SAGO 2026: Gov’t drums public-private partnerships to fund development agenda.

The fair, which opened on June 8, will run until June 13, at the Yaounde City Council esplanade. It is being held under the theme: “Public-Private Partnership: A Lever for an Emerging Cameroon”.

The official opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, on behalf of the Prime Minister, Head of Government.

Addressing government officials, private sector representatives, development partners and other participants, Minister Rene Sadi said the event provides an opportunity to showcase government projects and achievements while promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors.

According to the minister, SAGO 2026 is taking place amid a challenging international environment marked by the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East and trade disputes among major economies.

He added that despite these challenges, the country has continued implementing major development projects in line with the National Development Strategy, NDS30.

The official noted that a major focus of this year’s fair is the role of PPPs in mobilising resources for strategic projects. He said the model has become increasingly important as governments seek alternative sources of financing for large-scale investments.

“Given the scarcity of domestic resources, the government opts, where national interests are safeguarded, to prioritise this financing model in order to raise the capital required to build large-scale infrastructure, particularly in the transport, energy and telecommunications sectors,” Minister Sadi said.

He noted that PPPs can also support the development of industrial zones and logistics platforms needed for local processing of raw materials and the implementation of the import-substitution policy.

“This means that achieving the objectives of the NDS30 is largely dependent on a win-win collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders,” Sadi said.

Throughout the week, SAGO 2026 will host conferences, workshops and exchanges bringing together experts and stakeholders from both sectors to discuss development challenges and opportunities.

The event will also feature exhibition stands showcasing government achievements in areas including infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, urban development and youth employment.

Among the innovations introduced this year are the Village of the 10 Regions, designed to showcase the economic potential of regional and local authorities, a Careers and Training Hub focused on youth employability, and a strengthened Local Consumption Village aimed at promoting locally produced goods and supporting import-substitution efforts.

Organisers expect about 300,000 visitors to attend the fair, which has also attracted participation from foreign countries for the first time.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3814 of Thursday June 11, 2026