The Complete Guide to Project Management in Cameroon 2024

• David Njoroge
• 04 Aug, 2023
• 0 Comments
• 5 Mins Read

Companies around the world are shifting towards more project-based work. Not only does this kind of work have clear goals but it also has a specified start and end date. The biggest advantage of project-based work is that a company can operate more efficiently. Definitely, projects vary from one company to another.

Commercial establishments in Cameroon as well as non-commercial ones are on the lookout for project managers. This nation, that is at the intersection of western and central Africa, is experiencing rapid growth in several sectors. Hence the need for people with project management expertise.

Project Management Course in Cameroon

The path to take to become a project manager in Cameroon starts with enrolling in a course and earning a certification in project management. Such a course is taught at several institutions of higher learning that are accredited by the government of Cameroon. A different way is earning a Project Management Institute (PMI) certification which can open the way to a job in that field.

How to Earn a Project Management Degree in Cameroon

Getting a degree in project management in Cameroon is achievable. The undergraduate programme is taught at only one university. The University of Bamenda (UBa) offers a Bachelor in Project Management. Their aim is to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in project planning, design and implementation.

Admission Requirements

Here is what is needed during application for a bachelor’s in project management in Cameroon:

• Pass the General Certificate of Education (GCE) at the Ordinary Level and Advanced Level. Get good grades in at least four subjects including English and Mathematics at the O level. Get good grades in at least two subjects including Economics at the A level.
• OR pass the Probationary Certificate (Probatoire) and the Baccalaureate of Secondary Education in the French system.
• OR a Higher National Diploma in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
• OR a Higher Professional Diploma in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
• OR pass the GCE O level and A level technical certificate
• OR pass the Baccalaureate of Secondary Education – Technical and Professional in the French system.

Course Duration and Structure

The Bachelor of Project Management programme in Cameroon takes three years for full time students. But it can take longer for part-time students. With a view to cater to needs of different students, UBa has a flexible schedule.

Here are the common courses in a project management degree in Cameroon:

1. Introduction to Project Management
2. Quality Management
3. Risk Management
4. Cost Management
5. Human Resource Management

Course Fees in Cameroon

Tuition fees for a bachelor of project management in Cameroon per academic year is close to 50,000 Central African CFA franc. This fee covers the cost of registration, tuition and examinations. Additional costs are meant for students to access university resources like library and internet.

Project Management Short Course in Cameroon

There are universities and colleges in Cameroon which give lectures in project management in form of a short course. The course takes either a few weeks or a few months. Students gain practical skills in class that they can use in the real world.

Which is the Highest Level of Education in Project Management in Cameroon?

A master’s degree in project management is generally available in Cameroon. This type of degree helps students gain research experience and more specialized knowledge beyond what an undergraduate degree offers. However, a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in project management is the highest academic degree that can be awarded. There are a few universities in the country that offer this kind of graduate degree.

Which Certification is Best for Project Management in Cameroon?

Typically, there are some employers who prefer to hire project managers who hold PMI certifications. This is because PMI is the primary organization offering professional certificates in project management. Many project managers pursue either a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or even both.

How to Become a Certified Project Manager in Cameroon

PMI has a branch in Cameroon called PMI Cameroon chapter. Therefore, an aspiring project manager in Cameroon is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by PMI Cameroon. It’s the most widely recognized certification in the world.

Here is what it takes to qualify for a PMP certification in Cameroon:

• For those who have completed secondary school (high school) education, need to put in 60 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of project management training or have CAPM certification
• For those who have completed a four-year degree, need to put in 36 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of project management training or have CAPM certification
• Prepare for the PMP exam by studying. The cost of the classes depends on the institution and the format. A student can be trained either in person or online. There are several authorized training centers alongside accredited institutions in Cameroon that offer PMP certification classes.
• Clearly, with a CAPM certification, a student does not need to fulfil the 35-hour education requirement.
• The next step is paying the PMP exam fee. For a PMI member, it costs US405 Dollars (about 245,000 Central African CFA franc) while for a non-PMI member it costs US555 Dollars (about 330,000 Central African CFA franc).
• After paying, a student can schedule their exam. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center in Cameroon accredited by Pearson Vue. In case a student fails, they can retake the exam up to three times in one year.
• A student who passes the exam becomes PMP certified. A certified project manager in Cameroon must keep their certification active by completing certain stages of continuing education.

Project Management Careers in Cameroon

Project manager is among the jobs resulting from studying project management in Cameroon. Since their work is to oversee specific projects, they can be found in every type of organization. They use their skills to create products and services for a variety of industries. The sectors where project managers work include:

• Construction and real estate
• Engineering
• Information Technology (IT)
• Manufacturing
• Hospitality
• Transportation and logistics
• Financial services
• Advertising and marketing
• Retail
• Non-profit

Project Manager Salary in Cameroon

Project managers in Cameroon earn an estimated salary that ranges from 6 million Central African CFA franc to 10 million Central African CFA franc a year. Besides, the salary will be different based on level of experience from entry level to mid-level to senior level. The other factor that determines a project manager’s salary is the size of the project and the industry.

Assistant Project Manager Salary in Cameroon

Assistant project managers in Cameroon earn an estimated salary that ranges from 3 million Central African CFA franc to 5 million Central African CFA franc. Since they help the project manager in running a project, their salary is less than their immediate supervisor. Project size, nature of the industry and level of experience are also considered in setting their pay.

Job Outlook for Project Managers in Cameroon

There is a huge demand in Cameroon for project managers. As businesses in the country increase the number of projects they are initiating, the higher the need for professionals who can execute them successfully. Organizations in Cameroon are constantly looking for ways to improve their project management practices.