Cameroun builds energy accounts to drive smarter green policies

In a bold step toward sustainable development, Cameroun is advancing the creation of energy accounts designed to shape more intelligent policies in energy, economics, and environmental protection. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), is being developed through the Central African Sub-Regional Office and the African Centre for Statistics in close collaboration with Cameroun’s National Institute of Statistics (INS) and the World Bank under the HISWACA project.

An intensive five-day workshop, held in Douala from June 22 to 26, 2026, brings together key government institutions, energy sector agencies, and technical and financial partners. The primary goal is to identify existing energy data, assess technical and methodological requirements, and establish a robust framework for compiling energy accounts in line with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA). This internationally recognized statistical standard, endorsed by the United Nations, provides a comprehensive way to measure the complex interactions between the economy, energy use, and environmental impact.

Energy accounts: a powerful tool for informed decision-making

Energy accounts serve as a modern statistical instrument that bridges energy flows—from extraction and production to transformation, consumption, and trade—with economic activities and environmental emissions. This integrated approach delivers a clearer picture of how energy underpins economic growth, shapes industrial activity, and influences environmental outcomes.

With this data-driven foundation, policymakers can address critical questions: How much energy does the country produce and consume? Which economic sectors are the largest energy users? How is energy transformed and allocated? What role does it play in wealth creation? And most importantly, how do energy policies impact economic growth, job creation, and greenhouse gas emissions? These insights are vital for steering the country toward a sustainable energy transition and aligning with national development priorities.

Aligning with national and global goals

The development of energy accounts is fully aligned with Cameroun’s Vision 2035 and the National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30). Both frameworks emphasize structural transformation, sustainable industrialization, and energy transition as cornerstones of the country’s future. The accounts will also play a key role in tracking progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on affordable and clean energy, climate action, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Beyond statistics, these accounts will provide Cameroun with a powerful evaluation tool to assess the effectiveness of energy policies, align economic planning with natural resource management, and embed environmental considerations into public decision-making. The workshop in Douala marks a critical milestone, aiming to identify user needs, assess data availability, pinpoint gaps, and design a clear roadmap for future compilation of energy accounts.

Institutional backing and technical support

This initiative is part of the National Plan for Environmental and Economic Accounting (PNDEAE), adopted by the Cameroun government in 2023. The PNDEAE identifies energy accounting as a priority area for operationalizing environmental and economic accounting across the country. Through this project, the UNECA is not only strengthening Cameroun’s national statistical capacity but also promoting the adoption of internationally recognized accounting standards.

The technical support includes methodological guidance aligned with global best practices and specialized expertise, including contributions from the United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics (ONS). This continuous assistance will guide Cameroun through every stage of developing its energy accounts, ensuring they meet international standards and deliver actionable insights for sustainable development.