A field support mission in a highly strategic context
urbaMonde recently visited Douala, Cameroon, as part of the Urban Fabric Initiatives Programme (PAPU), to assist with the imminent launch of the Douala Urban Incubator.
This project is set against a significant strategic backdrop: the Urban Incubator is directly linked to a major rainwater drainage scheme covering the entire urban area. The aim is to develop, alongside this infrastructure, public spaces and community facilities designed with and for local residents.
During the mission, the urbaMonde team took part in several site visits, both to sites already developed during an initial phase outside the Urban Fabric scheme and to future sites earmarked for new developments. These visits helped to ground the discussions in local realities and identify initial opportunities for action.
Working sessions were also held throughout the week, bringing together the incubator team, representatives of the outreach programme and the Douala Urban Community, the project’s client. An official meeting with the mayor of the Douala Urban Community provided an opportunity to identify the key issues for this project, particularly regarding resident participation and the involvement of local authorities. These discussions helped lay the foundations for the initial operational stages and strengthen collaborative efforts.
The project is led by a consortium of local and international organisations — Doual’art, Assoal, the Diwouta consultancy and Espelia — which will work closely with the city of Douala over a three-year period. Together, they will explore approaches ranging from joint assessment and the co-design of public spaces to the development of sustainable management models.
👉 Find out more about our programme: Facilitating the Urban Fabric Initiatives Programme
👉Find out more about the partner: Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
