Cameroon's government has announced plans to conduct a national population census in the first quarter of 2026, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute said. This will be the country's fourth general population census following those held in 1976, 1987 and 2005.
Integrated agricultural and livestock census
The 2026 operation will be combined with a general census of agriculture and livestock, enabling simultaneous collection of demographic and agricultural data. According to the 2005 census, Cameroon's population was 17.4 million; a new headcount will update those baseline figures to inform service delivery, planning and policy.
Preparations and timetable
At an interministerial meeting the prime minister instructed officials to strictly observe the preparation schedule before launching field operations in early 2026. Preparations typically include mapping and listing, recruitment and training of enumerators, public information campaigns, procurement of equipment, and pilot testing of questionnaires and systems.
Possible methods partners and priorities
Authorities are likely to rely on a mix of paper and digital data-collection tools, and may seek technical or financial support from international and regional partners such as UN agencies or development banks. Key priorities will include ensuring data quality, protecting personal data, transparent procurement, and achieving full coverage, including in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Context and governance concerns
The announcement comes against a background of heightened sensitivity in the region about census data handling. In 2023 Mali's transitional leader publicly criticized the French firm IDEMIA, alleging the company withheld biometric census data — a claim IDEMIA denied. That episode has underscored concerns about data security, ownership and the role of foreign contractors; Cameroon's authorities may therefore emphasise safeguards and transparency to build public trust.
Expected benefits and challenges
A successful census will provide updated demographic and agricultural statistics needed for budgeting, infrastructure planning, social services, electoral administration and agricultural policy. Major challenges include logistical complexity, funding needs, potential security issues in some regions, and the necessity of clear communication to encourage participation and minimise mistrust.
Outlook
If preparations proceed on schedule and governance safeguards are prioritised, the 2026 census could deliver critical data to guide Cameroon's development policies for the coming decade.
