H2RIAC Regional Hub: Central Africa Strengthens Research and Innovation Cooperation
The H2RIAC Regional Hub Activation Summit brought together researchers and policymakers from the six Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) member states in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 22–23 October 2026. According to the latest reports published by ActuCameroun on 23 October 2026 and Cameroun Actuel on 23 October 2026, the summit aims to strengthen scientific cooperation and make research a driver of regional development. The meetings were held under the leadership of Cameroon’s Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Madeleine Tchuinte. Participants sought to establish shared priorities, improve coordination and connect scientific research with the region’s development needs.
The summit builds on recent efforts to strengthen regional scientific partnerships. On 2 October 2026, ActuCameroun reported on renewed scientific cooperation between Cameroon and France, including support for the H2RIAC initiative. Earlier, on 13 August 2026, Journal du Cameroun reported that Cameroon’s research ministry and the CEMAC Commission were advancing cooperation on the hub’s governance. The discussions build on a preparatory workshop held in July 2025, documented by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). Key research priorities include healthcare, climate change, environmental protection, digital technology and food security. In addition, participants are working towards shared governance arrangements and a collaborative action plan.
The activation of H2RIAC could help Central African countries pool expertise, develop joint research programmes and attract funding for scientific projects. However, the hub’s success will depend on sustained government support, reliable financing and active participation from universities and research institutions. The Cameroon Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI) previously highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and shared scientific resources. Moving forward, the participating countries will need to turn the summit’s discussions into clear priorities and practical projects. Effective implementation could strengthen innovation, support economic diversification and help deliver solutions to shared challenges across the CEMAC region.
