Made in Cameroon military hardware: MINDEF boss seals three strategic deals to boost production.

The agreements were signed in Yaounde on Wednesday, April 8. The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, signed on behalf of the ministry, while the Managing Directors of the three companies put pen to paper for the deal for their respective institutions.

Top brass of the military as well as representatives of the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, witnessed the ceremony. 

The three companies retained for the execution of the projects are charged with the manufacture of protective helmets and bulletproof vests, and construction of a factory for the manufacture of mechanical parts and armour for 8-seater light tactical vehicles to STANAG 4569 BR6 standard.

The first convention signed was with Douala-based company, SOTRABUS. The company is charged with the transformation of 10 Toyota pickups to light tactical vehicles within a period of 11 months.

MINDEF said the light tactical vehicles will strengthen protection, foster mobility of defence and security forces. SOTRABUS, it was revealed, was selected after verification of expertise despite offers from European and Asian companies.

The second convention was with the Cameroon International Business Company. It will be charge with the construction of a factory for the fabrication of bulletproofs and protective helmets. 

The factory, it was said, is expected to produce an estimated 25,000 productive gears in three years to enhance protection.

The third agreement with another private entity, charges the company with the construction of a factory for the fabrication of mechanical parts within 24 months. 

All three projects, it was revealed, will be carried out on 10 hectares of land.

Enter MINDEF boss

Minister Beti Assomo said the conventions are fully in line with the vision of the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Paul Biya, to strengthen the operational, logistical and technological capabilities of the defence forces and ensure their strategic autonomy.

He also added that it is part of the implementation of the National Development Strategy, NDS2020-2030, related to the structural transformation of the economy of the country.

The approach, he explained, aims to promote the development of a productive industry with the aim of strengthening import-substitution and reducing the burden of importation and their negative impact on balance of trade.

He reminded stakeholders that the ministry has since 2022 engaged in moves to obtain military-industrial architecture.

The minister cited the construction and inauguration of an ultramodern facility equipped with heavy duty high speed industrial sewing machines to design and produce Made in Cameroon military wears. 

He also revealed that a project to construct and equip a military footwear production workshop was already well on course.

“In a security context marked by threats in our country, particularly the fight against terrorist group, Boko Haram in the Far North and operations to restore peace in the North West and South West Regions as well as security along our borders, it has become essential to strengthen our economy,” Minister Beti Assomo said.

The minister said “our external dependence on equipment constitutes a major constraint”.

He further explained that the projects engaged to build a modern and competitive defence system to the service of security and development of the country, are intended to change the narrative.  

The minister said the projects will stimulate industrial development, create a dynamic ecosystem, create jobs, promote the transfer of technology and skill to benefit personnel of the defence and security forces for the protection of people in the regions.

Companies urged to deliver

Minister Beti Assomo tasked the three companies chosen to execute the projects to show proof of determination, rigor and professionalism in the successful implementation of the agreements.

He disclosed that the success of the projects is of capital importance, as it constitutes an investment for the future.

“I urge all actors involved in the implementation of these projects to do their best,” the minister said. 

This article was first published The Guardian Post Edition No:3756 of Friday April 10, 2026