Businesses are positioning Cameroon as a strategic entry point into Central Africa, with early business commitments emerging from the first Economic Forum for Import Substitution with Latin American Countries (EFILAC 2026), held in Yaounde.
The forum, organised by the Ministry of External Relations and the Investment Promotion Agency, brought together policymakers, investors and business leaders to accelerate cooperation in agro-industry, pharmaceuticals and construction materials. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic production while diversifying trade partnerships.
Opening the event, officials stressed government’s ambition to build industrial partnerships capable of producing goods currently imported in large volumes. Technology transfer and shared expertise from Latin America were highlighted as central to this strategy.
“EFILAC aligns with government policy to make Cameroon a land of productive opportunities and essential industrial growth in the heart of Africa,” said Oumarou Chinmoun, Secretary General at the ministry. He noted shared agricultural conditions with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile, adding that these countries bring “proven expertise in structural transformation and agricultural value chains.”
Officials said trade between Africa and Latin America still represents less than 2% of global exchanges, highlighting major growth potential. Cameroon imports agricultural inputs, processed foods and industrial equipment from the region, estimated at CFA1.5 trillion annually. Authorities say boosting local production could reduce dependence on imports while unlocking new industrial capacity.
The agency also promoted Cameroon’s market of 28 million consumers within the CEMAC region of 60 million people. “Opportunities span agro-industry, construction materials, equipment, packaging, logistics and production technologies,” an agency official said.
Business-to-business meetings during the forum focused on joint ventures and long-term partnerships. Daniella Prudente Vitorino, head of the Latin American delegation, said Cameroon’s fundamentals influenced investment decisions.
“This country has many similarities with Brazil in climate, rainfall and food customs, and that made us decide to stay here,” she said, highlighting Cameroon’s “strategic location for the entire African market.”
Sector-specific projects are already taking shape. Investors identified the Adamawa Region as a priority for livestock development, including artificial insemination and training programs.
In aquaculture, Helio F. Martins said Latin American technology could be adapted locally. “Cameroon is a land of opportunities, especially in aquaculture… We have already imported equipment and created a company with a local partner,” he said.
Organizersss concluded the first day by noting strong prospects for turning discussions into tangible investments.
Jude Viban
