The agreement was signed on March 26, 2026, on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization by the Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella, and ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
The deal builds on more than 25 years of cooperation between Cameroon and the ITC and focuses on helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow, especially through digital trade. It aims to make it easier for businesses to sell their products online, reach new markets, and improve their competitiveness.
Under the agreement, both sides will work to strengthen the business environment by offering training, advisory services, and support for better policies in the digital economy. Policymakers will also benefit from capacity-building programmes to help improve regulations and encourage innovation.
The initiative aligns with Cameroon’s development plan, NDS30, which seeks to modernize the economy and promote growth. Agriculture remains a key focus, particularly cocoa and cassava. Cassava is widely consumed locally and used in industry, while cocoa is one of Cameroon’s main export products, earning premium prices on international markets. The partnership will also support broader trade development. The ITC will provide market analysis, export training, and business support services to help local enterprises access global value chains. It will also assist the government in improving digital trade policies and creating a more inclusive business environment.
Speaking at the signing, Pamela Coke-Hamilton highlighted Cameroon’s strong potential and reaffirmed ITC’s commitment to helping local businesses grow internationally. The ITC, a joint agency of the WTO and the United Nations, focuses on helping developing countries strengthen their trade capacity.
The agreement was signed alongside discussions on how e-commerce can support rural development. Officials noted that digital trade can help expand agricultural markets, create jobs, and attract investment. Overall, the partnership marks a step forward in helping Cameroonian businesses benefit from the global digital economy.
Jude Viban
