The partnership between the architecture schools and the structures in charge of the territories and local authorities is part of a win-win relationship as this kind of collaboration is full of opportunities for each of the parties. Such cooperation promotes architectural and urban innovation through a pooling of academic knowledge and concrete needs of communities. Communities can thus benefit from the contribution of innovative and original ideas from students not constrained by administrative and budgetary realities. The result is a better anticipation of future challenges and a forward-looking vision of sustainable solutions. On the other hand, students immerse themselves in the professional world by working on concrete topics while confronting their ideas with the expectations of elected officials and local populations. Projects are developed at reduced costs, with preliminary diagnoses and initial studies being carried out by schools. Finally, the media coverage of projects offers a certain recognition to projects and institutions.

The different modes of collaboration between the schools of architecture and the regions or cities are divided into academics projects  or workshops, internships and immersions, conferences and exhibitions, student competitions, applied research projects, scholarships... Thus students of ESSACA in mobility at ENSAP Bordeaux were able to rub shoulders with professionals in the partnership between ENSAP Bordeaux and Bordeaux Metropole. The same joint partnership ENSAP Bordeaux-Bordeaux Metropole/ESSACA-CUD allowed the realization in Douala of several workshops for the benefit of the City of Douala.

To go further and consolidate this type of collaboration, a partnership with the tutelary technical bodies ESSACA also turned to the Ministry of Habitat and Urban Development which responded in the most beautiful way. As a result, the signing of the Partnership Agreement between ESSACA and MINHDU  took place on November 19, 2024 as part of a solemn ceremony held on the 1st floor of the Ministry. Minister Celestine Courtes born Ketcha and Executive Director Jean-Jacques Kotto have mutually committed themselves to ensuring the implementation of the terms of the Convention for the good of our dear country Cameroon and all countries directly or indirectly impacted by the fruits of this collaboration.

Among the floor of illustres guests we will quote:

Mr. GABSA Nyongbet, Secretary General of MINESUP, personal representative of the Minister of State, Minister of Superior Education, Chancellor of Academic Orders, Mr. Jacques Fame Ndongo

Professor MODI KOKO Bebey, Secretary General of the University of Douala

Pr PONDI Emmanuel, Vice-Dean ICT, Scientific Committee Member

Mr. MANGA Louis Roger, Director General of MAETUR, Scientific Committee Member

Mr. NDONGO Jean-Christophe, President of the’Order National Architects of Cameroon, Scientific Committee Member

Mr. ROBAIN Martin, Honorary President of the Academie Francaise d’Architecture

Pr BIOS Christian, Sociologist, President of ESSACA Teachers

Mr DJOUMESSI Jean-Baptiste, Economist, Scientific Committee Member

Mr CELESTE Patrick, Secretary General of the Academie Francaise d’Architecture

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https://www.minhdu.gov.cm/programme-c2d-urbain-capitales-regionales-garoua-temoin-de-la-volonte-du-chef-de-letat-dans-la-mutation-des-villes-camerounaises-2/

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