On 3 July 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Yaoundé between the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) and the GIZ BSB Yamoussa project, represented by their respective heads, in the presence of officials from both organisations and a representative of the Lamido de Ray Bouba.
The strategic partnership focuses on establishing drone pilot training programmes at GIZ BSB Yamoussa, delivering these programmes at designated locations, and progressively expanding them to wider communities. The initiative seeks to support the safe and orderly operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems while promoting a culture of safety in the civilian use of drones.
GIZ BSB Yamoussa personnel currently utilise drones in support of the Sena Oura–Bouba binational conservation project, aimed at monitoring and preserving biodiversity in northern Cameroon. The increasing use of drones across various fields—including topography, cartography, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and environmental monitoring—highlights the growing presence of these systems in national airspace, with biodiversity protection remaining a core application area for the project.
This innovation aligns with international safety and regulatory requirements, notably the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), including Annex 1 (Personnel Licensing) and Annex 2 (Rules of the Air), as adapted to the SATP framework.
Under the agreement, the partnership will contribute to the development of competencies among personnel involved in ecosystem protection. It also provides for the supply of training equipment and educational materials, and the organisation of international exchanges with recognised instructors and specialists to ensure the effective deployment of remote pilots throughout Cameroon. These measures aim to prevent incidents or accidents linked to drone operations.
The Memorandum of Understanding is valid until 30 April 2029, with both parties expected to uphold their respective commitments to achieve the agreed objectives.
This development positions the CCAA as a proactive stakeholder in integrating emerging technologies into national civil aviation frameworks. The training programmes will also be accessible to the general public in Cameroon and the broader region interested in drone operations.
