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NGO registration in Cameroon

Ministry of Territorial Administration (Ministère de l'Administration Territoriale) - Directorate of Political Affairs, Sub-Directorate of Public Liberties (MINAT)

Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT)

Official website
On minat.gov.cm:MINAT home Directorate of Political Affairs Directory of legal associations Laws (documents) General contacts

Overview

MINAT prepares and applies the laws on public liberties and follows the activities of associations, non-profit organisations and movements. Within its Directorate of Political Affairs, the Sub-Directorate of Public Liberties houses a Service of Associations and a Service of Non-Governmental Organisations. The NGO Service examines applications for NGO approval (agrément) and monitors NGO activities.

MissionTo ensure effective and harmonious management of the national territory, promote balanced development, access to public services and social cohesion (Minister's message on the official site).
Laws it works underDecree No. 2019/030 of 23 January 2019 organising the Ministry of Territorial Administration; Law No. 99/014 of 22 December 1999 governing Non-Governmental Organisations; Law No. 90/053 of 19 December 1990 on freedom of association; Law No. 83/002 of 21 July 1983 on public appeals for donations (appels à la générosité publique)

How it works

Cameroon has two tiers: ordinary associations, and NGOs, which are associations that obtain a special approval (agrément) from MINAT under Law No. 99/014. The Service of Associations handles foreign associations, applications for recognition of public utility, public fundraising appeals and the rules on donations and subsidies received by associations. The Service of NGOs, through its NGO Approvals Bureau, examines applications for NGO approval. Its NGO File and Monitoring Bureau keeps the register and follows NGO activities. Under Law 99/014, NGO applications are filed with the regional governor where the organisation has its seat and passed to a technical commission for review. MINAT publishes directories of legal associations, NGOs and religious denominations on its website.

Services

NGO approval (agrément)Examination of applications for approval as a Non-Governmental Organisation by the Approvals Bureau of the NGO Service.
NGO register and monitoringKeeping the NGO file and following the activities of approved NGOs.
Foreign associationsExamination of files from foreign associations wishing to operate in Cameroon (Bureau of Foreign Associations).
Recognition of public utilityExamination of association requests for recognition as being of public utility.
Donations, subsidies and public appealsControl of rules on donations and subsidies received by associations and on public fundraising appeals.
Public directoriesOnline directories of legal associations, NGOs, religious denominations and political parties.

How to register an NGO in Cameroon

  1. Ordinary association: declare the association to the administrative authority (under Law 90/053) to obtain a receipt
  2. NGO status: file the approval application with the regional governor where the NGO has its seat (Law 99/014)
  3. Receive a filing receipt showing the file number and date
  4. The governor forwards the file to the technical commission
  5. MINAT's NGO Service examines the file; approval is granted by the Minister

Requirements and fees change. Always confirm on the official website before applying.

Leadership

Ministry leadership

Paul ATANGA NJIMinister of Territorial Administration

As listed on the official website when checked on 22 October 2026.