Cameroon’s public sector gears up for major recruitment push with 2 305 positions set for 2026

The government of Cameroon has officially announced a sweeping recruitment campaign for next year, releasing 36 decrees that outline the structure of upcoming exams, direct hires, professional competitions, and selection tests. The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, Joseph LE, is designed to fill thousands of roles across multiple government departments in the 2026 fiscal year.

According to the detailed breakdown in the official notice, the recruitment drive will encompass several categories. Traditional hiring will account for 890 positions, including 470 direct hires targeted at professionals in financial administrations, agriculture, mining, civil engineering, livestock, maritime fisheries, telecommunications, and public health. Additionally, 100 spots will be filled through competitive exams at the National Institute of Youth and Sports (INJS) and its affiliated centers (CENAJES), while 220 positions will be offered via entrance exams at the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM). A further 100 roles will be filled through selective testing.

The recruitment strategy also includes specialized hiring initiatives, particularly in the health and education sectors, with a total of 1 200 positions available. This includes 1 000 slots for free auditors within teacher training colleges (ENS and ENSET) and 200 positions for specialist doctors. These roles complement an earlier round of 920 health worker recruitments conducted in early April 2026. Candidates applying for the free auditor positions will select their preferred school district during the application phase, with exams held at regional centers corresponding to their chosen location.

The final segment of the campaign involves 215 positions to be filled through professional competitions, ensuring a diverse range of entry pathways into the civil service.

It is worth noting that the 2026 recruitment drive represents a reduction of 555 positions compared to the 2025 exercise, which saw 2 860 vacancies opened for public sector roles.