AGP Executive Report

Urban Sanitation: Yaoundé is still struggling with waste management and public hygiene, with municipal councils and the private sanitation operator HYSACAM facing blame over coordination, strikes tied to salary non-payment, and worsening health risks. Water Utility Performance: CAMWATER’s DG Moussa Dr Moussa has urged field presence and tighter control of water distribution, meter reading, billing and revenue collection to hit targets and curb fraud/illegal connections. Power & Finance: State power utility Socadel is seeking CFA200 billion from local banks via revolving and medium-term facilities to strengthen liquidity and refinance debt. Water Revenue Tech: Camwater awarded Hangzhou Laison a CFA721.76m contract to install 3,000 smart meters plus IT and payment interfaces in Douala and Yaoundé pilot areas. Cocoa Prices: Cameroon cocoa prices climbed to about CFA2,900/kg by Aug. 31, after a season that saw export revenue drop 63% to CFA400.9bn. Cement Capacity: Cimaco’s Edéa plant (1m tons/year) is now operating after CFA39bn investment, but retail prices remain high despite new entrants. Cooking Gas Market: Tradex overtook SCTM as top LPG distributor by volume (Jan–Jul 2026), while SCTM’s supply issues are linked to unpaid debts to importers. LPG Import Tender: Cameroon launched a tender for 60,000 tons of LPG for 2026 demand, split into 35,000 and 25,000-ton lots. Infrastructure Delivery: The Mayo Taram bridge in Banyo was officially opened on Aug. 31, improving a key West–Adamawa crossing after long delays. US-Cameroon Investment Pipeline: Cameroon and the US unveiled about $7bn in investment and trade opportunities across energy, critical minerals, logistics, technology and infrastructure, with joint working groups planned. Aviation Fuel Study: Cameroon formally launched a feasibility study to assess building a domestic sustainable aviation fuel industry, supported by the EU under ICAO’s ACT-SAF program. Mining Takeover Watch: Canyon Resources’ Minim-Martap bauxite project remains at the center of a takeover fight, with independent valuation far above A2MP’s offer but heavily dependent on financing to develop resources. Cable Manufacturing: Everwell Cameroon Cables returned to profit in 2025 as sales jumped 56%, reaching CFA2.81bn revenue.

Investment Promotion: Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency invited South African firms operating in Nigeria to join the Cameroon Investment Forum 2026, stepping up outreach ahead of the November event. Construction & Infrastructure: Cameroon opened the Mayo Taram bridge in Banyo on the Foumban–Tibati–Ngaoundéré corridor after long delays, improving safety on National Road No. 6. Energy & Utilities Finance: Socadel is seeking CFA200 billion from local banks to strengthen liquidity and refinance debt, while Camwater awarded a CFA721.76m contract for 3,000 smart meters to boost billing and revenue recovery. Oil & Gas Supply: Cameroon launched a tender for 60,000 tonnes of LPG to cover 2026 demand, underscoring continued import dependence. Agri & Food Systems: Congo Basin countries adopted the Yaounde Declaration 2026 to scale agroecology, aiming to raise food output while protecting forests and biodiversity. Mining Policy: Cameroon is considering easing exploration permit procedures to attract mining investment, following review discussions on the 2023 Mining Code. Industrial Markets: Tradex overtook SCTM in Cameroon’s cooking gas distribution by volume, as SCTM faces supply issues tied to unpaid debts. Digital & Aviation: Cameroon formally launched a feasibility study on building a domestic sustainable aviation fuel industry, supported by the EU and ICAO.

Power Finance: Socadel seeks CFA200bn from local banks to bolster liquidity and refinance debt, aiming to ease payment pressure across Cameroon’s electricity sector. Aviation Fuel: Cameroon formally launched a feasibility study to assess whether it can produce sustainable aviation fuel locally, with EU support and ICAO-aligned planning. Cooking Gas Market: Tradex overtook SCTM as Cameroon’s top LPG distributor by volume, while SCTM’s supply issues tied to unpaid debts keep pressure on the sector. Water Revenue Tech: Camwater awarded Hangzhou Laison a CFA721.76m deal to install 3,000 smart meters, targeting better billing and revenue recovery. Road Connectivity: Cameroon opened the Mayo Taram bridge in Banyo on National Road No. 6, improving safer regional access after long delays. Mining Investment Rules: Cameroon is considering easing exploration permit procedures to attract more mining investment under the 2023 Mining Code review. Local Tax Impact: The new General Synthetic Tax (IGS) raised nearly CFA15bn for municipalities, but businesses warn withholding rules can strain cash flow. Energy Imports: Cameroon launched a tender for 60,000 tons of LPG to cover 2026 demand, underscoring continued import dependence. Far North Reconstruction: Nearly CFAF800bn has been mobilized for the Far North reconstruction programme, with road works a major focus. Bauxite Deal Watch: A valuation values Canyon Resources shares far above A2MP’s offer, intensifying the Minim-Martap takeover fight and highlighting funding hurdles. US-Cameroon Business Pipeline: Yaoundé and Washington unveiled about $7bn in investment opportunities across energy, tech, critical minerals, infrastructure and logistics, with working groups to track progress. Youth & Skills: Cameroon invested CFAF90m in a new Foumbot youth training facility to support employment and self-employment. Security & Labor Mobility: Reports say Cameroon is a major source of recruits lured into Russia’s war, raising serious human and social risks.

Maritime Security: EU naval forces boarded the sixth suspected Russian shadow-fleet tanker, the Sun, in a flag-verification operation in the Mediterranean, underscoring tighter scrutiny of illicit oil trade linked to Russia’s war. Digital Infrastructure & Investment: Cybastion plans a $75m AI data center and power plant in Cameroon, announced during the inaugural U.S.-Cameroon Bilateral Economic and Commercial Dialogue. Agroecology & Food Systems: Congo Basin countries adopted the Yaounde Declaration 2026, pushing agroecology to raise food output while protecting forests, with targets for budget allocations and direct support to farmers’ groups, women, youth and Indigenous communities. Youth & Skills: Cameroon invested CFAF 90m in a new Multifunctional Youth Promotion Centre facility in Foumbot to expand training and employment pathways for ages 15–35. Mining Policy: Cameroon is considering easing procedures for granting mining exploration permits to attract more investment under the 2023 Mining Code review. Port & Trade Revenue: Douala port remains the key customs revenue engine, with August 2026 targets placing Littoral I (Douala/Kribi districts) at the center of foreign trade collections. Road Delivery Risk: Cameroon may complete fewer than half of its 2026 road projects due to contractor underperformance, slow procurement, insecurity and weak financial execution. Local Business Cash Flow: Cameroon’s new small-business tax transfers about CFA15bn in IGS collections to municipalities, but withholding rules are straining cash flow for firms. Maritime Trade Disruption: Turkish and Somali forces freed the Cameroon-flagged MV Lutuf after a 10-day anti-piracy operation, with 14 pirates reported killed and the vessel resuming its voyage. AI & Data Governance Watch: UK’s Digital Verification Services Trust Framework v1.0 takes effect from September 1, tightening how certified digital age verification is implemented. Regional Industry Context: Experts at a Kigali pre-summit session highlighted why Africa’s food potential isn’t translating into reliable food security, pointing to weak links between production, storage and transport.

Douala Port Revenue: Cameroon’s customs targets CFA106.7bn for August 2026, with Douala expected to deliver about CFA62.3bn and keep its trade engine role even as Kribi grows. Local Tax Relief Pressure: The new General Synthetic Tax (IGS) transfers nearly CFA15bn to municipalities for 2025, but withholding rules are still straining business cash flow ahead of the 2027 Finance Law. Road Delivery Risk: Only 30 of 155 road projects were completed by late July; insecurity, slow procurement and weak payment execution could leave Cameroon finishing under half of its 2026 targets. Maritime Security & Shipping: EU forces stopped a sixth “false flag” tanker linked to Cameroon registry details, while Turkey and Somalia freed the Cameroon-flagged MV LATUF after a 10-day anti-piracy operation that killed 14 pirates. Business & Logistics Partnerships: CMA CGM and China Communications Construction Company signed an MoU to expand port infrastructure, multimodal logistics and energy-transition projects across Africa and beyond. Agri-Exports & Industry: Rabobank reports African avocado shipments hit 450,000 tonnes in 2025, with exports diversifying despite weather and logistics risks. Pharma Localisation: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma pushes a locally made sickle-cell generic (Drepaf) to cut import dependence and target six African markets. Skills & Media: MTN’s Pan African Media Innovation Programme kicks off in Johannesburg, aiming to strengthen African journalism capacity.

Maritime Security: Turkish and Somali forces say they freed the Cameroon-flagged MV LATUF after a 10-day anti-piracy operation off Puntland, killing 14 alleged pirates and destroying four pirate boats, as the vessel resumes its voyage toward Dar es Salaam. Trade & Logistics: The same piracy wave is also raising broader shipping risk across the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab, where attacks have surged and international patrols are stretched. Investment Pipeline: Cameroon and the United States outlined about $7bn (nearly 4tn CFA) in new and expanding projects across energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, forestry and logistics, including Hydromine’s proposed $3.5bn Grand Eweng hydropower and talks on a Douala airport. Agribusiness & Community Support: AgricVento’s “Planting Dignity, Harvesting Futures” back-to-school drive in Moli (Buea) delivered school materials plus health and menstrual hygiene support. Agri-Industry Pressure: Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) asked the government to intervene after reports of over 100 palm trees destroyed at Esuke in Mutengene, threatening its operations and recent investments.

Maritime Security: Turkish and Somali forces say they freed the Cameroon-flagged MV LUTUF after a 10-day anti-piracy operation off Puntland, killing 14 suspected pirates and destroying four pirate boats, though Puntland officials dispute the “military rescue” story and accuse ransom payments. Black Sea Shipping Risk: Turkey summoned Ukraine’s ambassador after drone attacks damaged two Turkish-operated vessels, including the Cameroon-flagged Lider Bordo Mavi, raising fresh concerns for civilian shipping safety. Investment & Infrastructure: Cameroon and the US outlined about $7bn (CFAF ~4tn) in new business opportunities across energy, critical minerals, technology, forestry and logistics, including Hydromine’s Grand Eweng hydropower and a Douala-area airport. Agri & Community Support: AgricVento’s back-to-school drive in Moli (Buea) provided school materials plus health and menstrual hygiene support. Public Health Industry: Cameroon says it has 19 pharmaceutical production units, but local output still meets under 5% of demand. Economy Watch: Cameroon reported 3.5% growth in 2025, with a widening trade deficit and food inflation rising faster than overall prices.

Maritime Security: Turkish and Somali forces say they freed the Cameroon-flagged MV Latuf after a 10-day pirate hijacking off Puntland, reporting 14 pirates killed and four pirate boats destroyed; Shipping Risk: other reports say a $2.5m ransom was paid, while the broader Gulf of Aden–Bab al-Mandab piracy surge is straining global logistics; Cameroon Investment & Industry: the US and Cameroon outlined about $7bn in new and expanding projects across energy, critical minerals, technology, forestry and logistics, including Hydromine’s $3.5bn Grand Eweng hydropower and a Douala airport proposal; Agri-Business & Food Trade: Cameroon’s cocoa export earnings fell 63% in 2025-26 as shipments and prices dropped, while cotton prices are rebounding and could open value-adding opportunities for African exporters; Pharma & Manufacturing: Cameroon says it has 19 pharmaceutical production units, but local output still covers under 5% of demand; Agri-Tech Community Support: AgricVento’s back-to-school drive in Moli (Buea) combined learning materials with health and dignity support for children.

U.S.-Cameroon Investment Push: Cameroon and the United States unveiled a roughly $7bn business pipeline after their first Economic and Commercial Dialogue in Yaoundé, spotlighting energy, critical minerals, technology, forestry and logistics, with joint working groups to tackle investor hurdles. Agri-Industry & Jobs: Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) asked the government to intervene after reports of more than 100 palm trees destroyed at Esuke in Mutengene, warning the damage could derail its oil mill investment and livelihoods. Pharma Localisation: Cameroon’s pharmaceutical output is rising (19 production units in 2026 vs 7 in 2020), but local medicines still cover under 5% of demand, as firms face financing, raw-material and payment delays. Macroeconomy: Cameroon grew 3.5% in 2025, with non-oil activity up 3.8%, while the trade deficit widened to about CFAF2.1trn as imports outpaced exports. Cocoa Shock: Cocoa export earnings plunged 63% in 2025-26 as shipments and prices fell, with ONCC reporting lower marketed production and higher stocks. Port & Logistics Partnerships: ICTSI moved to expand in Africa via a deal to acquire a port and cargo operator across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa, while CMA CGM signed cooperation pacts with China’s CCCC to deepen port and logistics projects. Maritime Security: Escalating piracy off Somalia and drone attacks in the Black Sea are adding fresh risk to shipping routes that matter for regional trade.

Port & Logistics: The U.S. Congress delegation visited Douala Port to discuss maritime and port security, while PAD highlighted modernization plans to expand capacity and build new berths, warehouses and the fishing port rehabilitation. Energy & Industry: Cameroon’s SCDP inaugurated new petroleum storage and supply facilities, including a Bonabéri LPG sphere boosting capacity by 40%, as the country pushes more resilient fuel logistics. Agri-Industry: Cameroon cocoa export earnings plunged 63% in 2025-26 as shipments and prices fell; ONCC reported 125,469 tonnes exported and rising stocks. Pharma Manufacturing: Cameroon grew pharmaceutical production units to 19, but local output still covers under 5% of demand, with financing, raw materials and payment delays cited as bottlenecks. Investment & Trade: The U.S. Embassy says Cameroon has a CFAF 4trn business pipeline across energy, mining, transport, tech and logistics, discussed in a new US-Cameroon dialogue. Shipping Security: Somali piracy surged again with multiple hijackings near Yemen and Somalia, raising risks for Gulf of Guinea trade routes. Agriculture Land Dispute: CDC asked government intervention after reported destruction of over 100 palm trees at Esuke, warning investments and livelihoods are at stake. Industrial Expansion: Keda Cameroon Ceramics quadrupled 2025 core revenue to CFA58.7bn and scaled tile output past 21m square meters, though profitability details remain unclear.

US-Cameroon Investment Push: The US Embassy says American firms are pursuing nearly $7bn (CFAF 4tn) in Cameroon across energy, mining, transport, tech, forestry and logistics, discussed at the inaugural US-Cameroon Bilateral Economic and Commercial Dialogue in Yaoundé, with a follow-up planned in 2027. Port Security & Modernisation: A US Congress delegation visited the Port of Douala, where PAD officials highlighted modernization plans—expansion toward Essengue/Manoka Island and new oil tanker berths—aimed at boosting capacity and keeping Gulf of Guinea trade flowing. Energy for Industry: At Kribi Port, the energy minister assessed works including a 225/30 kV substation and a 225 kV line to the Kribi gas power plant to stabilise power for the industrial-port complex. Petroleum Storage Upgrade: SCDP inaugurated new LPG and fuel logistics facilities in Douala, including a 1,000-ton LPG sphere at Bonabéri (capacity up 40%) to reduce import supply risks. Retail Expansion: Neptune Group opened Maithé Mall in Obala (CFAF 6bn), adding modern retail and services beyond major cities. Cocoa Shock: Cameroon’s cocoa export earnings plunged 63% in 2025-26 as volumes and prices fell, with ONCC citing weaker marketed production and rising stocks. SME Support: SMEPA awarded CFAF 70m to 35 prototype-to-production projects under Fonds-Proto, with grants plus technical support for scaling. Industrial Policy Watch: AfDB’s Africa Industrialisation Index ranked Morocco top, while Cameroon’s broader industrial competitiveness remains tied to infrastructure, investment and business climate reforms. Cholera Prevention: MSF and Cameroon’s Ministry of Health are putting communities at the centre of cholera prevention in Yaoundé’s Djoungolo, focusing on sanitation and local action. Banking Governance Concern: Cameroon’s takeover of Société Générale Cameroun (renamed GBC) is drawing AfDB concern over the state’s growing banking footprint and related fiscal/governance risks. Telecom Leadership: MTN appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs, signalling tighter regulatory execution across markets. Manufacturing Scale-Up: Keda Cameroon Ceramics quadrupled 2025 core revenue and ramped tile output at its Kribi plant, though profitability details remain unclear.

Port Modernisation & Energy Security: A U.S. Congress delegation visited the Port of Douala to discuss maritime security and reviewed PAD’s 2020-2050 master plan, including expansion toward Essengue/Manoka Island and new oil tanker berths, warehouses and fishing-port rehabilitation. Petroleum Storage Boost: SCDP inaugurated new fuel and LPG facilities in Douala, including a 1,000-ton LPG sphere at Bonabéri that raises capacity by 40% to 3,500 tons, as Cameroon stays import-dependent after SONARA’s shutdown. US Investment Push: Cameroon used the first US-Cameroon Economic and Commercial Dialogue to pitch the $3bn Grand Eweng dam plus Douala airport and data/cloud projects, while AmCham flagged FX access, financing and regulatory predictability as key barriers. Banking Governance Watch: The AfDB warned that Cameroon’s takeover of General Bank of Cameroon (GBC) reflects a growing state footprint in banking, raising fiscal and governance risks. SME Innovation Funding: SMEPA awarded CFAF 70m to 35 local prototype-to-production projects under Fonds-Proto, including semi-industrial footwear using recycled tires. Cocoa Trade Pressure: Cameroon’s cocoa exports fell sharply as shipments and prices weakened, with EU-bound volumes still dominating. 5G Readiness: Cameroon says 5G groundwork is nearly complete, but commercial rollout depends on operator investments and reliable electricity.

Telecom Regulation: MTN Group appoints Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs from 7 Sept 2026, boosting its Ambition 2030 regulatory push across markets. Transport Governance: Cameroon’s Transport Ministry held a commissioning ceremony in Yaounde for newly appointed officials, urging ethics, faster file processing and zero tolerance for inertia and corruption. Energy & Logistics: SCDP inaugurated expanded fuel and LPG storage and import-handling capacity in Douala, including a new 1,000-ton LPG sphere and a pipeline linking Port of Douala facilities to Bessengué, as SONARA remains shut. SME & Manufacturing Support: SMEPA awarded CFAF 70m to 35 local prototype projects under Fonds-Proto to move innovations toward pre-series and market testing. Digital Infrastructure: TRB says Cameroon’s 5G groundwork is nearly complete, but commercial rollout depends on operators’ network investment and reliable electricity. Agri-Trade & Compliance: Cameroon is assessing individual cocoa exporters and processors ahead of EU deforestation rules, aiming to protect EU market access while tightening traceability and sustainability. Cocoa Market Shock: Cameroon’s cocoa export earnings plunged 63% in 2025-26 as shipments and prices fell, with Europe taking over 84% of volumes. Industrial Finance & Transport: Camalco injected CFAF 9.85bn into Camrail, nearly tripling its stake, ahead of future bauxite transport from the Minim-Martap project. Construction Delivery: Razel reassured continuity on the Mbalmayo–Sangmélima road works after payment arrears and site mobilization delays were reviewed in a ministerial session.

5G Readiness: Cameroon’s telecom regulator says most pre-rollout work for 5G is nearly done, but commercial launch still hinges on operators’ network investment and reliable electricity supply. Telecom Leadership: MTN announced new internal appointments to strengthen operations and regulatory affairs across Francophone markets. Cocoa Shock: Cameroon’s cocoa export earnings plunged 63% as shipments and prices fell, even as top exporter Kate Fotso expanded market share. EU Deforestation Compliance: Cameroon is assessing cocoa exporters and processors individually to keep EU market access under the EUDR, with traceability and sustainability at the center. Bauxite Project Financing: Minim-Martap’s future looks shakier after AFG Bank Cameroon suspended further loan drawdowns, while an Australian takeover dispute adds more uncertainty. Rail Investment: Camalco injected CFA9.85bn into Camrail, nearly tripling its stake ahead of expected future bauxite traffic. Roads for Farmers: Cameroon awarded CFA3.77bn to rehabilitate 136.3km of rural roads in Adamawa to improve market access. Payments for Trade: Cameroon urged businesses to use Afreximbank’s PAPSS to speed cross-border payments, but bank participation remains a bottleneck. Mining Safety Debate: A deadly artisanal gold mine collapse in CAR near Cameroon reignited calls for stronger small-scale mining regulation.

Fisheries Transparency: FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency praised new international moves like the Mombasa Declaration, but warned that signing is only the start and real, stakeholder-led implementation is the hard part. Inclusive WASH: In Yaounde, CBM trained WASH stakeholders under LNOB4 on disability-inclusive services, covering planning, monitoring, universal design and inclusive accountability. Telecoms & Digital: Cameroon’s TRB says 5G groundwork is nearly done, with commercial rollout still tied to operator investment and reliable electricity supply. Agri-Exports & EU Rules: Trade Minister Mbarga Atangana met cocoa exporters and processors to check readiness for the EU Deforestation Regulation, shifting from broad national prep to operator-by-operator traceability and sustainability compliance. Roads & Construction: Razel BEC reassured continuity on the Mbalmayo–Sangmélima Lot 3 works after slowdowns, with government citing progress on clearing payment certificates. Bauxite Project Finance: Minim-Martap’s uncertainty deepened as AFG Bank suspended further AFG loan drawdowns pending a review, while a Canyon takeover dispute reached Australia’s regulator. Industrial Costs: Cameroon’s industrial producer prices rose 1.4% in Q1 2026, mainly driven by a rebound in oil and gas extraction prices. Payments Infrastructure: Cameroon urged wider use of Afreximbank’s PAPSS, but noted limited bank participation still blocks faster, cheaper cross-border payments.

Sickle Cell Access: A Senegalese lab is producing generic hydroxyurea for the first time in Africa, aiming to cut costs and reduce dependence on expensive imported treatment for millions affected across the continent. Cameroon Agriculture Data: Cameroon advances its Agricultural census (RGAE) in Yaounde, adopting a 2026 performance plan and mid-term evaluation to map livestock and cultivated areas for 2035 agropastoral growth. Freight Transport Stability: Cameroon averts a looming nationwide freight paralysis after emergency talks led by the Transport Minister, with unions and agencies agreeing on steps to address checkpoint, road safety, and axle-weight concerns. Maritime Security Watch: The IMO warns that piracy is rising again in the Gulf of Aden, with more than 90 seafarers held captive after the hijacking of the tanker Sibu 1. Public Health at Work: A malaria survey across 10 West African countries (including Cameroon) finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, urging stronger private-sector action. Energy/Operations: Savannah Energy reports a 13% year-on-year rise in Nigeria cash collections to $247.9m over seven months to 31 July 2026. West Africa Telecom Cashflow: MTN says Nigeria and Ghana are driving cash upstream to Johannesburg, supporting group recovery. Mining Safety Spillover: A gold mine landslide in the Central African Republic kills 100+ and highlights risks for artisanal mining that also affect Cameroon’s border areas.