Cameroon will launch its fourth General Population and Housing Census in early 2026, a major operation expected to influence economic and social planning for the decade ahead.
The long-awaited census is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 and will be jointly funded by the World Bank and the Government of Cameroon. Authorities have pegged the revised budget at 13.3 billion CFA francs, down from earlier projections, reflecting efforts to streamline operations while maintaining broad national coverage.
The National Institute of Statistics, which will lead the operation, says the census will offer updated insights into the size, distribution and characteristics of Cameroon’s population. The country’s last census was held in 2005.
Cameroon’s population has grown significantly in the two decades since the last count. As of 19 August 2025, estimates place the country’s population at roughly 29.97 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.54%. The majority of the population, 59.4%, now lives in urban areas, while the median age remains low at 18 years, reflecting a young and rapidly growing society.
Accurate demographic data is critical for planning public services, infrastructure, health care, education and employment strategies. It also helps map out where and how people live, allowing policymakers to tailor interventions to local realities.
With nearly six out of ten Cameroonians living in cities, the census will provide clearer detail on the pace and impact of urbanisation. It is expected to inform national housing strategies and guide infrastructure development, particularly in expanding cities such as Douala, Yaounde, and Garoua.
In rural areas, the census will track migration trends and population density shifts. Currently, the country’s average density is 64 people per square kilometre, though this varies widely by region.
The census also comes at a time when Cameroon faces mounting economic and environmental challenges. Rising youth unemployment, strain on urban resources, and regional disparities in development make the 2026 population data crucial for balanced policy-making.
Officials hope the results will not only update national statistics but also support decentralisation, electoral reforms, and the distribution of state resources.
Claudette Chin
