Yaoundé’s urban transformation: from village to bustling capital

«Yaoundé has evolved far beyond the city we knew two decades ago,» reflects a lifelong resident of Cameroon’s political capital. The transformation is most visible in the expanding modern infrastructure that now stretches far beyond the city’s fabled seven hills. «I truly cherish this progress,» shares 90-year-old Mbarga Obama, who has witnessed the metamorphosis of his childhood village into a thriving metropolis.

He recalls how the urban core once centered around Plateau Atemengué, with only modest expansion toward neighborhoods like Mokolo and Nlong-Kak. The outskirts remained semi-rural, a distant contrast to today’s sprawling urban landscape. «The changes have been remarkable,» he notes.

Over the years, Yaoundé’s growth has accelerated, drawing thousands of new residents annually. This influx has blurred the boundaries between the city and its surrounding localities, reshaping the entire region into an interconnected urban fabric.

Urban planning challenges in a rapidly growing capital

With this expansion come pressing questions about sustainable development. Urban planners like Blaise Feugang, a departmental delegate for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Nyong and So’o, advocate for vertical construction over horizontal sprawl. «In a city like Yaoundé, building upward is not just practical—it’s economical,» he argues. «High-rise structures reduce infrastructure costs while enhancing urban aesthetics, creating a more visually appealing and functional environment.»

Experts widely agree that for Cameroon’s capital to meet international standards and remain appealing, strategic relocation of certain administrative functions may be necessary. However, their primary focus remains on improving housing conditions for residents, ensuring that growth benefits all.