To strengthen Latin America cooperation: Yaounde to host economic forum on cutting reliance on imports.

The event is positioned as a platform to drive partnerships in key sectors including agriculture, industrialisation and local development.

The forum will showcase expertise from five Latin American countries, namely Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile, as Cameroon seeks to deepen economic ties with emerging economies from the region. 

Discussions and presentations will be guided by the theme: “Optimizing local production through international partnerships for the structural transformation of Cameroon’s economy”.

MINREX states that the initiative forms part of an effort to strengthen economic diplomacy and expand Cameroon’s international partnerships. 

The ministry indicates that the forum will gather policymakers, international experts and private sector actors to identify investment opportunities and foster cooperation between participating countries. 

Activities will include high-level panels, business-to-business and business-to-government sessions, investment presentations, and the signing of partnership agreements, alongside a planned business and cultural gala.

According to information published on the EFILAC 2026 website, the forum is designed to support Cameroon’s ambition to reach emerging market status by 2035 through increased international cooperation. 

The platform aims to improve access to capital, expertise and products while promoting balanced trade relationships between Cameroon and its partners.

“International cooperation and partnerships should play a leading role in this endeavor,” the website states.

It further notes that Latin American economies are increasingly influential on the global stage due to industrial growth, demographic advantages and rising living standards.

EFILAC organisers highlight that the forum will contribute to expanding economic, technological and industrial collaboration between Cameroon and Latin American countries. 

They also aim to build a strategic network linking business leaders, government officials and entrepreneurs across both regions.

The event is expected to host more than 500 participants, over 300 companies and at least 2,000 visitors, with more than 30 moderators scheduled to lead discussions and sessions.

The forum comes as Cameroon intensifies its import substitution policy introduced in 2021, which focuses on reducing dependence on imports by boosting domestic production and promoting locally made goods. 

Priority sectors under this policy include agriculture and livestock, with emphasis on commodities such as rice, maize, milk and fish.

Companies interested in participating in EFILAC 2026 have been invited to register through the official forum website or contact the relevant department within MINREX.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3767 of Tuesday April 21, 2026