Cameroon–France: Strengthening economic partnerships in a reconfiguring world.

It underscores both the vitality of Cameroon–France economic ties and our shared commitment to an open, fair and rules-based international trading system. At a time of mounting geopolitical tensions, rapid economic change, and the twin transitions towards greener and more digital economies, the need to strengthen economic partnerships is more compelling than ever. The WTO Ministerial Conference offers a timely platform to reaffirm a common vision of effective and forward-looking multilateralism.

The Franco-Cameroonian economic relationship rests on longstanding ties, sustained exchanges and a particularly active business presence. More than 200 French companies operate in Cameroon, supporting around 20,000 direct jobs, contributing to skills development, and delivering major infrastructure projects such as the Nachtigal Hydroelectric facility. At a time when global solidarity is under increasing strain, France remains firmly committed to responsible and sustainable investment, notably through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group, which has committed over €2 billion (CFAF 1,300 billion) in Cameroon since 2008. Spanning sectors from energy and transport to agribusiness, services and urban infrastructure, these partnerships play a tangible role in advancing the country’s economic development.

Building on this momentum, France aims to deepen this partnership by encouraging reciprocal investment and closer ties between French and Cameroonian businesses. Further progress in improving the business environment will be key to attracting investment, fostering innovation and supporting economic diversification.

The strength of our economic partnership also brings responsibilities: ensuring that investors are adequately protected, that projects are locally anchored, and that their benefits are sustained over time.

Cameroon’s strengths are considerable: a strategic location in Central Africa, a dynamic domestic market, abundant natural resources and a promising talent base. France and its companies likewise bring significant assets, and the steady interaction between our governments, civil societies and business communities helps to unlock this shared potential.

In an increasingly competitive global economy, the pursuit of reforms to enhance transparency, legal certainty and regulatory predictability will be critical to sustaining and strengthening the country’s attractiveness. France stands ready to support this ambition, in a spirit of partnership and constructive engagement with Cameroonian authorities and economic stakeholders.

My visit also comes ahead of the Africa–France Summit, “Africa Forward”, to be held on 11 and 12 May in Nairobi and co-hosted by France and Kenya. The summit will provide an important opportunity to deepen economic ties between France and the African continent, promote entrepreneurship, catalyse investment and support initiatives led by African economic actors. In this context, the full engagement of African partners, including Cameroon, will be essential to ensuring that the summit delivers meaningful dialogue, innovation and concrete action in support of sustainable and inclusive growth.

In a rapidly changing world, France and Cameroon have a shared opportunity to further strengthen their economic partnership - supporting development, job creation and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

By Nicolas Forissier: He is the Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Attractiveness of France