China First Highway Engineering Co. Ltd. (CFHEC) and Cameroon's Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) signed a framework agreement in Yaoundé to establish the MINESUP–CFHEC Professional Certification Program, a joint initiative aimed at strengthening vocational training and professional skills certification for Cameroonian university students and graduates.

The program seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs by combining theoretical education with hands-on professional training, thereby enhancing graduates' employability and supporting Cameroon's long-term skills development agenda.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Cameroon's Minister of State for Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo, described the agreement as a historic step toward the professionalization of university education. He stated that the framework would integrate theory with practice, better prepare students for the labor market, and significantly enhance employment prospects for graduates.

The minister added that Cameroon would draw on China's experience in technical and vocational education to train more practice-oriented professionals and advance the country's technical talent development.

Zhao Zongzhi, Chief Engineer of China First Highway Engineering Co., Ltd., noted that the company has maintained a long-term presence in Africa, consistently prioritizing the cultivation of local talent, technical exchange, and knowledge transfer. He said CFHEC remains committed to implementing the Ten Major Partnership Initiatives for China-Africa Modernization.

According to Zhao, the agreement marks a new starting point for youth employment, higher education development, and practical cooperation between China and Cameroon, while also contributing to the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges" in Cameroon.

Under the agreement, students enrolled in the vocational certification program will receive immersive, hands-on training at CFHEC's large-scale construction sites and design research departments. They will also benefit from targeted theoretical instruction and mentorship provided by Chinese experts.

Upon successful completion of the program, qualified students and graduates will be awarded dual professional certification jointly issued by the ministry and the company. The initiative is expected to enhance participants' professional competencies, expand employment opportunities, and help cultivate a new generation of skilled local technical talent for Cameroon's infrastructure sector.