Honoring African Literature: the NSIF at the heart of cultural excellence!

The 33^rd International Day of the African Writer- held at the Lycée Général Leclerc; precisely in the Salle des Actes-was marked by an honorary distinction awarded to the Top management of the Cameroon's Social Security Institution for their noteworthy engagement in promoting Cameroonian and African literature, by the Centre de lecture d'intitiation et d'intégration à la culture (CLIIC).

The African Literature day celebrated on the 7^th of November globally-which highlights the richness, solidarity and diversity of the continent's literary heritage-unfolded in several stages including: a series of reading and writing conducted by distinguished authors; followed by a conference dedicated to the literary legacy of Professor Charles Binam Bikoï entitled: ‘La plume de la promotion des langues africaines’. It also featured an exhibition of African writers, a reading loud contest and concluded with awards presentation.

This latest distinction is yet another feather in the cap of the NSIF. Received on behalf of the Director General by the Director of Human Resources, Nana Bello, it highlights his unwavering dedication to celebrating African—and specifically Cameroonian—culture. Whether through the regular Literary Cafe, the creation of libraries within the NSIF structures, support for literary publications, or storytelling sessions that bring joy to children, he has made culture not just an accessory, but a vibrant part of the Institution’s identity.

A new landmark Project for the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF)

With the project of developing a shared mineral terminal at the deep-sea Port of Kribi-designed at enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating mineral exports- the Cameroon's Social Security Institution, alongside the relevant operators, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, the 4^th of November 2025.

The Cameroon's National Development Strategy, in compliance with the Structural Transformation and Inclusive Development has reached an important milestone. As a point of fact, a strategic partnership-aiming at defining the technical, legal and financial structure of the project- has been signed between the NSIF, the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) and the BESTWAY FINANCE LTD/AUSTSINO RESOURCES GROUP LTD Consortium, as well as the company G-STONES. According to the Director General (DG) of the NSIF, ‘relating to the wish of the President of the Republic, the Institution is driven with the need of contributing to the construction of a major infrastructure intended to facilitate the extraction of mineral resources (mining) in our country. This will partly benefit our economy and on the other hand, create thousands of jobs and improve the coverage rate of the social security scheme.’

A vision shared by the other signatories of the MoU. ‘Bringing together all these operators around the port of Kribi, was crucial. As for the questions when and how? We are now ready to work,’ said the General Manager of the Port Authority of Kribi. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bestway Finance confirmed that operations are imminent: ‘We are in the final preparatory stages before the actual launch of our production, scheduled for December 2025’.

A lever for sustainable growth

Beyond its infrastructure, this mineral terminal is part of a strategy aimed not only at job creation but also at strengthening national logistics and ensuring economic sustainability. This reflects the NSIF’s dedication to diversifying investments in high-potential sectors to strengthen its financial reserves, without compromising its primary mission of social protection.

It is now essential for stakeholders to unite their efforts to realise this strategic logistics hub serving the extractive industries and global trade. This is all the more important given that it will permanently transform the southern coastline of the country and ‘seal Cameroon's real development for decades to come’, according to the NSIF's Top Manager.

A crucial concern for all!

This multi-step process goes far beyond a few consumables; it is a complex and well-structured process, carefully implemented across the NSIF healthcare facilities.

Hospital/medical waste management refers to all processes which involves sorting, collecting, treating and disposing all sort of waste-be it hazardous or non-hazardous waste (medical or common waste)- by health facilities, with the main goal of protecting healthcare workers, patients and the public, in compliance with environmental protection regulations. 

A multi-phase and complex process.

Waste generation and source segregation constitute the first line of defence. With the numerous department a hospital is made up of, added to the different types of wastes they generate per day-which may complicate the process- the first step consists of separating them at the point of production.

On average, 85% of hospital waste is common waste, comparable to household waste, while 15% is hazardous waste (infectious, chemical, or radioactive).

 Safety is the sine qua non for successful management, and it all starts with rigorous sorting:

-In hospitals, non-hazardous waste is handled similarly as domestic waste and can be recycled or disposed of in conventional sorting centres.

          - On the other hand, hazardous waste is collected in rigid containers or specially designed bags. It must be temporarily stored in a secure location and separated from the ordinary waste stream, to prevent any risk of contamination. The disposal of these waste into sewers, regular bins, conventional recycling systems, or through mechanic compaction is strictly prohibited. Its transport and treatment require special precautions, including incineration, sterilisation or disinfection in specialised internal or external facilities prior to final disposal.

Why all these precautions?

It’s about protecting public health. Improper disposal of medical waste, particularly infectious waste, can lead to the spread of serious diseases. This is because it poses a direct risk to health workers, patients, the public, visitors and waste collectors.

 Environmental protection is also crucial, as hazardous waste can contaminate soil, water and air. A meticulous management helps limit pollution and preserve natural resources.

A well-defined legal framework

In Cameroon, waste management is governed by Decree No. 2012/2809/PM of the 26^th September 2012, which sets out the conditions for sorting, collection, storage, transport, recovery, recycling, treatment and final disposal of waste, with the provisions specified in Article 33. In addition, Order No. 003/MINEPDED of the 15^th October 2012 classifies medical and pharmaceutical waste as category II waste and defines the specific conditions for its management. Healthcare facilities are therefore legally required to comply with these requirements in order to ensure a safe and standard-compliant management.

Towards a circular economy approach

Beyond safety and regulation, hospital waste management is now moving towards a circular economy approach, aiming to reduce consumption and waste of resources. This approach involves reducing waste at source, recycling materials (paper, plastic or metal) and raising staff awareness of eco-friendly practices. This approach not only helps to protect the environment, but also saves money by reducing the costs associated with purchasing raw materials and treating waste.

Honors, tributes, and emotions at their climax

Reflecting on a day full of excitement and color, the 01st of November 2025 marked a memorable day for The National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF), who as usual, had an outstanding impact at the end of the Football tournament ceremony. Spot lights on the day's best moments.

The Annex Stadium No.1 of the Olembe Sports Complex hosted a thrilling encounter between the 2024 Champions (The NSIF Football Team) and the ANOR Team. It was before a large and vibrant crowd of supporters that ‘the bronze medal match’ got off to a flying start, powered by a red-hot attack from the NSIF Team. Their fluid play, in addition to a well-elaborated strategy enabled them to crush all resistance from their opponent and dominate possession.

First half (CNPS 2-0 ANOR)

The deadlock was broken in the 11^th minute when Moctar Tachini- who emerged as the Tournament's leading goal scorer- made a brilliant run down the wing and calmly fired a left-footed shot in the net, hence giving his team the lead. The goal signalled the beginning of hostilities. The 2024 Champions extended their lead with a superb assist from the Captain and Playmaker, Noël Alain Olivier Mekulu Mvondo Akame to Michel Ngaffi, who had provided the assist in the previous move; making it 2-0 at half time.

The NSIF Athletics Club takes centre stage

 At half-time, the youngsters from the NSIF Sports Academy exhibited their racing potential in a 60m, 80m and relay competition. These forty talented young athletes (aged between 4 and 14) earned rapturous applause from the audience, who welcomed the Institution's Top-management's initiative to set up a conducive environment focused on fostering tomorrow's champions.

Second half (NSIF 4-0 ANOR)

Both teams started the second half with great energy, trading blows as they sought to take the lead. But the NSIF captain's vast experience proved decisive, as he delivered a pinpoint pass to Michel Ngaffi for his second goal (3-0), followed by Roger Batoum's goal nine minutes before the end (4-0). ‘We’re truly happy and proud of this win, especially against such a tough team. The result was never guaranteed, and winning a match of this calibre brings us great satisfaction. We equally extend our congratulations to our opponents for their excellent performance’, said the triple passer in the mixed zone.

Tributes to El Hadj Ousmane Mey

This edition of the Inter-Company Football Tournament was dedicated to El Hadj Ousmane Mey, the former President of the Board of Directors of the NSIF (from the 18^th of December 1991 to the 20^th January 2016, editor's note). To honour the memory of the renowned leader, the ceremony included a stadium lap by the NSIF Athletics Club’s young athletes, a reading of his biography, a song, and one minute of standing ovation.

A shower of honors for the NSIF

During this season, NSIF’s flagship football team once again excelled in the 2025 inter-company tournament, made even more competitive by a greater number of participants. Its results are as follows: Gold medal of the championship, Bronze medal cup, Best player of the tournament (Ngaffi), Top scorer (Tachini, 14 goals), and the prize awarded to the patron of this edition: the NSIF Director General, who immediately passed the torch to the Vice-Governor of the BEAC.

This moment served as a reminder of NSIF’s sporting ambitions for 2026: ‘Our objectives remain unchanged. We aim to win both the championship and the Cup. This year, we secured one, but next year we’ll be back to claim both.’