At ordinary session: Chamber of commerce sets 20-year reforms for artisan development.

This was the main focus during the first Ordinary Sessions and Plenary Assembly of CCIMA for the 2024–2028 period, held recently in Douala. 

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to deliberate on priority economic reforms, industrial development, and the future of Cameroon’s artisanal and commercial sectors. 

Various commissions of the chamber; the economic commission, industrial development, artisanal amongst others, met and discoursed on various themes that could be exploited as a development lever in the upcoming years.

As deliberation ensued, the CCIMA President, Christophe Eken, touring various workshops, underscored the need for the institution and its members to adapt to emerging global challenges, particularly in commerce, industry and Artificial Intelligence AI. He stressed that while AI presents enormous opportunities for industrial growth and productivity, it must be used cautiously and within a clear regulatory framework.

“Artificial Intelligence is a powerful development tool, but it should never replace human creativity or critical thinking. It is important to always have alternative systems in place in case of technical failures,” Eken cautioned, citing experiences from advanced economies where overdependence on automated systems has led to major abrupt disruptions.

Discussions also focused on the new 2025 investment ordinance, described as a potential catalyst for improving Cameroon’s attractiveness to economic operators. Participants noted that the State relies on institutions such as the CCIMA to provide technical advice, propose solutions and support policy implementation within a defined legal framework.

Eken reminded members that the Chamber operates under Decree No. 380, which regulates its advisory and consultative mandate, emphasising that CCIMA’s role is to assist the State by translating private sector challenges into actionable policy recommendations.

Strengthening artisanship and industrial synergy

He laid emphasis on artisanship as a pillar of industrial development. Eken noted that sustainable industrial growth cannot occur in isolation from craftsmanship and local know-how or technics. 

Drawing from international examples in countries such as Germany, India and Morocco, he illustrated how strong cooperation between large industries and skilled artisans contributes to product quality and economic resilience. He cited the signing of cooperation agreements in Morocco, particularly in Fès, which will allow Moroccan technicians to train Cameroonian youths in copper transformation and other artisanal trades.

“Industry must work hand in hand with artisans. Creativity remains a uniquely human asset, and no machine can replace it,” he said.

The CCIMA President revealed that the Chamber is undertaking major investments valued in billions of FCFA, with the objective of ensuring long-term financial independence. Planned projects include the construction of modern infrastructure, better valuation of Cameroon’s cultural and economic heritage, and the strengthening of regional and international partnerships.

He announced that within two decades, the CCIMA aims to attain up to 90 percent financial autonomy, positioning the institution as a credible national and international economic actor capable of supporting young entrepreneurs and facilitating structured business missions abroad.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3662 of Wednesday December 31, 2025