The Central African Forest Commission – COMIFAC marked a historic milestone on November 4, 2026, with the official inauguration of its new headquarters in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Organized under the patronage of President Paul Biya, the ceremony was presided over by Minister of State Jacques Fame Ndongo, representing the Prime Minister. The event also served as the official opening of the 12th ordinary session of COMIFAC’s Council of Ministers.
Fully funded by the government of Cameroon to the tune of 16 billion CFA francs, the complex stands as a powerful tool to advance sub-regional forestry and environmental cooperation across Central Africa.
Spanning a total project area of 5,947 m² on a 4,971 m² site, the state-of-the-art facility is designed to support COMIFAC’s mission of guiding, harmonizing, and monitoring environmental policies.
During his opening address, Jacques Fame Ndongo emphasized that the investment reflects Cameroon’s unwavering commitment to the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. He noted that the futuristic seven-story complex is far more than mere administrative infrastructure; it represents a deliberate effort to provide the regional organization with a working environment equal to its high ambitions.
The main administrative building spans 5,525 m² and features a wide range of administrative, technical, and executive amenities. The ground floor houses reception facilities, a restaurant, a library, archives, a computer room, and meeting spaces.
Executive facilities occupy the upper levels, culminating on the sixth and seventh floors with the Presidential Lounge, the Executive Secretariat offices, and a dedicated Presidents’ Meeting Room equipped with simultaneous translation capabilities. The property includes 64 parking spaces, including eight covered basement VIP slots, alongside three standard elevators, a specialized VIP elevator, and dual emergency evacuation staircases.
Adjacent to the main administrative block sits a 312 m² standalone conference and group meeting room designed to seat 180 delegates. The hall includes a specialized mezzanine for technical equipment and real-time language interpretation.
Demonstrating a focus on modern operational efficiency, the complex incorporates a comprehensive Building Management System – BMS for remote monitoring and an energy-saving Variable Refrigerant Flow – VRF air conditioning system.
Architecturally, the building reflects a deliberate synthesis of modern construction and local natural heritage. The exterior facades utilize glass, integrated sunshades, and composite panels, while the interior showcases indigenous Cameroonian timber.
Sapele wood features prominently throughout the parquet flooring, decorative wall coverings, and custom interior furnishings, highlighting the commercial and aesthetic value of Central Africa’s rich forest resources.
The ceremony included warm acknowledgments from COMIFAC leadership, with Calinie Mbarashuna expressing deep gratitude to Cameroon for constructing the facility while remaining up-to-date on its regular financial contributions.
Coming at a crucial juncture as COMIFAC seeks to strengthen its institutional governance and financial stability, the new headquarters provides both a functional operational hub and a clear political signal reinforcing unity among Central African states in preserving their shared ecosystems.
