Bridging The Experience Gap: MINJEC To Place 194 Youths On High-impact Internships

In a decisive move to bridge the gap between academic theory and the professional workforce, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC), in partnership with United Nations, has announced a large-scale internship recruitment drive. Under the Joint Government-UN Youth Connekt Cameroon Programme, 194 young Cameroonians will be selected for immersion into various professional and academic sectors for the 2026 fiscal year.
This initiative, formalized through Communiqué No. 003/CRP/MINJEC/CAB, represents a significant pillar of the "Youth Connekt Job" component. It targets graduates and current students alike, aiming to curb the rising tide of youth unemployment by providing high-value "on-the-job" experience.

Breaking Down The Requirements
The call for applications is inclusive but rigorous, emphasizing the need for civic engagement through the mandatory Biometric Youth Card (BYC). To qualify, applicants must be Cameroonian citizens aged 17 to 35. Be currently enrolled in an academic institution (for academic slots) or hold a professional diploma (for professional slots). And finally, possess a valid Biometric Youth Card or proof of enrollment for one.
This focus on the BYC is a strategic effort by Minister Mounouna Foutsou to centralize youth data and ensure that government social benefits reach the intended demographic accurately.

Application Logistics, Deadlines
MINJEC has streamlined the application process to ensure accessibility across all 10 regions. Candidates can submit their files physically at the MINJEC Mail Service in Yaounde, or at any Regional or Departmental Delegation. In a nod to the digital transformation of the administration, online submissions are also accepted via minjecdpej@gmail.com.
The deadline for submission is Friday, May 15, 2026, at 3:30 PM.

Response To Youth Employment 
The Youth Connekt Cameroon Programme, launched in December 2019 under the patronage of President Paul Biya, has evolved into a cornerstone of the nation’s youth development strategy. The 2026 internship cycle is specifically designed to tackle the "experience paradox" - a situation where young graduates cannot find jobs due to a lack of experience, but cannot gain experience because they lack a job.
By offering 53 academic internships (two months) and 141 professional internships (three months), the government is creating a structured pathway for 194 individuals to enter the labour market. The diversity of the fields covered - ranging from agro-pastoralism and mining to banking, IT, and law - reflects the government's National Development Strategy (SND30), which prioritizes the diversification of the economy.

The Role Of The UN 
The UN’s involvement underscores the international community's commitment to Cameroon’s stability and economic growth. By providing technical and financial support, the UN ensures that these internships meet international standards of "decent work," providing mentors and structured learning environments rather than just "clerical&quo...