Palm Oil Processing Boost: Missions Arise Foundation has inaugurated a modern palm oil mill in Bekora (Ndian, South West), aiming to cut processing bottlenecks, improve hygiene and security, and create jobs for farming families. Agro-Industry in the West Region: The trade minister inaugurated an agro-processing plant in Bangou, built to transform local maize, potatoes and fruits, with plans to market products across Cameroon and AfCFTA markets. Cocoa Value-Chain Pressure: Cameroon’s Trade Minister says EU deforestation rules are “punitive” for farmers as farmgate cocoa prices fall while compliance costs rise, pushing producers to demand better sharing of the burden. Maritime Security & Trade Integrity: Cameroon inaugurated a new ultra-modern Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR) base in Douala to strengthen Gulf of Guinea security, while Europe moves to stop tankers misusing Cameroon’s flag registry linked to Russia’s shadow fleet—prompting Cameroon to purge 39 ships. Water Infrastructure for Industry & Households: Yaounde launched an 87bn FCFA water network expansion to modernize distribution and extend safe drinking water to surrounding towns. Digital Payments Expansion: Wave is stepping up talks with Cameroonian authorities after CBC received authorization to roll out Wave mobile money services, targeting broader access and consumer protection. Finance Policy Tension: BEAC raised its 2026 growth forecast to 3.2% but warned of external risks, while an IMF-urged freeze on BEAC’s special refinancing window signals continued friction over financing productive investment.