Inaugurated on May 12, 1982, the Yaounde Conference Centre celebrates its 40th anniversary from November 1 to 4, 2022, the events of which are placed under the VERY HIGH SPONSORSHIP OF THE HEAD OF STATE. 40 years later, admiration remains for the genius of those who had the idea of ​​placing this building above one of the seven hills of the city of Yaoundé! Even more strikingly, after more than four decades, the Yaounde Conference Centre is ageing well, while retaining its brilliance, beauty and functionality. If it were wine, we could say that “the older it gets, the better the Palais des Congrès gets”!

Let’s say it without pretension: for 40 years, the Yaounde Conference Centre has been close to the heights by writing in its own way, the most beautiful pages in the history of our country. This contribution can be summed up perfectly in five parts contained in the official theme of this 40th anniversary, namely: “the Yaounde Conference Centre, 40 years at the service of the political, social, cultural, economic and diplomatic influence of Cameroon”. Is it necessary to recall by way of illustration:

On the political level: the Tripartite of October 30, 1991 (an event which has remained as the baptismal name of our 400-seat room), the Grand National Dialogue in 2019, all the Congresses of the CPDM, those of the SDF, of the MRC, the UPC, the UNDP, the UDC to name a few.

On the diplomatic level: the 24th and 30th summit of UDEAC (1988 and 1994), the Conference of Heads of State of Central Africa on the conservation and sustainable management of the tropical forest (1999), the Summit of the OAU in 1996, the France-Africa Summit in 2001, the Summit on the Fiftieth Anniversary of Africa21 Independence in 2010, the International Conference “Investing in Cameroon, land of attractiveness” in 2016, etc.

On the cultural level: the tours of the Chinese artistic troupes, the production of the program Télé Podium on the CTV, the shows of the Grand Ensemble National, the cultural events of international renown like Miss Cameroon, Ecrans Noirs, Canal2′ However, the Music Concerts (Manu Dibango, Richard Bona, Elvis Kemayo, Ekambi Brillant), etc.

Economically: international fairs such as PROMOTE, YAFE, SIARC, SIALY and other fairs and exhibitions have made the Palais des Congrès the place to promote our national economy.

Finally, on the social level: weddings and hiking organized here, allow Cameroonians to have fun with friends or family. All the working classes have also experienced moments of warm communion at the Yaounde Conference Centre.

For four (04) days, we invite you to join us in celebrating this glorious past.

TOGETHER! TOGETHER, thank the Head of State for having kept the Yaounde Conference Centre in a functional state for 40 years!

Sign of destiny, the 40th anniversary of the Yaounde Conference Centre also coincides this year with the 40th anniversary of the accession to power of the President of the Republic, H.E Paul BIYA. It should be noted to note that President Paul BIYA will have been during these 40 years, one of the most inspired editors of the most beautiful pages of the Yaounde Conference Centre.

This is the place for me to express my sincere gratitude to the public and private institutions, as well as to the media and commercial partners who support the organization of this 40th anniversary, in particular: the Major Partner AFRILAND FIRST BANK, the Ministry of Arts and Culture (MINAC), the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA), the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure (MINTOUL), the Autonomous Port of Douala (PAD), CAMTEL, SNH, SCDP, Single Window for Foreign Trade Operations (GUCE), Investment Promotion Agency (API), General Directorate of Customs, Source du Pays, CRTV, SOPECAM, Canal2 International, the Rigobert SONG Foundation and the Cameroonian Heart Foundation.

Together, let’s celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Yaounde Conference Centre!

By Christophe Mien ZOK, General Manager of the Yaounde Conference Centre