Cameroon’s government has announced a second consecutive extension to the national census period, aiming to capture a more comprehensive snapshot of the country’s population, housing, and agricultural sectors.

In a directive issued by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, a supplementary phase has been authorized to address gaps identified in the initial rounds. The goal is to reach households, individuals, and farming operations that may have been overlooked due to incomplete mapping, particularly in urban areas like Yaoundé and Douala.

Officials acknowledge that only 60.4% of the population has been recorded since the first phase began in April, highlighting the urgency of the extension. This fourth general census faces significant hurdles, including delayed payments to census workers—leading to sporadic disruptions—and low participation rates in certain communities.

Challenges extend beyond logistics. Language barriers and security concerns in high-risk zones have further complicated efforts, slowing progress and requiring adaptive strategies to ensure full coverage.