The United States of America (USA), through its embassy in Cameroon, has renewed its partnership with the Douala Regional Linguistic Centre through. The two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Friday, November 6 seeks to strengthen business, entrepreneurship, professional skills, emerging technologies, and access to educational opportunities through the American Corner in Douala.
US Chargé d’Affaires John G. Robinson signed the deal on behalf of Washington while the Director of the Douala Regional Linguistic Centre Dr Francis Ewakane inked the agreement on behalf of his institution at a ceremony attended by administrative authorities, business leaders, and other stakeholders.
The partnership began in March 2021 with the establishment of an American Shelf at the Centre, later upgraded to an American Corner in August 2023.
Speaking at the ceremony, the US Chargé d’Affaires described the agreement as a results-driven investment that advances US interests while creating opportunities for communities in Douala and the wider region.
“This two-year agreement is more than a formality. It is a focused, results-driven investment of American resources that advances U.S. interests and delivers for both the American people and the people of Douala,” he said.
He noted that the American Corner provides students, educators, entrepreneurs, journalists, young professionals, and alumni of US exchange programmes with reliable information on the United States, its institutions, higher education, culture, and foreign policy.
Growing impact
Between October 2025 and September 2026, the American Corner Douala recorded 12,478 visits and organised 39 programmes, reaching 1,967 participants.
Dr Ewakane said the figures reflect growing demand for the Centre’s opportunities, adding that its value lies in what people learn, the relationships they build, and what they go on to achieve.
US Chargé d’Affaires John G. Robinson, also highlighted the Centre’s contribution to English-language learning, particularly Business English, with two cohorts already trained. He said English remains essential for international business and for Cameroonian professionals seeking to engage with international companies.
“English is the language of global business, and American companies look for partners who speak it,” he said.
Partnership priorities
Over the next two years, the partnership will focus on commercial diplomacy, professional skills, emerging technologies, English-language instruction, US higher education, and access to reliable information.
The US Chargé d’Affaires also acknowledged the collaboration of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cameroon (AmCham), whose representatives met local entrepreneurs in September to discuss the expectations of American companies.
He expressed optimism about expanding joint activities with AmCham to create opportunities for American exporters and investors in Douala.
On emerging technologies, the US diplomat said the Centre would help entrepreneurs and innovators access and responsibly use technological tools to improve their activities and seize new opportunities.
“We want Douala’s entrepreneurs and innovators building on trusted American technology,” Robinson said.
He also commended US exchange programme alumni for sharing knowledge and experience gained in the United States through their roles as speakers, facilitators, and mentors in their communities.
Dr Ewakane welcomed the renewal of the agreement, describing it as an opportunity to consolidate the Centre’s activities and expand educational and professional development opportunities.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the renewed MoU by the US Chargé d’Affaires John G. Robinson, Director of the Douala Regional Linguistic Centre Dr Francis Ewakane, extending the collaboration for another two years.
The renewal reinforces the American Corner’s role as a platform for educational exchange, professional development, and commercial engagement, while reflecting Washington’s continued interest in strengthening economic and institutional ties with Cameroon.
