Alice Nkom Net Worth

Background and career

Alice Nkom (born 14 January 1945) is a Cameroonian lawyer, politician, and human rights activist known for her advocacy in defending the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Cameroon. She is the first woman in Central Africa to become a lawyer and is noted for her efforts in advocating for the decriminalization of homosexuality in the region.

Nkom began studying law at the Toulouse School of Law at the Toulouse Capitole University, France. She completed her studies at the University of Yaoundé and practices law in Douala, Cameroon, since 1969. At the age of 24, she became the first Black French-speaking woman admitted to the bar in Cameroon. She currently serves as the president of the Central African Human Rights Defenders Network (French: Réseau des défenseurs des droits humains en Afrique centrale, Redhac).

Upon her return from France, Alice Nkom continued her schooling at the University of Yaounde later after her Bar exam, began practicing law in Cameroon in 1969, becoming the attorney of marginalized and discriminated people. She developed a reputation for handling challenging cases, particularly those related to social justice, human rights, and marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ people

As her career evolved, Nkom increasingly focused on defending the rights of individuals prosecuted under Article 347 bis of the Cameroonian penal code, which criminalizes same‑sex relations. In the course of her work, she met many young and underprivileged people arrested after being reported to authorities or detained during police operations. These cases led her to engage legally to challenge discrimination embedded in national law and in the public perception of same‑sex relationships in Cameroon.

As of 2026, Nkom, in her 80s, continues to mentor younger lawyers. She participates in conferences and discussions related to minority rights and legal ethics. Her continued participation has helped sustain nationwide discussion of the role of law in protecting citizens’ rights. Commentators have described her as a long‑standing figure in Cameroonian legal practice whose career emphasizes access to justice and protection for marginalized individuals.

In recognition of her work, particularly during an "anti-gay crackdown," she was ranked second on The New Yorker's list of "The Eight Most Fascinating Africans of 2012."