy Fosoh
