Policy Brief: Strengthening Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Cameroon

Foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) are critical for children’s lifelong learning and national development, yet Cameroon faces persistent challenges: fragmented education data, weak collaboration among stakeholders, regional disparities worsened by the Anglophone crisis (which has displaced over 855,000 children), and limited school infrastructure.

This policy brief by Unlocking Data recommends four priorities:

• Strengthen data systems: link SIGE with international databases such as PASEC and MICS, and open up data access.
• Address regional disparities: provide flexible learning in crisis-affected areas, train and deploy teachers to underserved regions, and support mother-tongue instruction.
• Build collaboration: set up multi-stakeholder platforms and involve parents and local leaders.
• Invest in infrastructure and digital tools: expand electricity, internet and digital learning access in rural schools, and train teachers in digital literacy.

A coordinated, multi-sectoral approach can improve learning outcomes and advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

Source: Yuh, N. M., Pambe, R., Fotso, C., & Okwen, P. (2025), Unlocking Data.