The relations between Switzerland and Cameroon are good. A marked interest has emerged in boosting bilateral relations, in particular in the area of migration.
Key apects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland has set out a strategy for sub-Saharan Africa for 2021–24.
Two agreements on migration were signed in September 2014. Indeed, issues linked to migration are an important focus of bilateral cooperation and an area in which the two governments coordinate effectively.
Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24 (PDF, 48 Pages, 3.1 MB, English)
Economic cooperation
Trade volume is modest. It has been fluctuating around CHF 15 million for several years. The Swiss private sector is present, mainly through multinational companies.
Switzerland and Cameroon concluded an agreement on trade, investment protection and technical cooperation that entered into force in 1967.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers who are citizens of Cameroon can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Measures to promote peace and human security
Since 2019, Switzerland has been committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Northwest Region and Southwest Region of Cameroon. Switzerland is willing to share its expertise in good offices and dialogue facilitation to complement national conflict resolution initiatives.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Cameroon is facing several major humanitarian crises. Switzerland's considerable support here comes through the UN Agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and several NGOs. Protection of the civilian population lies at the heart of Switzerland's support strategy.
Switzerland also continues to support government projects in agriculture, water and energy with counterpart funds, as well as a large-scale pilot project in the area of urban planning for and with internally displaced persons and host communities in Douala (with the UN).
Swiss citizens in Cameroon
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, 237 Swiss citizens were living in Cameroon at the end of 2020 and 4,296 citizens of Cameroon were living in Switzerland.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland was present in Cameroon from the end of the 19th century through members of the Basel Mission, who were mainly involved in the education sector.
A consulate was opened in Douala in 1962 and upgraded to an embassy in 1967. The official representation moved to the capital Yaoundé two years later, in 1969. A resident ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary was appointed in 1982. After having been closed from 1996 to 2007 and replaced by a consulate general, the embassy in Yaoundé resumed its functions and has since been under the direction of a resident ambassador, as is the embassy of Cameroon in Switzerland located in Bern.
