AGP Executive Report

Xenophobia & Citizen Protection: A Cameroonian lawyer warns that recurring xenophobic attacks on Africans in South Africa demand stronger, reciprocal action from African governments, including Cameroon, arguing diplomacy must protect citizens abroad. Cameroon–Maritime Trade: Cameroon and Swiss terminal operator TIL are exploring options to develop and modernise the future Limbe Deep Seaport, aiming to boost industrial activity, exports, imports and jobs in the South-West while complementing Douala and Kribi. Cameroon–Gold Sector: Cameroon is cracking down on under-reported gold production and launching a tax recovery push in the gold sector, as reforms and restructuring continue. Health Policy (Cameroon): Nkafu Policy Institute dialogues highlight reducing out-of-pocket health costs and pushing for private health insurance coverage of chronic diseases. Banking Recognition: Access Bank wins 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, with digital banking leadership in Cameroon among the honours. Regional Governance & PR: APRA re-elects Cameroon’s Michele Mekeme as vice president, reinforcing continental public relations leadership. Anti-Scam Enforcement (Cameroon links): Penang police in Malaysia rescued a Cameroonian woman allegedly held captive and raided four call centres tied to investment scams.

World Cup Politics: Argentina’s President Javier Milei says he will skip the final in New Jersey, watching from Buenos Aires instead, citing superstition and a lucky jacket—while Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez is set to attend. Maritime & Sanctions: A Cameroon-flagged Russian shadow fleet tanker, Caroline Bezengi, spilled oil off Oman, according to Reuters, highlighting the risks of sanctions evasion. Cameroon Trade & Ports: Cameroon and Swiss terminal operator TIL are exploring options to develop and modernise the future Limbe Deep Seaport, aiming to boost industry, exports, jobs and logistics in the South-West. Banking Recognition: Access Bank won 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, including digital banking leadership in Cameroon. Digital Governance: ANTIC urged North West mayors to digitise council services, noting only 48.6% of councils have functional websites. Health Financing: Nkafu Policy Institute dialogue in Yaoundé pushed reforms to reduce out-of-pocket costs and expand coverage for chronic diseases via private insurance models. Gold Sector Crackdown: Cameroon launched a tax recovery and anti-smuggling offensive in gold, targeting under-reported production and large illicit flows.

Cameroon Gold Crackdown: Cameroon has launched a sweeping operation to recover about $680m in tax and customs revenues tied to gold production, targeting under-declared output and strengthening traceability and monitoring in East and Adamawa. Mining Sector Push: The government also unveiled a “new face” for mining, pointing to multiple iron ore, bauxite, marble and gold projects now commissioned or in commissioning, as it restructures the gold industry to boost state revenue. Trade Corridor Upgrade: Technical studies are advancing for the Ebolowa–Ambam highway rehabilitation, a key National Road 2 link to Equatorial Guinea that supports cross-border trade in farm produce and timber. Health Financing Reform: In Yaoundé, Nkafu Policy Institute stakeholders discussed scaling Universal Health Coverage by reducing out-of-pocket costs, with focus on chronic disease coverage through private health insurance reforms. Digital Local Governance: ANTIC urged North West mayors to digitize council services, noting only 48.6% of local councils have functional websites, while pushing automation of local revenue and civil status systems. Banking Recognition: Access Bank won 16 Euromoney Awards, including digital banking leadership in Cameroon, reinforcing its regional standing. Regional Security & Crime: Penang police rescued a Cameroonian woman allegedly held captive and exploited, dismantling four scam call centres in raids.

Gold Sector Crackdown: Cameroon launched a tax and customs recovery operation targeting under-reported gold production, citing a major gap between declared output and volumes linked to Cameroon abroad, with officials aiming to regain billions and tighten traceability. Trade & Infrastructure: Technical studies are advancing for the rehabilitation of the Ebolowa–Ambam highway, a key corridor to Equatorial Guinea that supports farm and timber exports. Health Financing Reform: Nkafu Policy Institute dialogues in Yaoundé pushed for reducing out-of-pocket costs and expanding private health insurance coverage for chronic diseases to support Universal Health Coverage. Chronic Disease Coverage: Experts urged Cameroon to use the WHO PEN-Plus approach to improve equitable coverage for non-communicable diseases, especially for households hit hardest by medical bills. SNH Performance Watch: Cameroon’s National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH) reported a 41.3% fall in 2025 net profit as operating losses widened, despite slightly higher revenue. Maritime Sanctions Case: A UK court denied bail to the captain of a Russian shadow-fleet tanker seized in June, a case that could shape how sanctions are enforced against crews. Regional Security Context: Coverage also highlighted insecurity across the Lake Chad area, including a deadly Boko Haram attack on a military base in eastern Chad.

Gold Sector Crackdown: Cameroon moves to curb under-reported gold production and illegal exports, saying discrepancies have cut tax receipts and that more than 200 firms operate without authorization. Customs & Timber Policy: Higher timber export taxes are starting to bite—timber export duties fell CFA7.9bn in 2025, dragging customs revenue growth. Central Banking Liquidity: After BEAC policy easing, banks’ demand for liquidity keeps rising, with July 14 requests of CFA535.5bn versus CFA500bn offered. Water & Infrastructure: AfDB approved €94m (about $103m) to expand irrigation in Northern Cameroon, including three hillside dams and 618 hectares of irrigated land. Water Sector Reforms: Cameroon presented a nearly $4bn Water Compact at the African Water Forum, seeking partner funding to improve access and reliability. EU Support for SMEs: The EU and Cameroon launched a CFA9.84bn call for proposals (PAD-CV) to back entrepreneurs and cooperatives in key value chains like cocoa, cassava, rice and wood. Bank Leadership Change: Cameroon completed the next step in reshaping General Bank of Cameroon (GBC) with new board and CEO appointments after the state’s Société Générale stake acquisition. Trade Expansion: Algeria’s Madar Holding is scouting new coffee suppliers in Cameroon to expand existing trade, alongside interest in bananas and other agri value chains.

Mining Pivot: Cameroon is betting big on mining as oil output declines, with Reuters citing government projections that mining revenue could soon overtake oil and reach about $1.75bn, alongside a crackdown on illegal mining and under-reported gold volumes. Gold Crackdown: Yaoundé says discrepancies between declared and actual gold production could be costing billions in tax revenue, announcing tighter site controls, traceability upgrades, minimum delivery thresholds, and action against hundreds of operators working without authorisation. Public Finance Discipline: Cameroon’s Supreme State Audit Office (CONSUPE) is training regional officials in Garoua to prevent treasury losses and improve public finance management, with support from the AfDB-backed PAGFIP. AfDB Funding Risk: Cameroon could lose about CFA292bn if approved AfDB projects miss deadlines for legal effectiveness and disbursement requests, with the Ngoura–Yokadouma road among the most exposed operations. Trade & Jobs Support: The EU and Cameroon launched a CFA9.84bn call for proposals (PAD-CV) to back entrepreneurs and cooperatives in value chains like cocoa, rice, cassava and cashew across five regions, with a push for local processing and digital tools. Water Security: Cameroon presented a nearly $4bn Water Compact at the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, seeking partner financing to expand safe water access and make water a growth driver. Port Update: Douala’s main port resumed operations after a vessel collision temporarily disrupted access, with investigations underway. Student Visa Shock: Cameroonian students protested new French student-visa financial rules requiring full tuition payment (or blocked funds) before visa issuance, after complaints of late communication and heavy upfront costs. Cocoa Value Addition (Regional): Nigeria’s BOI will channel about 70% of an €85m EIB facility into cocoa and dairy processing, aligning with a regional push to move from raw exports to value addition.

AfDB Funding Risk: Cameroon faces possible cancellation of about CFA292bn in AfDB-approved projects after financing agreements missed deadlines and one operation recorded no disbursement for over 15 months, with the Ngoura–Yokadouma road among the biggest exposures. Port Disruption & Trade: Douala’s main port has reopened after a weekend collision between two cargo vessels temporarily blocked navigation; an investigation points to steering failure on one ship, and maritime traffic has resumed. Public Finance Training: Cameroon’s Supreme State Audit Office (CONSUPE) is training officials in Garoua to curb treasury losses by tightening public finance management and reducing irregularities. Tax & Revenue Watch: Domestic VAT collection fell short in Q1 2026, with domestic VAT down while import VAT cushioned the overall VAT picture. Education for IDPs: A Yaoundé dialogue mapped paths to keep displaced learners in school, with a joint policy statement and new initiatives aimed at educational continuity. Cocoa Value-Addition Push: Cameroon is part of the Abuja Declaration alliance with Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to end raw cocoa bean exports and negotiate as a bloc. Water Access Drive: CAMWATER plans one million new connections over five years, including regularising sub-meter users to improve billing and reduce fraud. Energy/Mining Logistics: CRRC Ziyang delivered seven diesel locomotives to move bauxite from Minim Martap to Douala, supporting a Q4 2026 shipment target.

Cocoa Value Addition Pact: Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon signed the Abuja Declaration to end raw cocoa bean exports and negotiate as a bloc controlling about 75% of global production, pushing “bean to brand” processing and local chocolate manufacturing. Port & Trade Continuity: Cameroon’s Douala-Bonaberi port reopened after a Sunday collision between MV Sea Honor (Tuvalu) and MV Black Rhino (Cyprus) temporarily blocked the channel; authorities say steering failure is suspected and clearance operations are complete. Rail for Bauxite Logistics: CRRC Ziyang delivered seven diesel locomotives for Camalco Cameroon’s Minim Martap bauxite project, targeting 35,000 tonnes/month haulage, with more wagons arriving mid-August and later this year. French Development Leadership: AFD named Jérôme Notebaert as its new Cameroon country director, taking over from Virginie Dago as major cooperation projects move toward completion or implementation. Public Finance Watch: SNH reported CFA49.253bn available for transfer to the state in Q1 2026, while Cameroon also risks losing about CFA292bn in AfDB funding due to project delays and unmet administrative steps. Road Works Delayed: Lekie Loop Road completion was pushed to November 2026, with the ministry citing contractor organization and equipment shortfalls. Energy/Regional Agenda: NNPC and other African national oil companies will meet in Cape Town on Oct 12 to advance regional refining, gas markets and cross-border petroleum trade under APPO.

Cocoa Value Addition Push: Nigeria’s Tinubu says the region must end raw cocoa bean exports and instead process and brand locally, backing a new “From Bean to Brand” roadmap and an accord framework involving Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Port Disruption in Douala: Cameroon’s Port of Douala-Bonabéri resumed operations after a bulker and cargo ship collision, with the sinking vessel intentionally grounded to avoid blocking the channel. Power Sector Tension: A proposed EDC–Prometal direct electricity supply deal has drawn opposition from Socadel over potential impacts on the distributor’s finances. Sugar Investment: NASCO Group secured about US$100m financing to build a 300,000-tonne sugar refinery in Cameroon, targeting reduced reliance on imports. Health & Vaccines: Cameroon’s malaria vaccine rollout is showing benefits, but health workers warn uptake is slipping on the final booster dose. Digital Payments: BEAC has joined PAPSS, enabling faster cross-border payments across CEMAC and beyond. Cybercrime Response: Cameroon launched a program to tackle sextortion through prevention and victim support. Military Justice: Martinez Zogo’s murder trial resumes in Yaoundé with renewed focus on cybercrime phone analysis. Water Project Closeout: CAMWATER and the EIB plan to close a long-running drinking water project and set up new funding for the sector. Cicam–CNPS Debt: Cameroon’s Cicam is negotiating a new repayment plan after CNPS sealed facilities over unpaid social security contributions.

Sugar & Jobs: NASCO Group secured US$100m financing from Société Générale and CCA-Bank to build a 300,000-tonne sugar refinery in Cameroon, targeting completion in 2028 and aiming to cut import dependence. Agribusiness Support: Cameroon granted CFA60m to youth cooperatives for rice and onion production in the North and Far North, pushing import substitution and rural incomes. Food Security Seeds: Cameroon targets 70,000 tonnes of certified seeds in 2026, with improved foundation seeds distributed across 7,500 hectares in northern regions. Port & Trade: Douala Port Authority renewed its cooperation with Bordeaux’s Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux, covering trade, dredging, training and marketing to boost Douala’s gateway role. Customs Revenue Pressure: Cameroon’s customs collected CFA260.9bn in Q1 2026, missing its target as export duty receipts fell sharply. Alucam Restructuring: Cameroon converted CFA92.5bn of claims into equity for Alucam, improving balance sheet but not adding cash for smelter modernization. Digital Safety: Cameroon launched a program to combat sextortion through prevention and victim support, including legal and psychological assistance. Energy Costs Watch: Petrol import parity price in Nigeria jumped ~15% to N1,135.73/litre amid Middle East tensions. UK Travel Rules: The UK updated entry clearance guidance affecting citizens of Cameroon and 32 other African countries. Mining Update: Tusker Minerals outlined a major rutile/zircon exploration target in Cameroon’s Douala Basin, signaling potential for titanium feedstock growth. Cocoa Value Addition Push: Nigeria’s Tinubu urged Africa to end raw cocoa exports and move into processing and branded chocolate—an approach Cameroon’s own industrial push mirrors.

Sugar Industry: Cameroonian entrepreneur Nassourou Issa has launched a $100m sugar project in Cameroon, targeting 300,000 tons annually by 2028 to cut the country’s import dependence. Water & Infrastructure: CAMWATER is pushing the Japoma water project in Douala, authorising phased commissioning and planning new distribution links to serve the Dibamba industrial zone. SME Finance & Growth: Cameroon’s SMEs ministry and UNDP announced a new credit-guarantee platform to unlock funding for small businesses, as the sector keeps expanding (472,208 active SMEs in 2025). Public Finance Watch: World Bank-funded projects in Cameroon are moving slowly, with an 18.7% disbursement rate as of June 30, 2026. Trade & Compliance: The EU’s money-laundering “black list” designation for Cameroon could raise processing times and compliance checks for exporters and SMEs trading with Europe. Digital Economy: Orange Cameroun selected four Douala-based startups for its innovation push, with winners set to represent Cameroon in a wider regional contest. Business Climate: Cameroon’s VAT credit refunds fell 45.7% to CFA11.1bn in Q1 2026, adding pressure to cash flow for firms.

World Bank Projects Slowdown: Cameroon’s World Bank-financed portfolio disbursed just 18.7% as of June 30, 2026, with only five projects above 50%, raising pressure on delivery and release of funds. EU Money Laundering Blacklist: The EU added Cameroon to its list of higher-risk jurisdictions, meaning exporters and businesses face longer bank processing and tougher compliance checks for cross-border transactions. SME Financing Push: MINPMEESA and UNDP announced a new platform to connect entrepreneurs, financial institutions and business support groups, as Cameroon’s SME base keeps expanding (472,208 active SMEs in 2025). Digital Security Warning: A cybersecurity expert warns that Cameroon’s faster digitalisation—mobile money, online services and data systems—will attract smarter scams, urging stronger training and verification habits. China Trade Boost: Cameroon’s exports to China rose 23.5% year-on-year (Jan–Apr 2026), with China also rolling out a zero-tariff regime for African countries maintaining diplomatic ties. Cocoa Value Addition Alliance: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire launched a regional push to end raw cocoa exports and expand local processing via a Cocoa Value Addition Alliance. Infrastructure & Jobs: Cameroon is set to guarantee 10 MW for ACERO METAL’s new plant, targeting 1,200 jobs, while Douala’s airport upgrade (CFA95bn) aims to boost capacity and competitiveness. Public Finance Pressure: Cameroon missed nearly 40% of its first-quarter budget revenue target as external financing fell short, while public investment spending reportedly dropped 74% in Q1.

VAT Refund Crunch: Cameroon’s Treasury paid CFA11.1bn in VAT credit refunds in Q1 2026, down 45.7% year-on-year, with only 13.2% of the planned 84bn target met by end-March—raising cashflow pressure for exporters and businesses waiting on refunds. Cocoa Market Watch: With one week left to the 2025-2026 season end (July 15), Cameroon’s farmgate cocoa prices climbed by 250 CFA/kg in two days to 2,750–2,850 CFA/kg, nearing 3,000 as end-season buying picks up. Douala Disaster: Heavy rains contributed to a partial collapse of a three-storey building in Bonamoussadi, Douala, killing at least six (including three children) and injuring six others; engineers are assessing nearby structures. Security & Trade Controls: South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai ordered the closure of clandestine beaches used for illegal importation along the Fako coastline, directing all trade through authorised ports (Idenau, Bota, Tiko). Public Health Milestone: Cameroon begins rollout of long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, with health officials citing progress in prevention efforts. Sports & Society: The World Cup continues to spark debate on racism in football, including backlash over racist remarks involving Kylian Mbappé.

Cocoa & Trade: Cameroon’s cocoa farmgate prices climbed by 250 CFA francs/kg in two days, reaching 2,750–2,850 CFA/kg and nearing 3,000 CFA/kg as the 2025-26 season winds down (ends July 15). Tax & Cashflow: Cameroon’s VAT credit refunds fell 45.7% to CFA11.1bn in Q1 2026, with the government missing its 2026 refund target and leaving exporters exposed to cash strain. Regional Security & Borders: The South West Governor ordered the closure of illegal beaches used for smuggling, directing all trade through authorised ports in Fako. Infrastructure & Risk: Douala recorded a deadly three-storey building collapse in Bonamoussadi amid heavy rains, killing at least six and injuring six, as engineers assess nearby structures. Business & Industry: A new $100m sugar mill project in Cameroon aims to break the Castel/Sosucam dominance, targeting 300,000 tons of refined sugar annually. Debt & Finance Watch: China is urging African borrowers to shift debt repayments from USD to the yuan, following Kenya’s yuan-based restructuring signal.

VAT Refund Crunch: Cameroon’s Treasury paid CFA11.1bn in VAT credit refunds in Q1 2026, down 45.7% year-on-year, with only 13.2% of the year’s CFA84bn target met by end-March—raising cash-flow pressure for exporters. Cocoa Prices: With one week left in the 2025-2026 season, farmgate cocoa prices in Cameroon jumped CFA250/kg in two days to about CFA2,750–2,850/kg, still far below past peak seasons. Banana Exports: Cameroon exported 15,554 tons of bananas in June 2026 (down 3.4% y/y) as the CDC’s weaker output—linked to the Anglophone crisis—outweighed gains from private growers. Energy for Industry: Cameroon pledged an extra 10MW within 90 days to get ACERO METAL’s idle steel line running in Douala, targeting nearly 1,200 jobs. Douala Building Collapse: Severe rains triggered a partial collapse in Bonamoussadi, Douala, killing at least six and injuring six, with engineers assessing nearby structures. Fuel Cost Shock: Diesel import costs rose 60.7% (Feb–May 2026), threatening inflation control and public finances as Cameroon remains reliant on imported fuel after SONARA’s 2019 fire. Regional Trade Moves: Algeria’s MADAR Holding wants to import Cameroonian bananas and coffee and invest in cocoa and cotton, while Canada renewed efforts to deepen business ties with Cameroon. Security & Trade Controls: South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai ordered closure of illegal beaches used for smuggling, directing all trade through authorised ports.

Diesel Shock to Cameroon’s Economy: Cameroon’s diesel import cost jumped 60.7% from Feb to May 2026, threatening inflation gains and squeezing public finances as SONARA’s refinery damage keeps the country dependent on imports. HIV Prevention Push in Douala: Cameroon has started a pilot rollout of CAB-PrEP, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, aiming to cut new infections with injections every two months in high-transmission areas. Banana Exports Under Pressure: Cameroon exported 15,554 tons of bananas in June, down 3.4% year-on-year, as CDC shipments fell to their lowest level of 2026 amid ongoing Anglophone crisis disruptions. Algeria Eyes Cameroon Agro Imports: Algeria’s MADAR Holding plans to import Cameroonian bananas and coffee and invest in cocoa and cotton value chains after talks in Yaounde. Industrial Power Deal: Cameroon pledged an extra 10MW within 90 days to unlock ACERO METAL’s idle steel production line, targeting nearly 1,200 jobs. Douala Building Collapse: A three-story building partially collapsed in Bonamoussadi during heavy rains, killing at least six and injuring six, as authorities assess structural risks. Cocoa Value Addition Alliance: Nigeria hosts an Abuja summit to launch a regional alliance with Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to push processing locally instead of exporting raw beans. Canada- Cameroon Business Boost: Canada used Canada Day in Yaounde to pitch deeper investment and entrepreneurship support, especially for women. Cross-border Payments Reality Check: A report highlights how African businesses often rely on correspondent banking, driving delays and high transfer costs. Sports with Business Angle: Hull City is linked with Cameroon midfielder Arthur Avom as transfer talk heats up ahead of the Premier League. Cyber Fraud Crackdown (Nigeria): Nigeria’s police arrested a suspect over POS-linked cyber fraud allegedly worth over N3 billion.