The public procurement sector in Cameroon is undergoing a significant update with the publication of circular N° 000014/C/MINMAP/CAB of 23 JULY 2025. Issued by the Ministry of Public Contracts(MINMAP), this circular aims to provide essential clarifications on the constitution, consignment, conservation, de-consignment, restitution, and realization of guarantees within the framework of public contracts.

This reference text is intended for all stakeholders in the system and reinforces the central role of the Deposits and Consignments Fund (CDEC), a public institution established in 2008 and responsible for providing the public service of deposits and consignments. CDEC is now the main body that receives,conserves, restitutes, and, if necessary, realizes the guarantees. It is vestedwith full powers to act in the name and on behalf of the Project Owner or Delegated Project Owner.

The different types of guarantees and their modalities

The circular confirms that the main guarantee is the

bond or the retention money. However, it expands the list of subsidiary guarantees that may be accepted, particularly for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). These alternative guarantees include:

• The surety of an approved banking institution or financial body.
• The personal and joint and several suretyship of a corporate officer.
• The certified cheque.
• The banker's draft.
• The legal mortgage.

The document also sets out strict rules regarding the amounts and deadlines foreach type of guarantee:

• Bid bond or provisional bond: a maximum of 2% of the provisional cost including all taxes (TTC). It must be included in the bidder's offer and its validity period is extended by thirty (30) days beyond the validity of the offers.
• Final bond: a minimum of 2% and a maximum of 5% of the initial TTC amount of the contract. It must be constituted within twenty (20) days following the notification of the contract.
• Advance payment bond: 100% of the amount of the advance payment granted, of which 40% is deposited in cash with the CDEC, with the remaining 60% being a commitment from the issuing financial institution.

Restitution of Guarantees: Clear Deadlines

The circular establishes a more transparent procedure for the restitution of guarantees. Restitution is made as soon as the company has fulfilled all its obligations. The body responsible for the Deposits and Consignments Fund (CDEC) has a maximum period of fifteen (15) working days from the receipt ofthe release to either restitute the guarantee document or credit the beneficiary's account. In case of non-compliance with this deadline, the circular provides for the application of late payment interest.

A Boost for National SMEs

One of the major advances in this circular is facilitating access to public contracts fornational SMEs with national capital and managers. These companies can provide alternative guarantees to the traditional bond, such as a legal mortgage, a personal and joint and several suretyship, or a certified cheque. These provisions, if they are explicitly mentioned in the tender documents, allow SMEs to bypass the financial constraints often associated with classic bankbonds, thus encouraging their active participation and the development of the local economy.

Attachment(s) :
LETTRE CIRCULAIRE MINMAP DU 23 JUILLET 2025