AGP Executive Report

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.

Vatican Apology: Pope Leo XIV used his first encyclical to apologise for the Holy See’s centuries-long role in legitimising slavery, calling it “a wound in Christian memory” and linking historic exploitation to today’s risks from AI and digital-era labour abuses. Cameroon Health Finance: Cameroon’s economy ministry met WHO officials to discuss new ways to fund the health sector as donor support tightens. Telecom Crackdown: Cameroon ordered operators to block undeclared phones from May 25, after nearly 700,000 devices reportedly connected without customs clearance. Africa Day in Yaoundé: Cameroon marked Africa Day with a focus on sustainable water and safe sanitation under Agenda 2063. Business & Trade: CCIMA pushed textile firms to join Bharat Tex 2026 in India, while the government signed a “Diaspora-SIC” deal to channel property investment from Cameroonians abroad. Security & Regional Links: Obangame Express tested maritime readiness in the Gulf of Guinea, and reports say US strikes in Nigeria have intensified.

Church Accountability: Pope Leo XIV issued a historic apology for the Vatican’s role in legitimising the transatlantic slave trade, calling it “a wound in Christian memory” and linking the past to today’s exploitation risks as he unveils his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, focused on AI and human dignity. Cameroon Telecom Crackdown: Cameroon has ordered operators to block undeclared phones from May 25, with authorities warning nearly 700,000 devices may have connected without customs clearance—raising the stakes for consumers and importers. Health Governance: Ahead of the 79th World Health Assembly, Africa CDC pushed for “countries lead, regions coordinate, and the global level supports,” urging stronger health sovereignty and local vaccine/medical production. Business & Development: In Douala, the chamber of commerce mobilised stakeholders around women-led entrepreneurship and AfCFTA value chains, while Japan-backed cocoa post-harvest infrastructure in Ebolowa aims to lift quality and higher-value exports. Sports: South Africa coach Hugo Broos says he’ll lean on local players for the 2026 World Cup.

Digital Crackdown: Cameroon’s customs chief has ordered MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon and Camtel to block undeclared phones and digital devices from May 25, 2026, after about 700,000 devices reportedly connected to local networks without clearance under the new system—operators could be held responsible if the devices keep accessing networks. Aviation Shock: Royal Air Maroc is suspending multiple routes across Europe and Africa, including Douala, Yaoundé and Casablanca links, blaming soaring jet fuel costs tied to Middle East tensions and weaker demand. Innovation Push: Cameroon hosted African regional finals of the Global Competition on Design for Futures, where young innovators showcased AI and digital tools for rural healthcare, inclusive education, agriculture and child protection. Sports & Youth: South Africa coach Hugo Broos is leaning on home-based players for the 2026 World Cup, while Uganda Cubs qualified for the U-17 World Cup after a dramatic playoff win.

Telecom Crackdown Looms: Cameroon’s customs chief has ordered MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon and Camtel to block undeclared phones and digital devices starting May 25, 2026—a move aimed at stopping a long-running “grey market” that has left about 700,000 users at risk of losing network access. Banking Momentum: Union Bank of Cameroon says 2025 profit jumped 56% to CFA5bn, with deposits up to CFA146bn and its loan book nearly doubling to CFA48.7bn, as it prepares a CFA25bn capital increase. Trade & Industry Push: Cameroon also tightened log export rules, banning more species in raw form to push wood processing locally. Regional Signals: Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc is suspending 12 routes over soaring fuel costs—another reminder that global shocks can quickly hit Central Africa’s connectivity and costs.

Aviation Shock: Royal Air Maroc is temporarily suspending 12 international routes after Middle East tensions pushed jet fuel costs sharply higher, hitting links including Casablanca–Douala/Yaoundé and several European connections from Tangier and Marrakesh. Digital Crackdown: Cameroon’s customs has ordered MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon and Camtel to block undeclared phones and digital devices starting May 25—targeting roughly 700,000 users who connected devices to local networks without clearance after April 1. Trade & Food: Russia’s grain exports to Africa are surging, with shipments to Cameroon reaching 137,000 tons in 2025 and wheat making up 99% of export revenue. Finance: Union Bank of Cameroon says 2025 net profit jumped 56% to CFA5 billion as lending expanded and it prepares a capital increase. Business & Logistics: MSC is expanding door-to-door logistics by integrating Kribi Port to connect Cameroon with Chad and the Central African Republic.

Telecom Crackdown: Cameroon’s customs has ordered MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon and Camtel to block undeclared phones and digital devices starting May 25, 2026—a move aimed at curbing the grey market after about 700,000 devices reportedly connected to networks without clearance between April 1 and April 25. Banking Update: Union Bank of Cameroon says 2025 net profit jumped 56% to CFA 5bn, with deposits up to CFA 146bn and loans nearly doubling to CFA 48.7bn, ahead of a planned capital increase. Trade & Industry: Cameroon is tightening raw log export rules again, banning more species from log exports as it pushes downstream wood processing. Logistics Boost: MSC is expanding door-to-door freight using the Port of Kribi, linking Cameroon with Chad and the CAR. Microinsurance: Gabon’s Samb’a Assurances launches in Cameroon with low-cost microinsurance via mobile money and microfinance channels. Policy & Environment: Cameroon is finalising a biodiversity strategy (SPANB III) with ecosystem financing at the center.

Digital Crackdown: Cameroon’s customs has ordered MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon and Camtel to disconnect and blacklist unregistered phones and tablets starting May 25, 2026—a move that could hit about 700,000 users who connected devices to local networks without clearing them through customs. The directive follows the April 1 start of a new digital customs collection system and a warning from Finance Minister Louis Paul Motazé that roughly 700,000 devices were active without clearance between April 1 and April 25. Timber Policy Tightening: In parallel, Cameroon has tightened log export rules by banning more tree species from export in raw form, pushing the country further toward domestic wood processing. Compliance & AI: The 3rd GRCRO compliance summit is set for Lomé in July, with fraud, corruption and money laundering on the agenda as AI reshapes risk. Finance Watch: Union Bank of Cameroon reported net profit rising to CFA5bn in 2025 and approved a capital increase ahead of growth.

Logistics Boost: MSC has expanded Central Africa’s door-to-door trade by integrating the Port of Kribi into its network, linking Cameroon to Yaoundé and onward to Chad (Moundou, N’Djamena) and CAR (Bangui), with up to four weekly vessel calls to Asia. Tech & Skills: CAMTEL’s DG Judith Yah Sunday Achidi received international recognition from the Fiber Optic Association after training and certifying 130 local technicians for fiber deployment and faster FTTH connections. Mining & Industry Push: China’s Chalco plans a 1.2 million-ton alumina plant in Guinea, deepening downstream processing ambitions that Africa has long demanded. Governance Update (CAR): The Central African Republic signed a decree forming a new government, retaining key ministers and appointing new state portfolios. Regional Migration Pressure: Sierra Leone received the latest US-deported migrants—nine people from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Senegal—under a deal reportedly supported by $1.5m. Trade Diplomacy: APEC ministers met in Suzhou to back open, rules-based trade as protectionism rises.

Electricity Reform Stumbles: Cameroon’s long-awaited power pricing overhaul hit a snag after the Ministry of Water and Energy failed to recruit a consultant to design the new national tariff policy, leaving the reform’s foundation unfinished. Public Finance Watch: The CAA says Cameroon’s public debt rose to 15,416 billion FCFA, with central government holding 93.6% of the stock and external debt still dominating—while IMF warns tax collection remains far below fiscal potential. Bamenda Works: Officials say the Bamenda urban-crossing project is at 31% execution, targeting major bridges and waterways before the June rains to speed up pavement works. Anti-Trafficking Push: In the Moungo Division, 17 youngsters were rescued from a human trafficking network allegedly using fake online job ads to lure victims toward Malaysia. State Support for Trade: Cameroon has opened applications for companies seeking support to take part in Promote 2026 in Yaounde (June 12–21). Debt & Cash Pressure: Separate reporting highlights Socadel’s restructuring scorecard focus on restoring service quality and financial stability.

M&A Watch: Dubai-based Averi Finance says it’s in talks for a reverse takeover with South Africa’s Mantengu Ltd, proposing a Mantengu share issue of 650 million new shares and a project portfolio swap spanning oil & gas, renewables and digital infrastructure—aiming to control 66.7% of the combined company and push revenue to $1bn over three years. Power Pricing: Cameroon’s electricity tariff reform has hit a snag after a call for consultants failed to attract enough qualified bidders, delaying the study meant to reset national pricing policy. Regional Recovery: The EU-backed Lake Chad RESILAC2 push is expanding to reach 125,890 beneficiaries by 2028, with 36,000 targeted in Borno State. Infrastructure in the wider region: Angola is inaugurating the first of 186 Acrow modular bridges under a financed bridge development programme. Security & diplomacy: Cameroon’s electricity reform setback lands alongside fresh travel-warning signals and continued diplomatic messaging on stability. Business & trade: AfCFTA early gains are highlighted by South Africa’s growing exports under the pact, with Cameroon among key destinations.

Human Dignity vs AI: Pope Leo XIV will release his first encyclical next week, Magnifica Humanitas, directly tackling artificial intelligence and what it means for human dignity. Youth & Skills Funding: President Biya has approved about 6.59 billion FCFA for the Ntui Vocational Training Centre, part of a wider push to train women and youth across several regions. Security & Health Alerts: Cameroon’s government says there are no Hantavirus cases recorded so far, while officials urge calm amid growing international concern; meanwhile, the EU reiterates support for Cameroon’s fight against insecurity in the North West and Far North. Local Revenue Control: FEICOM and the tax directorate are rolling out a standard “Operational Revenue Tracking Guide” to tighten local tax implementation and monitoring. Sports & Culture: Cameroon’s sports ecosystem keeps moving—INJS urges management to improve performance—while Ngannou headlines combat sports with a deadly first-round KO. Regional Watch: Sierra Leone received nine US-deported migrants, highlighting how migration deals are reshaping West Africa’s policy pressure.