A productive meeting between Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and Algeria’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Abdallah Boukemmache, set the stage for stronger economic ties on July 8, 2026. The Algerian diplomat arrived with Abdel Khemane, CEO of MADAR Holding, Algeria’s second-largest state-owned economic group, which employs over 6,000 people across 11 sectors and 14 subsidiaries, including tobacco, automotive, spare parts, and agro-industry.

MADAR Holding is a major player in Algeria’s food industry, notably as the country’s top importer of bananas and coffee. The meeting reflected Cameroon’s push for economic openness under President Paul Biya’s leadership, with both sides exploring fresh collaboration opportunities.

Abdel Khemane outlined his mission: “I’ve been in Cameroon for days exploring ways to build partnerships with local businesses, particularly focusing on importing key Cameroonian products like bananas and coffee. We’re also looking at substantial investments in these sectors and others, in line with Cameroonian authorities’ guidance, given the financial strength of MADAR Holding.” He emphasized the partnership’s alignment with South-South cooperation, a priority for both nations.

Bilateral relations between Cameroon and Algeria, already robust politically and commercially, are set to gain further momentum with the upcoming fifth session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Yaoundé. Ambassador Boukemmache highlighted ongoing negotiations for over 15 economic agreements, stressing that these aren’t just formalities but concrete steps to enhance trade exchanges.

Key indicators underscore progress:

• The Algiers-Douala air route now operates four weekly flights.
• Algerian consular services in Yaoundé have issued over 150% more visas.
• Cameroon’s exports to Algeria surged by over 107% from 2023 to 2024.

While bananas and coffee remain focal points—with advanced negotiations underway—the Cameroonian Minister also highlighted other lucrative sectors: cocoa and cotton. Abdel Khemane confirmed MADAR Holding’s readiness to invest in these areas, aiming to both export and locally process these products.

Two major working sessions were scheduled in Douala on July 9, 2026: one with the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC), and another with the Haut Penja Plantations Company (PHP) for bananas. The Algerian side expressed urgency in launching export operations immediately, without further delays.

Before concluding the meeting, Ambassador Boukemmache announced plans for an upcoming business forum in Cameroon, led by Algeria’s top private sector leader. This event will bring together a large delegation of Algerian businesspeople, further solidifying the partnership’s practical outcomes and promising significant benefits for Cameroonian economic operators.