AGP Executive Report

Oil and Gas: Cameroon’s SNH has opened a six-block licensing round, aiming to double crude output from 50,000 to 100,000 barrels a day; results are expected in June 2027. Transport: The government signed a €212.35 million Islamic Development Bank deal to rehabilitate the Douala–Bafoussam corridor, covering 218 km of highways and 108 km of feeder roads. Manufacturing: Keda has started a third tile-production line in Kribi that will lift annual capacity by nearly 67%, to 33.5 million square metres. Agro-processing: A $15 million Indonesia-Cameroon partnership will build a cassava-processing plant, with completion targeted in two to three years. Power: Socadel has launched CFA44.54 billion in tenders to boost electricity capacity and replenish equipment stocks. Mining: Cameroon is seeking higher gold revenue in 2027, but questions remain over whether communities receive their share of existing proceeds.

Agro-processing: Cameroonian firm Nego-Titans and Indonesia’s PT Asindo Tech are developing a US$15 million cassava plant, with completion targeted in two to three years and tapioca production planned. Manufacturing: Keda has begun building a third tile line at its Kribi factory, lifting annual capacity by nearly 67% to 33.5 million square metres for Cameroon and regional markets. Transport: Cameroon secured US$238 million from the Islamic Development Bank to upgrade the Douala–Bafoussam corridor, including 218 kilometres of highways and 108 kilometres of feeder roads. Digital infrastructure: CAMTEL and SIC will bring fibre internet to public housing, starting with about 40 households and potentially reaching more than 30,000 clients. Extractives: SNH has opened a bid round for six oil exploration blocks as Cameroon seeks fresh investment while pressing to resolve concerns behind its EITI suspension.

Agro-Industry: Indonesian and Cameroonian firms have agreed on a US$15 million cassava-processing plant, targeted for completion in two to three years, to produce tapioca and transfer technology. The Indonesian Embassy is also targeting US$19.5 million in deals at Trade Expo Indonesia 2026. Transport: Cameroon secured a €212.35 million Islamic Development Bank loan to rehabilitate 218 kilometres of the Douala–Bafoussam highway and 108 kilometres of feeder roads, improving links between the port, farms and western markets. Oil and Gas: SNH has opened six exploration blocks to investors as the government seeks to lift Cameroon’s EITI suspension; transparency concerns could weigh on investor interest. Public Investment: The 2027 budget circular targets at least 30% of the state budget for investment, while prioritising unfinished projects and overdue payments over new starts. Timber: The government plans to extend restrictions on raw-log exports beyond 91 species, reinforcing its push for local wood processing. Forests: Global deforestation fell in 2025, but Congo Basin losses continued to rise, threatening the region’s forests and sustainable development.

Oil and Gas: SNH has opened a 2026 bid round offering six exploration blocks across three basins, with bids due by May 28, 2027. Cameroon is also seeking to lift its EITI suspension, a transparency concern that could weigh on investor confidence. Power: State utility Socadel has launched six tenders worth CFA44.54 billion, including plans for 10 MW of new thermal capacity in the north and equipment for its distribution network. Transport: Cameroon signed a €212.35 million IsDB loan to rehabilitate the 219-km Douala–Bafoussam road and 108 km of feeder roads, improving links between the commercial hub and agricultural markets. Forestry: The government plans to add more timber species to its raw-log export ban to encourage local processing; the scope and timing remain unspecified. Mining: Oriole Resources is negotiating a permit for its Bibemi gold project, which carries an initial investment estimate of about $60 million.

Transport: Cameroon and the Islamic Development Bank signed a €212.35 million agreement to rehabilitate the Douala–Bafoussam corridor, including 218 kilometres of national roads and 108 kilometres of feeder roads, easing freight movement to Douala Port. Maritime Security: US boatbuilder Metal Shark won a Coast Guard-backed contract to supply Cameroon with a patrol boat, spare parts, a trailer and crew training. Industrial Investment: Financing announced for Prometal and ProAlu has reached about CFA80.6 billion, combining a new working-capital facility for Prometal with loans for ProAlu’s industrial complex. Agribusiness: Banana exports rose 21.5% to 194,273 tonnes in the first nine months of 2026, though leading exporter PHP remains loss-making. Cameroon is also promoting cocoa and coffee investment at a global food forum in Rome. Affordable Housing: A new proposal targets 20,000 homes built with local materials and industrial methods; funding and timelines have not been disclosed.

Transport: Cameroon and the Islamic Development Bank signed a €212.35 million deal to rehabilitate the Douala–Bafoussam corridor, including 218 km of main roads and 108 km of feeder roads, to cut transport costs and improve access to markets. Agribusiness: Cameroon is pitching cocoa and coffee investment at a global food forum in Rome. Banana exports rose 21.5% to 194,273 tonnes in January–September, although leading exporter PHP remains loss-making. Manufacturing: Prometal and ProAlu have secured about CFA80.6 billion in announced financing for industrial expansion and operations; the facilities cover separate projects and borrowers. Housing: A new proposal targets 20,000 affordable homes built with local materials and industrial methods, but funding and timelines remain unclear. Rubber: Hainan Rubber is developing a recovery plan after its Cameroon subsidiaries posted combined losses of CFA43.2 billion over 2024–25, despite higher revenue. Extractives: Cameroon is seeking to lift its EITI suspension, pledging stronger civil-society participation and plans to publish petroleum contracts and financial data.

Energy Supply: Cameroon’s energy minister inspected more than 18 Yaounde fuel stations and gas plants, ordering faster kerosene restocking and checking fire-safety measures amid supply gaps. Electric Mobility: China’s Jinguan Electric signed a contract worth up to $296 million to build 50 solar, storage and charging stations across Africa; mobility partner Spiro operates in Cameroon and plans wider expansion. Trade and Transport: Cameroon has launched a tender to rebuild 167 km of the Douala–Yaounde trade route, while a separate $407 million loan will support the Douala–Bangui corridor upgrade. Ports: Kribi plans a CFA50 billion agricultural terminal, but 80% of the funding is still to be raised. The port is also investing CFA21.5 billion to expand container capacity by 30%. Agriculture: Banana exports rose 21.5%, though market leader PHP faces profitability pressure. Industrial Power: Delays to the Nachtigal power line are leaving 150 MW of industrial demand unmet.

Clean Energy: Jinguan Electric says its subsidiary has won a framework deal worth up to $296 million to build 50 solar-storage and EV-charging stations across Africa. Spiro Mobility, which operates in Cameroon, is the client; construction timelines and costs will be set project by project. Fuel Supply: Cameroon’s energy minister inspected more than 18 Yaoundé fuel stations and plants to check supply and safety. At one site, staff reported no kerosene since September 24, prompting orders to speed up replenishment. Transport: Cameroon has opened a tender to rebuild 167 km of the Yaoundé–Edéa road, a key freight route linking Douala with the Central African Republic. Work is expected to take 30 months. Power: Delays to Nachtigal’s second transmission corridor are leaving an estimated 150 MW of industrial demand unmet. The government now targets completion in November. Port Investment: Kribi plans a CFA50 billion agricultural terminal, but CFA40 billion in financing remains to be raised; construction is scheduled to start in 2027. Agriculture: Banana exports rose 21.5% in the first nine months of 2026 to 194,273 tonnes, though leading exporter PHP faces continued profitability challenges.

Fuel Supply: Energy Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba inspected more than 18 Yaoundé stations and gas plants amid supply disruptions, pressing operators to restore kerosene availability and enforce fire-safety measures. Transport: Cameroon opened a tender to rebuild 167 km of the Yaoundé–Edéa road, a key freight link toward Douala and the Central African Republic. The three contracts each have a 30-month timeline. Industrial Power: Delays to Nachtigal’s second transmission corridor are leaving an estimated 150 MW of industrial demand unmet; the government now expects key works to be energized in November. Kribi Port: A proposed CFA50 billion agricultural terminal could boost agro-industrial logistics, but CFA40 billion in financing remains to be secured. Construction is planned for 2027. Agriculture: Banana exports rose 21.5% year-on-year to 194,273 tonnes through September, though market leader PHP’s recent losses raise questions about profitability. Cameroon is also exploring a dedicated financing window for cocoa and coffee projects.

Digital Health: Douala-based S.T. Digital has teamed up with U.S. firm Global Care International to bring digital health technology and infrastructure to African markets. Agriculture & Trade: Cameroon’s banana exports rose 21.5% in the first nine months of 2026, but market leader PHP is still grappling with losses and falling revenue. Transport: A new tender covers reconstruction of 167 km of the Yaoundé–Edéa road, a key freight link toward Douala and the Central African Republic. Power: Delays to Nachtigal’s second transmission corridor are leaving an estimated 150 MW of industrial demand unmet; Socadel’s CFA107 billion recovery plan also lacks confirmed funding. Kribi Port: A proposed CFA50 billion agricultural terminal could expand agro-industrial logistics, but CFA40 billion in financing remains to be raised. Mining: State miner Sonamines has posted its first-ever profit, while Canyon Resources paid CFA4.4 billion upfront for rail upgrades to serve its Minim-Martap bauxite project.

Digital Health: Douala-based S.T. Digital has formed an alliance with U.S. firm Global Care International to provide digital health technology, infrastructure and logistics in Africa. Port Logistics: Kribi Port plans a CFA50 billion agricultural terminal, but CFA40 billion in financing remains to be secured; construction is targeted for 2027. Trade Routes: Cameroon has opened a tender to rebuild 167 km of the Yaoundé–Edéa road, a key freight link to Douala and the Central African Republic. Power: Delays to Nachtigal’s second transmission corridor are leaving an estimated 150 MW of industrial demand unmet; authorities now target completion in November. Agriculture: Banana exports rose 21.5% in the first nine months of 2026, though market leader PHP faces profitability concerns after two years of losses. Commodity Finance: Cameroon is assessing a proposed financing window for cocoa, coffee and other commodity projects to boost local processing and producer incomes.

Port Investment: Kribi plans a CFA50 billion agricultural terminal, but still needs to raise 80% of the funding; separately, CFA21.5 billion is earmarked to lift container capacity by 30%. Transport: Cameroon has opened a tender to rebuild 167 km of the Yaoundé–Edéa trade route, with work expected to take 30 months. Power: Delays to Nachtigal’s second transmission corridor are leaving an estimated 150 MW of industrial demand unmet. Socadel has also announced a CFA107 billion recovery plan, though its funding remains uncertain. Agribusiness: Banana exports rose 21.5% in the first nine months of 2026, but the country’s leading exporter remains under financial pressure. Cameroon is also exploring a dedicated financing window for cocoa and coffee projects. Manufacturing: Plans for two soap factories follow a 54% jump in export sales, while Cameroon is courting Japanese investment in local cocoa and coffee processing.

Forestry: Taylor Guitars and Cameroon’s Crelicam will develop a framework for ebony permits in designated forest areas, aiming to support sustainable harvesting and local processing. Agricultural Finance: Cameroon is exploring a dedicated Common Fund for Commodities financing window for cocoa, coffee and other priority sectors; the proposal still needs a feasibility assessment. Power: State utility Socadel has outlined a CFA107 billion recovery plan covering generation, solar and grid upgrades, but its funding remains uncertain. Trade and Logistics: Kribi port’s CFA21.5 billion expansion is expected to lift container capacity by 30% by late 2027, while Cameroon has authorized a US$407 million World Bank loan for the Douala–Bangui corridor. Industry: Public hearings are set for October 12–17 on Camalco’s proposed alumina refinery, though the bauxite supply project has no confirmed first-shipment date. Cameroon is also seeking investors for a CFA23.2 billion agro-industrial complex in Kaélé, designed to process cereals, onions and meat for local and regional markets.

Maritime Trade: US sanctions targeted the Cameroon-flagged tanker Shenzhen, which Treasury says transported more than 3.5 million barrels of Iranian crude since November 2025. Agriculture: An IRAD project in Bangangté aims to turn 15,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste a year into 5,000 tonnes of compost for farms. Livestock: CDENO distributed chicks, piglets and animal feed to support poultry, piggery and dairy production in the North West. Port Logistics: Kribi Container Terminal has begun a CFA21.5 billion expansion to lift capacity by 30%, with completion planned for late 2027. Industrial Investment: Public hearings are set for October 12–17 on Camalco’s proposed alumina refinery, while the government seeks investors for a CFA23.2 billion agro-industrial complex in Kaélé. Business Development: Cameroon reports 43 partnerships concluded by local firms at PROMOTE 2026, with negotiations continuing on 350 more. Mining: Sonamines posted its first profit, but CFA2.95 billion in mining levies—not commercial sales—accounted for nearly all its reported income.

Tourism Investment: Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute laid the foundation stone for the multibillion-franc Kempinski Shekinah Palace hotel in Douala, presenting the project as a source of jobs and wider economic activity. SME Innovation: SMEPA is promoting support for local businesses in agriculture, food processing, construction, renewable energy and waste management. Digital Infrastructure: CAMTEL and SIC will extend fibre broadband across existing housing estates and build connectivity into future projects. Power and Industry: Cameroon aims to connect 150 MW of new industrial demand, targeting nearly CFAF4 billion in added monthly electricity revenue. Trade and Farming: A new AfCFTA-backed project will support small traders on the Douala–Bangui and Douala–Kousséri corridors, while a nationwide soil-testing drive plans to analyze 60,300 samples to guide crop and fertilizer choices. Local Processing: Entrepreneur Frédérique Zam-Ntolo’s Mâ Martha project will turn local fruit into jams and create market outlets for farmers. Business Pressures: The CDC posted a CFAF20 billion loss in 2025, while Cameroon’s electricity-sector overhaul faces the challenge of stabilizing SOCADEL’s finances and meeting industrial demand.

Digital Infrastructure: CAMTEL and SIC will extend fibre broadband across existing housing estates, with connectivity built into future developments; residents are offered access for CFAF25,000 and monthly subscriptions at CFAF15,000. Trade and Agriculture: Cameroon has launched an AfDB-backed AfCFTA project on the Douala–Bangui and Douala–Kousséri corridors, targeting small traders and border communities. A separate national programme will test 60,300 soil samples to guide crop and fertiliser choices. Local Processing: Entrepreneur Frédérique Zam-Ntolo’s Mâ Martha project plans to turn local fruit into jams, creating new outlets for farmers. Power and Industry: The government aims to connect 150 MW of new industrial demand, targeting nearly CFAF4 billion in extra monthly electricity revenue. Timber Jobs: A planned processing park in Lomié has drawn interest from 241 businesses and could generate more than 12,000 direct and indirect jobs. Business and Finance: Boissons du Cameroun shareholders approved the absorption of Guinness Cameroon from January 2027. Meanwhile, state agribusiness CDC reported a CFAF20 billion loss for 2025, with payroll consuming almost all its revenue.