AGP Executive Report

EV Investment: African electric mobility firm Spiro secured $215m in equity to expand its battery-swapping network, manufacturing and tech, and to push into new markets; it already operates in seven countries including Cameroon, with 100,000+ EVs and 2,500 swapping stations deployed. Aquaculture & Trade Infrastructure: Cameroon opened the Kribi Industrial Zone to aquaculture investors under a new partnership between MINEPIA and the Port Authority of Kribi, with plans to allocate 10 plots and improve port services to boost fish production and cut import dependence. Telecoms & Digital Business: CAMTEL and GeCAM are set to sign a deal to support SMEs’ digital transition, including secure connectivity, data security and storage services at the Zamengoué Data Center. Tax & Local Governance: Cameroon created Local Tax Monitoring Units nationwide via a joint ministerial order, aiming to improve traceability and expand the tax base while keeping councils’ autonomy intact. Public Health & Justice: Two NIH-linked researchers—one Cameroonian—were charged in the US over an alleged attempt to smuggle mpox-related vials and human DNA into the country via Detroit. Security Brief: Interpol says Nigeria recorded 1,934 IED incidents (2017–2024) and reports a sharp rise in Cameroon IED attacks between 2024 and 2025.

Monkeypox Smuggling Case: Two NIH researchers—one Cameroonian (Claude Kwe) and one Dutch (Vincent Munster)—were charged in the US for allegedly smuggling 113 monkeypox vials into the country and lying to customs after arriving from Congo via Detroit. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, an African electric mobility firm, secured a landmark $215m round to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across seven markets. Refugee Support in Cameroon: UNHCR praised Cameroon’s hospitality to refugees after an audience with MINAT boss Paul Atanga Nji, including plans to relaunch voluntary repatriation for CAR refugees. Local Governance & Tax: Cameroon’s decentralisation drive gets a boost with Local Tax Monitoring Units, while experts say local tax reforms can improve council revenue without killing autonomy. Telecom Digital Push: CAMTEL and GeCAM plan a deal to help SMEs with secure connectivity, data security and storage services. Health & Labs: MTN Cameroon launched a “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign, including plans for a digital biomedical lab in Japoma. Ports & Trade Facilitation: Cameroon is advancing a Maritime Single Window to digitise ship clearance for faster, less paper-heavy port operations. Illegal Gold Crackdown: Sonamines disclosed huge gaps in gold exports, with 44 tonnes traced to Dubai (2021–2025) versus tiny official figures, pointing to billions in losses.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing sites from nearly 50 embassies/consulates to 20 regional hubs across 19 countries, including Yaoundé and Lagos, meaning many applicants may have to travel farther and pay more for interviews. EV Investment Boost: Spiro secured $215M equity to expand battery-swapping and electric mobility infrastructure across African markets, including Cameroon, as investors back scalable clean transport. Cameroon-Centered Cotton Support: Brazil trained about 50 Sodecoton field supervisors in soil fertility in Kaélé to help raise cotton yields, with Sodecoton targeting 600,000 tons by 2029/30. Regional Trade & Industry Push: A Yaoundé forum urged Central Africa’s transport corridors to shift from transit to industrial value chains to strengthen AfCFTA-linked processing. Human Trafficking Crackdown (Ghana): Ghana’s immigration service repatriated 105 victims after rescuing 112 suspected trafficked people in Asankragwa, including a Cameroonian among the group. Cameroon in the Spotlight (US Deportations): The U.S. released names/photos of 355 West Africans facing deportation, including 15 Cameroonians.

Cameroon Health & Tech: Cameroon is digitizing hospitals with a CFA 29bn ($51m) five-year push after a spike in patient deaths and doctor suspensions in May, aiming for safer care through electronic records, traceable prescriptions and faster emergency response. Electricity Revenue Drive: MINEE has started deploying 20,000 smart meters to cut fraud and losses that cost the sector over CFA 60bn annually, under the World Bank/AFDB-backed electricity recovery plan. Milk Import Substitution: Cameroon is courting private investors to cut a CFA 35bn annual milk powder bill by scaling collection, cold storage and mini-dairies, targeting a major gap between production and consumption. Fuel Supply Upgrade: Cameroon plans to start fuel production at the Mboro refinery in December 2026, with the first phase set to process 10,000 bpd and cover about 22% of domestic petrol and diesel needs. Retail Expansion: Neptune Group’s Maithé Mall is set to open in Obala in June 2026, a CFA 1bn investment expected to create around 100 jobs and add food, services and a microfinance outlet. E-mobility Investment: Spiro, operating in Cameroon among other markets, secured $215m equity to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across Africa. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Cameroon foreign ministers met to boost bilateral ties and regional cooperation. Trade & Visa Policy: The US plans to scale visa processing in Africa to 20 hubs, including Yaounde, as it closes nearly 30 embassies/consulates. Security & Governance: MINAT boss Paul Atanga Nji launched a security and development tour in Cameroon’s East Region to review local policy execution and stability. Sports Business: Cameroon is among countries set to participate in Nigeria’s 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 junior tennis championship in Abuja.

Cameroon–Germany Trade Push: Yaounde hosted talks between Cameroon’s SME minister Achille Bassilekin III and Germany’s ambassador Christian Sedat on boosting private-sector participation in PROMOTE 2026, with a planned investment forum to link Cameroonian firms to German partners on manufacturing, value addition, equipment and technology transfer. SME Support for PROMOTE 2026: The Cameroon National Shippers’ Council opened an assistance programme for eligible SMEs to take part in the June 12–21 exhibition in Yaoundé, with applications due June 8. Kribi Industrial Zone Reset: The Port Authority of Kribi announced a reorganisation of management around the port’s industrial zone, including a review of occupancy titles and records to prepare a new contractual framework under Kribi Port Industrial Zone (KPIZ). Gold Project Ownership Update: Oriole Resources formalised its increased stake in Cameroon’s Mbe gold project to 50% after acquiring an additional 10% interest from local partners, as it advances exploration and development. Regional Diplomacy: Cameroon’s foreign minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella met Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of a Korea-Africa ministerial meeting, focusing on economic, trade and investment cooperation plus regional security and stability. Health Supply Shock (Regional): Sudan’s war is disrupting insulin supplies, driving spoilage and smuggling—an indirect reminder of how fragile medicines and storage systems remain across the region.

Digital Business & Connectivity: Camtel and Gecam sign a three-year deal to boost secure, business-focused digital access for SMEs and very small businesses in Cameroon, including secure internet, interconnection, fixed/mobile services, data security and hosting at Camtel’s data centre. Forestry & Trade Integrity: A new report by the Financial Transparency Coalition says Cameroon loses about $289m a year to timber trade mispricing and warns that financial secrecy blocks tracing of who benefits from illegal deforestation. Agro-Processing Push: Cameroon’s cocoa and coffee labs are being upgraded to strengthen export competitiveness, as the country continues efforts to move up the value chain. Public Health in Schools: Cameroon reviews early results of the “Sun App” project in Yaoundé, with calls for healthier school cafeterias, electronic payments for meals, and school gardens to improve adolescent nutrition. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Yaoundé steps up coordination against trafficking of protected species under the EU-funded GUARD Wildlife project, treating wildlife crime as linked to corruption and organized networks. Policy Credibility: Nkafu Policy Institute leaders argue African think tanks must earn trust locally, not just chase international recognition, at the On Think Tanks conference in Rabat.

Cameroon Investment Drive: Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency says realised investments under its incentive scheme have hit nearly CFA 1.9 trillion and created over 16,000 direct jobs from 156 approved companies (2014–2024), with more projects still being implemented and further updates expected. Digital Business Access: Camtel is partnering with Gecam in Douala to boost secure connectivity, data hosting, interconnection and business-focused telecom services for SMEs at preferential rates. Anti-Smuggling Tech: Cameroon’s authorities ordered telecom operators to block unregistered smartphones, tightening enforcement against contraband. Forestry & Illicit Trade: A new report by an NGO coalition alleges Cameroon loses about US$289m a year from timber mispricing and illicit financial flows, calling for stronger traceability and enforcement. Public Health in Schools: Cameroon is scaling nutrition education for secondary students through the Sun App initiative, with calls for healthier school cafeterias, possible cashless payments, and school gardens. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Yaoundé is pushing tougher coordination against wildlife trafficking under the EU/UNODC-backed GUARD Wildlife project, treating poaching as organised crime linked to corruption and cross-border networks.

Telecom Partnerships: Camtel will sign a three-year deal with Gecam in Douala to boost secure, business-focused connectivity for SMEs, including data hosting and preferential rates—aimed at closing Cameroon’s digital access gap. Business Investment Incentives: Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency says approved projects since 2014 have already mobilised nearly 1.9trn CFA francs and created over 16,000 direct jobs, with more investment and hiring still expected as projects continue. SME Export Push: Cameroon launched an Export Readiness Program in Douala to train about 100 firms on U.S.-bound compliance, standards, logistics and legal protection—especially important as Cameroon remains outside AGOA. Urban Transport Finance: Douala City Council plans to award a contract to update the Resettlement Action Plan for the World Bank-backed BRT corridor, a key step before affected areas can be handled. Agribusiness Expansion: Nigeria’s Sunbeth plans new cocoa and cashew plants (70,000MT and 80,000MT) by 2027, highlighting the wider regional shift toward processing and value addition. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Cameroon is strengthening coordination against protected species trafficking under the EU-funded GUARD Wildlife project, treating wildlife crime as organized crime linked to corruption and cross-border networks. Nutrition in Schools: The Sun App project is scaling healthy eating and physical activity in secondary schools, with proposals like healthy cafeterias and cashless meal access.

Investment Incentives Update: Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency says nearly CFA1.9 trillion in realised investments and 16,000+ direct jobs have come from incentive-backed projects approved between 2014 and 2024, with more spending and hiring still expected as firms finish implementation. Digital Business Access: Camtel and the Cameroon Business Group (Gecam) sign a three-year deal to improve secure connectivity, data hosting, and business-focused telecom services for SMEs at preferential rates. Trade & Exports: Cameroon launches an Export Readiness Program in Douala to help about 100 firms meet U.S. compliance and standards, especially as the country remains outside AGOA. Urban Transport: Douala moves ahead on its World Bank-backed CFA335bn BRT by planning a contract to update the Resettlement Action Plan for affected communities. Housing for the Diaspora: Cameroon’s housing push gets a boost as the Foreign Ministry and SIC launch Diaspora-SIC to channel diaspora savings into real estate projects. Corporate Finance: BEAC may support Sodecoton’s planned oil-processing plant via its refinancing window, potentially unlocking up to CFA12bn. Business Climate Watch: Alucam returns to profit in 2025 (net income CFA279.3m) though revenue fell and capacity remains constrained.

AGOA Workaround: Cameroon is training SMEs for U.S. export readiness after staying outside AGOA, with a Douala launch of ALA’s Africa Trade Accelerator Export Readiness Program aimed at helping firms meet U.S. compliance and competitiveness standards. Digital Business Access: Camtel will partner with Gecam to offer secure connectivity, interconnection, fixed/mobile services, data security and hosting to business members at preferential rates—pushing digitisation for SMEs. Diaspora Housing Push: Cameroon’s Foreign Affairs and SIC signed a Diaspora-SIC deal to channel overseas savings into housing projects via embassies, consulates and a digital product catalog. Telecom Crackdown: Cameroon ordered telecom operators to block non-cleared phones in an anti-smuggling push, with hundreds of thousands of devices reportedly at risk of disconnection. Trade Finance Shift: Afreximbank has become Cameroon’s top commercial creditor as market-based borrowing rises, with commercial debt crossing CFA2 trillion and Afreximbank holding 26.3% of it. Forestry Revenue Leak: A report says Cameroon loses about CFA162.8bn yearly to timber export mispricing, undermining efforts to tighten forestry controls. Regional Note: Cameroon also sought Germany’s backing for its UN Security Council bid, as Berlin funds projects in rural development, decentralisation and health.

Cemac Liquidity Boost: BEAC injected CFA500bn into banks across the region (May 28–June 4) at 4.75% after uneven demand in recent tenders. Telecom Crackdown: Cameroon customs began blocking unregistered imported phones and digital terminals from May 25, warning over 700,000 devices could lose network access if users don’t regularise clearance. Forestry Revenue Leak: A report says Cameroon loses about CFA162.8bn yearly to timber export mispricing, with illicit flows averaging $289m per year (2013–2023) and forest loss hitting a record 105,000 hectares in 2025. Public Finance & Jobs Gap: Cameroon approved CFA1.9tn in investments since 2014, but only ~40,000 of 180,000 promised jobs materialised (22% execution). Trade & Export Push: ALA’s Africa Trade Accelerator Export Readiness Program launched in Douala to help firms meet US market requirements. Diplomacy: Germany stepped up outreach to secure Cameroon’s support for its 2027–2028 UN Security Council bid. Local Infrastructure: Yaoundé plans to redirect CFA6.8bn from its 2025 surplus to road and urban drainage projects in 2026.

Cameroon Economy Watch: The AfDB says Cameroon is “stable” but still below the continent’s 5% growth sweet spot, projecting 4.0% growth in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027—enough to avoid stagnation, but not yet enough to unlock major transformation. Energy & Industry: SNH’s female delegation met Cameroon’s National Assembly leadership in Yaoundé, highlighting plans including a domestic oil refinery, chemical fertiliser production and local tile manufacturing aimed at jobs and using local raw materials. Business & Finance: Union Bank of Cameroon raised profit to CFA 5 billion ahead of a capital increase, while Mercedes appointed Cameroonian engineer Georges Massing to a top role driving its automated driving and software strategy. Politics & Governance: The SDF marked its 36th anniversary with renewed calls for democratic space and launched “Operation Take Back Bamenda II Council” ahead of municipal elections. Regional Trade & Security: Cameroon and Nigeria explored conditions to advance the Dasin Hausa hydropower project, while reporting also flagged renewed pressure around terrorism in Nigeria’s north.

AfDB Growth Outlook: Cameroon is “stable” but still below Africa’s high-growth club, with AfDB projecting GDP growth at 4.0% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027—short of the 5% threshold needed for faster transformation. Hydrocarbons & Industry: A SNH female delegation visited Cameroon’s National Assembly to brief lawmakers on major industrial projects, including a domestic oil refinery, chemical fertilizer production and local tile manufacturing, with Parliament backing the jobs and agriculture potential. Energy/Tech Leadership: Mercedes appointed Cameroonian engineer Georges Massing as VP for MB.OS automated driving and E/E integration, placing him at the core of the carmaker’s software and autonomous strategy. Digital Economy & Youth Skills: MTN Foundation backed girls’ AI and digital training under “Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” using its Skills Academy to build digital literacy and career pathways. Governance & Inclusion: Human rights advocate Nkongho Felix Agbor urged Anglophones not to abandon the push for a Vice Presidency, framing it as a matter of recognition and balanced national inclusion. National Unity Day Diplomacy: Cameroon marked National Unity Day abroad with strong calls for unity and deeper trade, education and security ties, including receptions in Liberia and India.

Industrial Push: MAGZI warns 29 companies in Cameroon’s industrial zones to clear unpaid rent by May 30 or face lease termination, naming firms across Bassa (Douala), Bonabéri, and Yaoundé. Power Sector Finance: Socadel seeks CFA150bn from local banks to refinance short-term debt as Cameroon’s electricity restructuring plan targets lower monthly cash-flow pressure. Manufacturing Investment: Cameroon Tyres Factory project advances as Indian GHV Infra Projects receives a letter of intent tied to a €630m (CFA413bn) EPC deal for a 7.6m tires/year plant near Douala. Digital Economy & Regulation: Cameroon’s GETEC student innovation platform gets trademark protection across OAPI member states for 10 years, boosting commercialization of student products. Tech Skills for Youth: MTN Foundation backs girls’ AI and digital training via its Skills Academy mentorship and learning pathways. Political Inclusion: SDF marks 36 years with calls to “take back” Bamenda II Council and renew mobilisation ahead of municipal polls. National Unity Diplomacy: Cameroon’s National Unity Day celebrations in New Delhi highlight expanding trade and development ties with India.

National Unity Spotlight: As Cameroon marked National Day, Prof Maurice Kamto urged citizens to “work together” for a stronger, more united country, while North West Regional Assembly president Prof Angwafo III framed unity as the backbone of defence and development amid regional strain. Security & Community Link: In Ndian, elite marine units held open-door public missions under “Army and Nation,” showing training drills and canine tracking to deepen army-population ties. Innovation for Students: The government has trademarked GETEC to give student innovators exclusive branding rights across OAPI member states for 10 years, pushing student inventions toward commercialization. Digital Inclusion Push: MTN Foundation backed girls’ AI and digital skills through mentorship and certified learning pathways. Industrial Progress: Cameroon Tyres Factory’s project advanced again after GHV Infra Projects received a letter of intent tied to a €630m (CFA413bn) EPC plan for a Douala-area plant. Power Sector Relief: Socadel is seeking about CFA150bn from local banks to refinance short-term debt and ease cash-flow pressure.

Power Sector Rescue: Cameroon’s state electricity firm Socadel is seeking CFA150 billion from local banks to refinance short-term debt, aiming to cut monthly cash pressure—though the wider bill is huge, with former Eneo debt put near CFA850 billion. Debt Watch: The government is also planning heavy borrowing through 2028, with financing needs projected at CFA7.689 trillion, even as debt-risk debates continue. Forestry Push: After 14 years, Yaoundé is trying to restart the Ngaoundéré timber market, targeting a first phase by June—if access road and bridge works stay on track. Cocoa & Coffee Quality: ONCC is upgrading labs with UNIDO/Japan support to strengthen testing and certification for export competitiveness. Gold Crackdown: New rules tighten artisanal gold mining controls to curb smuggling and boost transparency. Regional Energy Talks: Cameroon and Nigeria are reviewing studies for the Dasin Hausa hydro project. Sports & Media: ESPN Africa secured NBA Finals broadcast rights across sub-Saharan Africa, while Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar is set to leave Neftçi PFK after one season.