Camvert and local stakeholders in Campo held a two-day evaluation workshop in Kribi at the end of January 2026 to assess progress on social commitments linked to the oil palm agro-industrial project launched in 2021. The meeting brought together administrative authorities, community representatives and local elites to review the 2025 action plan and validate the operational framework of the Campo Youth Socio-Professional Integration Fund.
During the workshop, Camvert announced that nearly CFA22 million has been earmarked to support youth self-employment initiatives. According to documents reviewed, 71 projects were preselected, with 17 ultimately approved for financing. The supported activities span diverse sectors, including aquaculture, artisanal fishing, small service businesses, cold storage, beauty services and agriculture, reflecting efforts to promote income-generating activities among young people in the municipality.
Despite the financial commitment, several aspects of the fund’s governance remain unclear. The documents indicate that the funds have already been set aside and that a dedicated account is expected to be opened in early February. Disbursement is planned to require three signatures, including those of a municipal representative and a member of a designated commission, but details on the composition of this commission and selection criteria have not been disclosed.
The financing is described as repayable at zero interest, with repayment schedules yet to be defined. Beneficiaries will be required to provide guarantees, raising concerns about potential exclusion of the most vulnerable youth. Questions have also been raised about transparency, including whether information on beneficiaries, allocated amounts, repayment terms and audits will be made public, as well as whether the mechanism effectively operates as a form of microcredit.
Local authorities stressed the need to prevent political interference in the management of the fund. The meeting was chaired by a senior divisional officer who warned that the initiative should not become an instrument of political capture, emphasizing the importance of neutrality and transparency in a sensitive local context.
Camvert’s Chief Executive Officer stated that more than 75 percent of the company’s social commitments planned for 2025 had been implemented. He cited infrastructure maintenance, water access projects and school rehabilitation as examples, and said the youth fund’s resources would soon be available through municipal accounts responsible for managing disbursements.
Additional activities reported for 2025 include classroom rehabilitation and a birth registration campaign covering over 200 cases, supported by a mobile court session held in Campo. However, these claims were accompanied by calls for further verification through documentation, field observations and beneficiary records.
The company also highlighted training initiatives targeting the indigenous Bagyeli population, with several young people reportedly enrolled in vocational programs such as tailoring, hairdressing and community media. The actual impact of these efforts remains to be assessed, particularly in terms of training quality, employment outcomes and post-training support.
Local civil society actors acknowledged progress while noting ongoing challenges. Concerns were raised about environmental protection, inclusion of local communities and the need for stronger representation of local residents within Camvert’s workforce. Local elites called for deeper engagement and greater integration of Campo natives into the company’s management and employment structures.
