EU envoy drums CEMAC unity to end fragmented trade system.

He made the call during the 4th edition of the Finance Week 2026 in Yaounde.

Châtaigner said deeper economic unity within the six-member bloc is essential to improve trade flows, strengthen negotiating power and attract sustained private investment in a volatile global environment marked by geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions.

He outlined a global context shaped by conflict, financial instability and renewed protectionist policies, noting that smaller and mid-sized economies face constraints unless they act collectively.

Within this environment, he positioned regional blocs as critical tools for stability and economic resilience.

“Our world is in disorder, marked by conflict and destabilised by financial and economic shocks. In such a context, smaller states must unite to create stability and strengthen their position. Regional integration is no longer optional, it is essential,” Châtaigner said.

He further pointed to the European Union’s trajectory as an example of how progressive integration can enhance economic weight and improve bargaining capacity in international trade and diplomatic negotiations.

4% intra-regional trade highlights fragmentation

Despite significant natural assets, including energy resources, minerals and agricultural potential, the envoy highlighted that intra-CEMAC trade remains limited, accounting for less than four percent of total external trade among member states. 

“The region has considerable assets, from its natural resources to its strategic location. Yet these strengths remain underexploited, with intra-regional trade at just four percent. This is a clear signal that barriers must be removed to unlock growth,” the Ambassador noted.

He also expressed concern that current trade arrangements do not fully reflect regional integration objectives. 

The EU diplomat noted that broader, bloc-wide agreements could strengthen economic coherence and external partnerships.

Macroeconomic pressures 

Châtaigner said macroeconomic stability remains a central condition for sustained investment. He pointed to declining foreign exchange reserves and delays in programmes with the International Monetary Fund across several countries in the region.

According to him, such delays have a direct impact on the mobilisation of European financial instruments, including loans and guarantees aimed at supporting infrastructure and private sector development.

“Macroeconomic stability is not an abstract concept for European partners. It determines whether companies can invest and remain over time. Without credible budget trajectories, key financing tools cannot be deployed at scale,” Châtaigner said.

He added that disruptions in one country’s reform programme can affect the entire sub-region, slowing coordinated financial support and limiting the scale of external funding.

Infrastructure, SMEs…priorities

The EU envoy identified transport corridors, energy interconnections and digital infrastructure as central to unlocking regional integration, citing ongoing and planned projects linking key cities across Central Africa.

He also drew attention to the energy sector in Cameroon, where structural adjustments are ongoing, stressing the importance of maintaining operational stability to support industrial growth and future export capacity.

In addition, Châtaigner highlighted financing gaps affecting small and medium-sized enterprises and public sector entities, describing them as critical constraints on economic expansion over the medium term. 

According to the EU Ambassador, efforts are also underway to support Cameroon’s first sovereign green bond issuance, aimed at mobilising capital for sustainable development projects.

Business platform to advance engagement

Looking ahead, Châtaigner announced a forthcoming Cameroon-European Union Business Week scheduled for mid-June in Yaounde. 

He stated that, it is designed to facilitate partnerships between European and local companies across sectors including energy, logistics, digital services and agro-industry. 

He said the initiative will focus on business-to-business exchanges and sector-specific discussions, aimed at strengthening private sector engagement and supporting investment flows between the two regions.

The Ambassador emphasised that continued dialogue between public authorities and private stakeholders would remain central to advancing integration efforts. 

This, he said, will also translate policy objectives into measurable economic outcomes across Cameroon and the wider CEMAC bloc.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3783 of Friday May 08, 2026