Central Africa Business Forum opens in Yaounde.

According to the President of the Central Africa Business Council, Jean Baptiste Fouda, focus is on coming out with a blueprint to attract investments in renewable energy; agribusiness, industries, logistics and digital development.

Fouda detailed that stakeholders are counting on improving the competitiveness of these sectors in the global market place to spur industrialisation and the development of appropriate value chains.

Fouda noted that as a major cassava producing sub region in Africa, and considering its emerging importance in the production of medicines, there is need for large scale production.

The Forum president recalled that during COVID-19, Africa stood out in providing natural herbs that made the population more resilient and able to contain the spread of the virus.

Citing the case of Cameroon, Fouda said Cassava can be produced throughout the year in several communities.

Investment Promotion Agency markets role 

As the Forum opened yesterday, speakers among them a representative of the Interim General Manager of Cameroon´s Investment Promotion Agency, IPA, updated participants

The representative unveiled incentives government has put in place to encourage potential investors choose Cameroon as destination for business.

According to the representative, IPA helps investors obtain the necessary visas and other documents to ease the setting up of their businesses in Cameroon.

The same official also said the IPA helps investors to get quick access to public facilities related to their proposed investment projects.

The IPA, the same staff detailed, also ensures investors comply with commitments entered undertaken while setting up their ventures. 

In addition to this, the IPA boss’ representative noted that the institution also provides and receives information relating to guiding investors once they arrive the country.

Growth of SMEs through AfCFTA

Other presentations touched on boosting the growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, SMEs, by taking advantage of the opportunities of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

Speakers posited that sub-regions need to foster integration as prescribed by the AfCFTA. This, they said, can be done through opening up existing corridors and linking the different sub regions by durable roads.

They stressed the importance of governments seeking adequate financing for the growth of SMEs, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.

Other experts called on countries to respect and apply the rules of origin of goods, so as to facilitate free circulation of same within the AfCFTA. 

It was stated that the reluctance of some African countries to embrace AfCFTA continues to lead to application of tariffs across borders.

The situation, resource persons noted, is restricting the circulation of goods and integration.

Discussions today it was revealed, will focus on improving the investment climate from a continental perspective. On Friday, organisers said interest will be on boosting tourism.

Meanwhile, visitors are expected to pay a high-level visit to the Cameroon Economic Mission housed at the IPA.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3513 of Thursday July 24, 2025