Economy

Ahead of WTO ministerial conference: Trade minister urges private sector to shine Made in Cameroon brand.

by Mercy Fosoh
25 Feb 2026 09:43
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Trade minister with private sector stakeholders during meeting

The Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, has called on stakeholders in the country’s private sector to promote the ‘Made in Cameroon’ brand during side events scheduled alongside the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation MC14, which will take place in Yaounde from March 26 to 29, 2026.

He made the appeal in Yaounde on February 19, during a meeting with national private sector representatives. The meeting aimed to ensure that the domestic economy fully benefits from the global attention MC14 will attract.

The minister emphasised that it would be a missed opportunity not to capitalise on the exposure and the potential for Cameroon’s enterprises to expand their international reach.

According to the minister, MC14 will feature exhibitions, cultural and artistic events, fairs, and business forums that will allow national operators to demonstrate Cameroon’s industrial, artisanal, and agro-processing capabilities to an international audience.

The minister urged national entrepreneurs to actively participate in these side events, stressing that the government would provide full support and coordination.

Planned activities include a business forum advocating improved market access for women-led enterprises, organised jointly by the WTO and the International Chamber of Commerce, and another forum on informal sector migration designed to integrate local businesses into global value chains.

Additional events include a showcase of Made in Cameroon products, spanning the agro-industry and handicraft sectors, alongside the traditional cacao and coffee festival.

These events are intended to enhance Cameroon’s visibility and strengthen the competitiveness of its products in international markets.

Private sector adheres to minister’s call

Representatives of the private sector responded positively to the Minister’s call. Under the leadership of Patience Melone, Chairperson of the Board of Access Bank; and Daniel Claude Abate, President of Mecam, co-initiators of the forum on informal sector migration, business leaders pledged full engagement. Other participants included Tame Lisette Claudia, CEO of Africa Processing Company; Motto Atsama Bibiane, founder of Sialy; and Mbang Elissar, promoter of GIE Madika. All committed to ensuring that Cameroon’s private sector presents a strong, coordinated presence during the international event.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3712 of Monday February 23, 2026