In a strategic move to enhance evidence-based decision-making, Cameroun is developing comprehensive energy accounts. This initiative, supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and its regional office, aligns with the country’s long-term development goals and sustainability objectives.
Collaborative efforts to establish energy tracking systems
From June 22 to 26, 2026, a high-level workshop in Douala will bring together government agencies, energy sector specialists, and financial partners. The event, held under the HISWACA project, aims to define the technical, methodological, and institutional requirements for compiling energy accounts in accordance with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA)—an internationally recognized statistical framework adopted by the United Nations.
Why energy accounting matters for economic and environmental planning
Energy accounts serve as a powerful analytical tool, linking energy flows—such as extraction, production, transformation, consumption, and trade—to broader economic activities and environmental impacts. By integrating these data points, policymakers can gain deeper insights into:
- Energy production volumes and sectoral consumption patterns
- Energy transformation and utilization efficiency across industries
- Energy’s contribution to economic growth and employment
- Impacts of energy policies on greenhouse gas emissions
- Investment priorities required for a sustainable energy transition
This approach ensures that energy-related decisions are grounded in reliable, comprehensive data, addressing critical challenges such as rising energy demand, energy security, and climate change mitigation.
Alignment with national development priorities
The development of energy accounts directly supports Cameroun’s Vision 2035 and the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30). These frameworks prioritize structural transformation, sustainable industrialization, and energy transition as key pillars for inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the initiative will strengthen monitoring of progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and sustainable resource management (SDG 12).
Strengthening statistical capacity and policy coherence
The workshop in Douala marks a critical milestone in the energy accounting process. Participants will assess existing data gaps, define user needs, and outline a clear roadmap for compiling future energy accounts. This effort is part of the National Plan for Environmental and Economic Accounting (PNDEAE), established by the government in 2023 as a guiding framework for integrated environmental and economic accounting.
The initiative also bolsters Cameroun’s statistical capabilities by providing methodological guidance aligned with international standards, specialized expertise, and continuous technical support throughout the compilation process.
