His Excellency Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, African Union Commissioner in charge of Education, Science and Technology and Innovation (ESTI), visited Cameroon from February 22 to 25, 2023, as part of a working visit.

Top on the agenda of his visit were consultations with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Cameroonian authorities on AfDB’s second phase financing of the Pan-African University (PAU) project.

Prof. Mohammed Belhocine and his delegation started their working sessions with the Director General of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group in Cameroon, Mr. Serge Nguessan, on 23 February 2023 in Yaounde. Discussions focused on the prospects for a second phase AfDB financial support to the PAU project.

Cameroon’s Prime Minister, H.E Joseph Dion Ngute granted an audience to AU CESTI, flanked by his collaborators and the AfDB delegation. They elaborated on the second phase of financing of the Pan-African University project, evaluated at francs CFA 100 million.

The funding model, proposed by the AfDB, consists of a pluri-dimensional approach bringing together the Regional Public Funds window; additional resources obtained from the Regional Operation Envelope; contributions from AU member states; support from host countries through their allocations of Bank resources; and contribution from external partners.

The Prime Minister, Head of Cameroon’s Government highly appreciated the presentation, and the audience concluded on a general satisfactory note.

The AU Commissioner in charge of ESTI was received by H.E. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State in charge of Higher Education, on 24 February 2023. On behalf of the African Union Commission, Prof. Belhocine commended Cameroon’s efforts in the growth of the Pan-African University since its inception in 2012. He equally expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Pan African University Project, and the attainment of objectives set within its first phase.

In the same vein, His Excellency Prof. Mohammed Belhocine met the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Finance, H.E. Yaouba Abdoulaye, who reassured the Commissioner of his Ministry’s support to the PAU Project and suggested the organization of high-level talks between the Ministry of Finance and PAU’s stakeholders for the said project.

The African Union Commissioner in charge of Education, Science and Technology and Innovation concluded his working visit to Cameroon with the conviction that concrete steps will be taken in the nearest future to officially launch the PAU Project’s second phase of financing.

The delegation led by Prof. Mohammed Belhocine comprised members of his department from Addis Ababa, the Director of the Pan-African University Institute for Governance, Human and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS), Prof Elizabeth ABENGA, and the PAU Rectorate staff.

For further information please contact:

1. Ms. Claudette Chancelle BILAMPASSI MOUTSATSI| ESTI Department, African Union Commission | Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail:BilampassiC@africa-union.org