Christophe Mien Zok, director general of the Yaoundé Conference Centre, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the commemoration for the 40th anniversary of centre on 1 November 2022 (YAOUNDÉ CONFERENCE CENTRE)

One of the most exquisite gems in the crown of the China-Cameroon partnership is the Yaoundé Conference Centre, which just marked its 40th anniversary.  

The anniversary commemoration of the centre held on 1 November 2022 included a variety of activities for the general public under the theme of Conference Centre: 40 Years at the Service of the Political, Social, Cultural, Economic and Diplomatic Power of Cameroon. These events featured Made-in-Cameroon products and gastronomy fairs, as well as cultural events, open days, and round tables. The main objective of the centre is to serve as a venue for public affairs, marketing, and reputation management activities.  

The centre, which provides rooms and space for events, meetings and interactions, was officially opened on 12 May 1982, seven years after the foundation stone was laid by former Cameroonian President Ahmadou Ahidjo in 1975. The commemoration of the anniversary marked a significant turning point in the history of this institution, which has long been a distinguished venue for important national and international events. The theme selected for this commemoration highlights the role played by the centre in promoting national and international goals of the country. For 40 years, it has helped to advance the political, diplomatic, and economic interests of Cameroon. 

Located in the capital city of Yaoundé, this significant building is a hallmark of the robust partnership between China and Cameroon. The six-storey building is constructed on an area of about 180,000 square metres, and hosts seminars, workshops, conferences, symposiums, and cultural exhibitions. 

Due to its central location, the building offers a panoramic view of Yaoundé. This enormous complex, which consists of three buildings, has rooms that can accommodate 25 to 2,000 people. The first building includes the main hemicycle served by a hall, including the reception areas. The second building houses a conference room, four committee rooms and administrative offices. The third building serves as a hotel with 126 rooms and seven suites used for providing accommodation to speakers and guests. 

The dream continues 

The conference centre, which brightens the heights of the Cameroonian capital, was restored using marble and wood. Even now, people continue to be in awe of the brilliant minds who came up with the concept to create this structure atop Nkol-Nyada, one of the seven hills in Yaoundé.  

If time erodes an infrastructure, time also augments its value, said Christophe Mien Zok, director general of the Yaoundé Conference Centre, commenting on the significance of the anniversary. For instance, large public conclaves or international summits have taken place in this facility’s rooms, which have served as distinguished settings for some of the biggest and most sombre events of national and international importance. While the masters of the great national ensemble have enchanted elite audiences during shows on the premises of the centre, the common people have also had times of memorable communion there. Weddings, seminars, and weekend strolls have made this location one of the most beloved in the capital city of Cameroon. 

The theme chosen for this anniversary is undoubtedly intended to highlight the contribution of the centre to the national and international life. Zok said during a conversation with the media, “This conference centre’s 40th anniversary offers a chance for this complex to reflect on its illustrious history and make predictions for the future. The conference centre has been at the top of its game for 40 years, contributing to the creation of our nation’s most heart-warming tales. The Tripartite Conference of 30 October 1991, and the Great National Dialogue of 2019 are some of the examples of politically notable events held at the centre.”   

Chinese expertise 

The centre is the product of Chinese technological prowess, which was behind the construction of this lavish structure on the Nkol-Nyada heights.  

The 1982 building received a makeover in July 2017 as a result of a credit arrangement between China and Cameroon worth more than $20 million. The centre is a product of Chinese technological innovation and is well known for hosting important government and celebratory events. The structure is one of the strong rings of China-Cameroon friendship, Zok said. 

The centre has undergone thorough renovation by Chinese company Anhui Construction Engineering Group. Almost every area has been refurbished, including the stage equipment, the external façades, the decorations, the power system, and the air conditioning. The refurbished building is fully fitted to modern and international standards in contrast to the building’s earlier version.  

The structure carries the mark of Chinese know-how, building excellence and China-Cameroon cooperation, which was executed tactfully. 

Key Events Held At Yaoundé Conference Centre 

1975

Laying of the foundation stone of the centre

12 May 1982

Inauguration of the centre

27 June 2017

End of the renovation works of the centre 

30 October 1991

Tripartite Conference at the centre 

30 September to 4 October 2019

Major National Dialogue at the centre

Report from Cameroon