Since 2018, Cameroon and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have collaborated to provide professional opportunities for young graduates. This partnership is part of a broader strategy to combat youth unemployment and strengthen local capacities.
The professional internship program targets young people aged 18 to 35, holding a university degree or technical training. It represents a concrete response to the economic and social challenges facing Cameroon, where youth unemployment remains high despite significant human potential.
For the ninth consecutive year, Cameroon and the AfDB are launching a call for applications for professional internships. 71 young Cameroonian graduates will be selected for the 2026 program. Candidates must be aged 18 to 35 by December 31, 2026. Internships will take place within Project Management Units (PMUs) funded by the AfDB in Cameroon. The call for expressions of interest has been published by the AfDB for the selection of interns. The program aims to provide a framework for practical and paid learning.
This professional internship program is part of a broader dynamic of partnership between Cameroon and international financial institutions. By offering immersion in AfDB-funded projects, it allows young graduates to gain valuable field experience, often difficult to obtain in a saturated job market.
For Cameroon, such initiatives are crucial. The country faces a dual challenge: a youth unemployment rate estimated at over 10% (World Bank, 2025) and a mismatch between graduates' skills and market needs. The internships offered by the AfDB could serve as a springboard to formal employment while strengthening the capacities of local institutions.
On a continental scale, this model of collaboration between states and financial institutions could inspire other countries. As a key player in African development, the AfDB demonstrates how to combine project financing with human resource training. An integrated approach that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
For young Cameroonians, this program represents a rare opportunity to train in high-level professional structures. Interns will benefit from technical supervision and remuneration, which could facilitate their entry into the job market after the training.
In the long term, such initiatives could help reduce youth unemployment and improve the competitiveness of Cameroon's economy. By training a skilled workforce, the country equips itself with the tools needed to attract more investments and stimulate growth. For Africa, this confirms the central role of public-private partnerships in addressing socio-economic challenges.
The ninth edition of the AfDB-Cameroon professional internships reaffirms the commitment of both parties to invest in youth. As the African continent seeks solutions to curb youth unemployment, this program could serve as a model for other countries. It remains to evaluate its real impact on the employability of beneficiaries and to consider mechanisms to sustain these initiatives.
