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29, April 2026

Middle East war to spark biggest energy price surge in 4 years ⁰

Energy prices are projected to surge by 24% this year to their highest level since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as the war in the Middle East sends a severe shock through global commodity markets, according to the World Bank Group’s latest Commodity Markets Outlook. Overall commodity prices are forecast to rise 16% in 2026, driven by soaring energy and fertilizer prices and record-high prices for several key metals.

The shock will have serious implications for job creation and development, the analysis indicates.

Attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 35% of global seaborne crude oil trade, have triggered the largest oil supply shock on record, with an initial reduction in global oil supply of about 10 million barrels per day. Even after moderating from their recent peak, Brent oil prices remained more than 50% higher in mid-April than they were at the start of the year. Brent oil is forecast to average $86 a barrel in 2026, up sharply from $69 a barrel in 2025. These forecasts assume that the most acute disruptions end in May and that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz gradually returns to pre-war levels by late 2026.

“The war is hitting the global economy in cumulative waves: first through higher energy prices, then higher food prices, and finally, higher inflation, which will push up interest rates and make debt even more expensive,” said Indermit Gill, the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics. “The poorest people, who spend the highest share of their income on food and fuels, will be hit the hardest, as will developing economies already struggling under heavy debt burdens. All of this is a reminder of a stark truth: war is development in reverse.”

Fertilizer prices are projected to increase by 31% in 2026, driven by a 60% jump in urea prices. Fertilizer affordability will fall to its worst level since 2022, eroding farmers’ incomes and threatening future crop yields. If the conflict proves more prolonged, these pressures on food supply and affordability could push up to 45 million more people into acute food insecurity this year, according to the World Food Programme.

Prices for base metals, including aluminum, copper, and tin, are also expected to reach all-time highs, reflecting strong demand related to industries including data centers, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Precious metals continue to break price and volatility records, with average prices forecast to increase 42% in 2026, as geopolitical uncertainty fuels demand for safe-haven assets.

Rising commodity prices caused by these shocks will increase inflation and dampen growth worldwide. In developing economies, inflation is now projected to average 5.1% in 2026 under the baseline assumptions—a full percentage point higher than was expected before the war and an increase from 4.7% last year. Growth in developing economies will also deteriorate as higher prices for essentials weigh on incomes and exports from the Middle East face sharp curbs. Developing economies are expected to grow by 3.6% in 2026, a downward revision of 0.4 percentage point since January. Economies directly impacted by conflict will be hardest hit, and 70% of commodity importers and more than 60% of commodity exporters worldwide could see weaker growth than was projected in January.

Commodity prices could rise even higher if hostilities escalate or supply disruptions from the war last longer than projected. Brent oil prices could average as high as $115 a barrel in 2026 in a scenario where critical oil and gas facilities suffer more damage and export volumes are slow to recover. This in turn would have ripple effects on prices for fertilizer and alternative energy sources such as biofuels. Under this scenario, inflation in developing economies could rise to 5.8% this year, a level exceeded only in 2022 over the past decade.

“The succession of shocks over the decade has sharply reduced the fiscal space available to respond to the current historic energy supply crisis,” said Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group. “Governments must resist the temptation of broad, untargeted fiscal support measures that could distort markets and erode fiscal buffers. Instead, they should focus on rapid, temporary support targeted to the most vulnerable households.”

The report’s special focus finds that oil-price volatility during periods of rising geopolitical risk is roughly twice as high as during calmer periods, with a geopolitically driven 1% decline in oil production pushing prices up by an average of 11.5%. Critically, these effects spill over into other key commodity markets, with an impact roughly 50% larger than under normal market conditions. According to the report, a 10% oil price increase triggered by a geopolitical supply shock leads to natural gas price increases peaking at about 7% and fertilizer price increases peaking at over 5%. These peaks typically occur about a year after the initial oil price shock, with adverse consequences for food security and poverty reduction.

29, April 2026

Trump attacks German chancellor over criticism of US aggression against Iran ⁰

US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Friedrich Merz after the German chancellor criticized the American aggression against Iran for lacking a clear exit strategy and said Tehran was “humiliating” Washington with its negotiating tactics.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump said Merz “doesn’t know what he’s talking about!”

Earlier, Merz had described the aggression as “ill-considered.”

“The problem with conflicts like this is always you don’t just have to get in – you have to get out again. We saw that very painfully in Afghanistan for 20 years. We saw it in Iraq,” he had added.

Merz had also said Washington was being “humiliated” by Islamic Republic’s negotiating tactics after Tehran refused to rejoin negotiations with Washington, despite the latter’s repeated announcements of its intentions to send over delegates for continuation of the talks.

Trump, however, tried to defend the aggression, saying, “I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago.”

His remarks echoed his repeated attacks on the US’s NATO allies over their refusal to directly join the aggression, which saw some members even close their airspaces to flights contributing to attacks targeting the Islamic Republic.

Trump went on to extend his criticism of Merz to the way he was running his country.

“No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise!”

His comments marked a clear departure from how he would describe Germany during Merz’s last visit to the White House, during which Trump described the European country as “a respected” one and said he had “a very good relationship with the country – in particular now, with this leader.”

Source: Press TV

27, April 2026

Yaoundé: Biya to get a deputy for first time in 43-year rule ⁰

President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest leader, is set to get a vice-president for the first time in his four-decade rule following controversial constitutional changes backed by parliament.

Should anything now happen to Biya, 93, the vice-president will automatically step in and complete the term before a new election is held.

The position was scrapped in 1972. In recent years the leader of the senate was expected to act as president but only until a fresh election was arranged.

The opposition said the amendments were hastily drafted and aimed at consolidating power. Even one senator from Biya’s party described the process as “suspicious”.

There has been frequent private speculation about the state of Biya’s health, but openly discussing it is taboo and he has always defied rumours of his death by appearing in public after long absences.

A joint sitting of both houses of parliament on Saturday passed the bill changing the constitution, which now requires the president’s signature, with 200 lawmakers voting in favour, 18 against and four abstaining.

Supporters said the bill would enhance government efficiency as it would elevate the level of representation whenever an official is required to stand in for the president. It would also lift the burden of succession from the Senate to enable it to focus on its legislative functions.

Prior to the amendment, the constitution designated the leader of the Senate to briefly take over in case the sitting president dies or is incapacitated. An election would then be held.

The approved bill now stipulates that the vice-president – appointed by the president rather than elected – will become the head of state to serve out the rest of the seven-year term.

The opposition said it was submitted without broad consultation.

The Social Democratic Front (SDF) party, which has six representatives in parliament, boycotted the vote. It had pushed for a revision in favour of the vice-president being jointly elected with the president, rather than appointed.

The party also sought a constitutional provision that reflects the linguistic split between English and French-speaking regions. The SDF wanted the nation’s top two posts to be shared between Cameroon’s two communities, which was the position before 1972.

“This constitutional reform could have been a moment of political courage, but it is nothing less than a missed historic opportunity,” SDF chairman Joshua Osih said.

Meanwhile, another leading opposition voice, Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement said the amendment amounted to a “constitutional and institutional coup” by the ruling party.

In a statement, he argued that the incumbent was seeking a “republican monarchy,” and announced his intention to launch an online campaign to denounce the move.

From 1961 to 1972, Cameroon operated under a federal system which respected the autonomy of the francophone and anglophone parts of the country.

During this period, the role of vice-president was in place. However, following a 1972 referendum which moved the country to a unitary state, the office was scrapped.

Biya’s long time in power, which began in November 1982, has sparked a debate about his succession. Despite the move to reinstate the vice-president position, the future of Cameroon beyond Biya remains uncertain.

The president won an eighth term in power last October with 53.7% of the vote in an election that the opposition said was rigged.

With the constitutional changes passed, national discussions are now dominated by speculation over the identity of the new vice-president.

Culled from BBC

27, April 2026

Cameroon courts Brazilian investors with 10-Year incentives ⁰

Commerce Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana met a delegation of Brazilian business leaders in Yaounde on Friday, April 24, to discuss plans to establish operations in Cameroon and position the country as a production base for Central Africa.

The delegation, which included representatives of Brazilian groups Trilhas and Adilson, is exploring market entry as Cameroon seeks to attract industrial investment, reduce imports and expand exports. The meeting was attended by Cameroon’s Minister Counsellor at the Embassy in Brazil, Paulin Martial Tchenzette.

The visit comes as Cameroon intensifies South-South economic cooperation and seeks new industrial partnerships capable of reducing imports, increasing domestic production and expanding exports.

Speaking during the audience, Mbarga Atangana said Cameroon wanted partnerships that go beyond trade in finished goods and instead support domestic manufacturing capacity.

“Cameroon does not want to limit itself to the simple exchange of goods or services. Cameroon wants to develop its local capacity to increase production. We want to be able to produce massively in Cameroon rather than import what Brazil produces,” he said.

The minister said Cameroon offered institutional stability, freedom of enterprise and an investment incentives framework designed to support new businesses. He also highlighted the country’s youthful population, natural resources and varied geography as assets for industrial development.

He added that Cameroon accounts for nearly half of Central Africa’s gross domestic product, making it a key commercial gateway for companies targeting the sub-region.

“When you invest in Cameroon, it means you have invested in the whole of Central Africa. And if you produce in Cameroon, you will be able to sell across Africa,” he said.

Access to African and European Markets

Officials also used the meeting to underline the commercial reach available to investors manufacturing in Cameroon. The minister cited the African Continental Free Trade Area, a market of 1.3 billion consumers, as well as Economic Partnership Agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom. He said those arrangements provide duty-free access for qualifying Cameroonian products into markets representing roughly 500 million additional consumers.

That positioning strengthens Cameroon’s pitch as a production hub where investors can manufacture locally while serving multiple export destinations.

IPA offers 10-year incentives to agri-investors

Earlier the same day, the delegation met officials of the Investment Promotion Agency, IPA, at its Yaounde headquarters to discuss opportunities in livestock, grain and aquaculture. Interim General Manager Boma Donatus said the IPA remained the mandatory first point of contact for foreign direct investment entering Cameroon and could guide investors through establishment procedures.

He outlined a convention signed with the agency granting incentives for up to ten years during both construction and operating phases.

“During this time, your tax rates will be reduced and what you are bringing in will be free from customs duties during the establishment phase,” Boma said.

He confirmed that livestock and grain are classified as strategic sectors under Cameroon’s investment code, giving investors access to targeted support measures.

Boma said Cameroon has 9.6 million hectares of arable land, with only 1.6 million hectares currently in use, pointing to significant room for agricultural expansion. He added that rice, maize and fish remain heavily imported products that could be produced domestically.

“Agriculture is one of the backbones of our economy, not only in growing crops but in transforming coffee, cocoa and all these products which you have in abundance in Cameroon,” he said.

For aquaculture investors, he also identified floating fish cage opportunities on the Wouri River.

More Brazilian firms may follow

The Brazilian delegation was led by Santa Maria General Director Daniella Prudente Vitorino, who said repeated visits to Cameroon had strengthened investor confidence and accelerated project plans.

“Since my first visit, I have received strong support from the agency, from airport reception to helping with formal procedures. That accompaniment gives us confidence and reassures us that we are welcome here,” Vitorino said.

“Each time I return, the projects become more concrete and more solid. After I go back to Brazil, many companies are waiting for my report, and it will be positive,” she added.

Vitorino said she first visited Cameroon in 2023 and has since carried out market and business studies with support from the IPA.

“Today I am here to open my company, my Brazilian branch in Ngaoundere. The official opening will take place on April 30,” she said.

She added that several additional Brazilian companies were already considering visits to Cameroon in November, with interest spanning technology, internet services and other sectors.

With Brazil recognized globally for agribusiness expertise, the partnership could also support Cameroon’s broader strategy of modernizing agriculture while strengthening its role as a supply hub for Central Africa.

Source: Business in Cameroon

27, April 2026

Iran condemns terrorist attacks in Mali, assassination of defense minister ⁰

Iran has strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Mali, which led to the assassination of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, members of his family, and a large number of civilians, including worshippers at a mosque in the city of Kati near the capital Bamako.

“The fight against terrorism is an international responsibility requiring cooperation and coordination of all countries as well as sustained struggle against the perpetrators, organizers, supporters, and financial sponsors,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement on Monday.

Baghaei extended his condolences to families of the victims and expressed sympathy with the government and people of Mali.

He expressed confidence that the Malian people will overcome terrorism and its supporters through unity and solidarity.

In an official statement, a spokesperson for Mali’s government Gen. Issa Ousmane Coulibaly announced on Sunday that the defense minister died in hospital from injuries he suffered following “cowardly terrorist incidents” the previous morning.

According to the statement, the assailant, driving a car, detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) targeting the minister’s home in Kati, a key military town near the capital.

The government added that the collapse of the minister’s residence caused additional casualties and led to the destruction of an adjacent mosque, where several worshippers and neighbors were killed.

Source: Presstv

26, April 2026

Dr Joachim Arrey says Biya should pick Victor Mengot or Philemon Yang as Vice President ⁰

Dr Joachim Arrey of the Global Think Tank for Africa has reflected on selecting a Vice President, noting that Minister Victor Mengot and former Prime Minister Philemon Yang have positive qualities that he thinks they deserve to be appointed. Dr Arrey in this soul-searching conversation with Soter Agbaw-Ebai hinted on their moral conviction and ability to find common ground even amid complex political issues.

Cameroon Concord News: We have not heard from you for a long time, especially after the presidential election. What is your assessment of the country’s political situation?

Dr Joachim Arrey: Thank you, Mr. Editor, for granting me the opportunity to share my political perspective with your audience. Allow me to point out that the pre-election and post-election periods were challenging to our country and despite the pockets of violence which resulted in the destruction of property and loss of life, it can be stated that the people of Cameroon have understood that violence does not address any issues. I hold that political disagreements can be addressed at the negotiating table and not in the battlefield. Yesterday’s adversaries can still be on the same team in a win-win political coalition and partnership. The opposition might have contested the results of the presidential election but once the results were declared, most Cameroonians felt that it was time to move on. The tasks of nation building do not require continuous instability and many Cameroonians have understood that and that partially explains why the post-election violence did not last. Moreover, the government is open to the idea of talking with the opposition to ensure that the country does not get caught up in a circle of violent destruction and killing. Those who do not understand government processes and procedures might think that the government does not want to talk with the opposition. Such discussions always take place out of the spotlight and, since we are talking about the formation of a new government, some opposition leaders could also be brought into government with a view to appeasing the opposition. Such a measure will reduce tensions, and reset our country to the path of economic growth. If this happens, it will not be the first time that the government will be working with opposition leaders. As Cameroonians, we must always pray for peace and security in our country, and we should shun violence as it will only undermine our development efforts.

Cameroon Concord News: Regarding political stability and continuity in the event that there is a vacancy at the highest level of government, who, in your opinion, can be the vice-president following the legislative branch’s adoption of the bill on the appointment of a vice-president?

Dr Joachim Arrey: Thank you, Mr. Editor, for bringing up this issue. As you know, many Cameroonians have, for a long time, expressed their concern about the possibility of violence in case there is a vacancy at the highest level of government. The concerns are legitimate and the legislative branch of government has demonstrated that it understands the people’s plea by adopting the bill on the appointment of a vice president. There were a few contrary opinions which, of course, are normal. As Cameroonians, we do not always have to be on the same wave length. Disagreement is part of the game of democracy and disagreement is as old as man. Sometimes, it helps to enrich the democratic debate, making it exciting and interesting. However, at the end of the long and impassioned debates, our law-makers had to play their role. They were elected to represent us and their vote is final and irreducible.

With regard to who can be the new vice-president, I have a few names in mind and if I could make any recommendations to the powers-that-be, I would do it without hesitation.

First on my list will be Minister Victor Mengot Arrey, not because we share the same name (Arrey) but because he has been in the corridors of power long enough to understand the issues and has the necessary experience to occupy such a position. When you take a look at his temperament, you will figure out that he is a calm, controlled and focused individual. He has been serving the head of state and the country for close to two decades as the Minister in charge of special duties at the Presidency and he has done that without any blemish. He has never been involved in any social or financial scandal, and a person with a clean moral record is a great asset to our country, especially during trying financial and economic times like the one we are currently going through. Cameroon needs a unifier, a team player and a person who understands the issues and has the mental and intellectual capacity to provide much-needed solutions. Mr. Mengot fits that mould and will surely make Cameroonians proud.

Second on my list is former Prime Minister Yang Philemon whose leadership qualities and credentials are unquestionable. As a high commissioner in Ottawa, Canada, Mr. Yang demonstrated that the credibility and reputation of our country were paramount. He facilitated processes at the high commission for all Cameroonians regardless of their statuses. It should be underscored that Mr. Yang was a minister at 28 and even at that age, he rose above all the challenges he had to deal with. From Ottawa, he returned to the presidency as a key collaborator of the president and later served as a Prime Minister. His most recent position was as the President of the UN General Assembly. His performance was exceptional. He is a symbol of efficiency, selflessness and patience.

Cameroon has many wise and efficient resources. Cameroon needs someone who will keep our country out of troubled waters and Mengot and Yang are experienced hands that can deliver the goods.

Cameroon Concord News: I am impressed with your analysis of our country’s politics and your analyses tie in well with what many Cameroonians think. However, I would like to take you to Manyu Division which has recently lost its senator. Senator George Tabetando Ndiepnso is no more and he was the lone senator representing Manyu. What is your assessment of his time at the Senate?

Dr Joachim Arrey: I knew Senator George Tabetando who also doubled as the chief of Bachou-Ntai, his native village, way back in 1975 when he was a young, lean and brilliant lawyer who earned the respect of many. He was a model to some of us who had great admiration for lawyers. His lawyering skills were world-class and I was proud of him in that regard. I also heard he did well at EUROIL, an oil and gas institution which created hundreds of jobs for Cameroonians. Regarding the Senate, I would like to mention that Senator Tabetando has done his fair share at the Senate. For most of his time at the Senate, the two English-speaking regions of the country were caught up in a socio-political crisis which made it hard for most Manyu politicians to demonstrate what they were capable of doing. Also, it should be pointed out that it is very challenging to assess a particular politician as the system cultivates team players and not individual stars. However, I vividly remember how Senator Tabetando went down on his knees in Mamfe town, pleading with the sons and daughters of Manyu Division to come out of the bushes during the socio-political crisis in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon. That action of his spoke of a man who had the interest of his people at heart. It also spoke to his humility. He loved Cameroon and never wanted a divided Cameroon. He believed in unity and felt that political issues could be better addressed at the negotiating table rather than in the battlefield.

Cameroon Concord News: Senator Tabetando is now gone and there is a huge political vacuum in Manyu Division. Do you see any young and dynamic Manyu son and daughter who can step into his shoes?

Dr Joachim Arrey: Again Senator Tabetando was a political asset to his Division. He loved his people and cared about the Division’s future. His death is a big loss to all of us. However, it should be pointed out that Manyu Division is blessed with incredible human resources who can effectively play the role the former senator was playing. There are young, dynamic and competent Manyu men and women who also want to lead the Division politically. They want to leave their mark on the Division and I think the vacancy created by Senator Tabetando’s death is a huge opportunity for some of those men and women to take Manyu Division to a new and different level. Senator Tabetando and those who preceded him in death and office have actually laid a solid political foundation and it will be incumbent upon the young generation to build on that foundation, drawing on their experiences. The young generation has a huge responsibility – that of doing better than those who preceded them.

Cameroon Concord News: 2028 is fast approaching and the people of Manyu do not yet know of anyone who will run in the Senatorial elections. Many people of Manyu descent hold that you are a fit for that position. Can you tell the people of Manyu that you will run in the 2028 Senatorial election, especially as Senator Tabetando is dead?

Dr Joachim Arrey: Mr. Editor, I would like to point out that this is a moment of grief for the people of Manyu Division who have lost their son in the person of George Tabetando. In my view, it will be preposterous of me to trigger a competition at this critical time when we all should be working hand in glove to give Senator Tabetando a befitting burial. However, I would like to indicate that we are still two years away from the senatorial elections and I must point out that Manyu will have the type of representation it deserves at the Senate. Like many other potential candidates, I would like to point out that I have the sound intellect that the position requires. I have profound and unwavering love for the people of Manyu, know that I can do whatever it takes to make Manyu a better place than I met it and I will always bend over backwards for my fellow brothers. I am truly and proudly Manyu. Let me point out that I am weighing my options and I will make my intentions known when the time comes. I hold that if given the rear opportunity to serve my people, I will do it without hesitation. We, the people of Manyu, must be ready and willing to serve our Division. Manyu’s development depends on us the sons and daughters of Manyu. I will never hesitate to pull my fair share of the weight if called upon. Let me indicate that you will be the first to know whether I will be in the race when the right time comes. Always bear in mind that like many others, I have the right credentials for such a position. With more than three decades working in Cameroon’s private sector, Canada’s private sector and having worked for international development finance institutions, I have the ability to work with other sons and daughters of Manyu to bring about sustainable development in our Division. I have sound knowledge of the challenges facing our people and I have a huge capacity to mobilize resources for development purposes. However, I will make my intentions known at the appropriate moment.

Cameroon Concord News: Thank you, Dr. Arrey, for your time.

Dr Joachim Arrey: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my views on our country’s current political situation.

23, April 2026

Ekok: Cameroon Customs steps up border crackdown ⁰

Cameroon’s customs authorities carried out a series of high-impact operations over a 48-hour period in the Southwest region. This highlights both the scale of cross-border trafficking and a stepped-up enforcement effort along the Nigerian border.

The operations took place in Ekok, a key transit point between Cameroon and Nigeria, where smuggling networks have long taken advantage of porous borders.

The first seizure, recorded on April 17, 2026, involved 1,500 liters of vegetable oil illegally brought into the country without customs declaration. Authorities said the shipment was intended for local markets, a practice that not only deprives the state of tax revenue but also undercuts compliant businesses.

Less than a day later, on April 18, the commercial brigade intercepted a shipment of 275,000 non-biodegradable plastic packages, weighing about 800 kilograms. Cameroon has introduced restrictions on such plastics for environmental reasons, but their continued presence in illicit channels points to gaps in enforcement and the persistence of smuggling networks.

The third operation, carried out overnight between April 18 and 19 by a mobile brigade, marked a more sensitive development. At a checkpoint, officers stopped a vehicle arriving from Nigeria and discovered 20,100 tablets of Tramadol, a pharmaceutical product often diverted for non-medical use due to its addictive properties.

The driver admitted the cargo was bound for the city of Kumba, also in the Southwest region.

Taken together, the seizures reflect the range of illicit flows moving through the Ekok corridor, from commercial fraud to banned goods and controlled substances. The area remains a strategic gateway for cross-border trade, both legal and illegal.

In response, customs authorities say they are intensifying operations through more frequent inspections, stronger field presence, and better coordination across units, aiming to curb illicit trade and protect public revenue, the environment, and public health.

Source: Business in Cameroon

23, April 2026

Cameroon: A season of death ⁰

Cameroon is actually going through a season of death as government officials having been falling like fish that have drunk gamalin. Ever since the former Senate President Marcel Niat Njifendji, kicked the bucket, it seems as if death is stalking regime stalwarts.

On Tuesday, Nfor Tabetando who was a Senate vice president under Marcel Niat Njifendji, also transitioned to the world beyond where he was received by his former boss with joy.

Both men are today reflecting on their days at the Senate and are asking themselves why they could not engineer meaningful change in their own country.

Today, another regime stalwart, Jean Pierre Biyitti Bi Essam, who once served as the minister of post and telecommunication and the country’s ambassador to Israel, joined Niat and Tabetando where he is updating them on the goings-on in the country.

Former Senate president, Niat Njifendji, asked Jean Pierre Biyitti Bi Essam if their former colleagues and ruling party comrades were still practicing the old politics of bitterness which created a lot of stress for them, leading to their exit from the world.

Jean Pierre Biyitti Bi Essam informed them that change was not on the horizon, adding that things would only change if the majority of the hungry and corrupt elements joined them in the world beyond.

Their discussions are now focusing on those who will be joining them soon, especially as many of them are old, fragile and suffering from diabetes and prostrate issues.

Mr. Jean Pierre Biyitti Bi Essam informed Nfor Tabetando and Mr. Niat that the Constitutional Council might soon be bereaved as many of its members are seriously ill, with one of them suffering from acute dementia.

By Chi Prudence Asong

23, April 2026

Yaoundé Forum opens door to Latin American Industrial Investment ⁰

Latin American investors are positioning Cameroon as their preferred entry point into the Central African market, with concrete business commitments already emerging from the first edition of the Economic Forum for Import Substitution with Latin American Countries (EFILAC 2026), which opened on April 2026 in Yaoundé.

The forum brings together policymakers, investors and business leaders from both regions to accelerate cooperation in agro-industry, pharmaceuticals and construction materials. Organised by the Ministry of External Relations and the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA), the initiative is designed to strengthen domestic productive capacity while diversifying trade partnerships beyond traditional markets.

The opening session set out the government’s objective of building concrete industrial partnerships capable of producing goods currently imported in large volumes. Officials highlighted technology transfer and shared expertise as central to this strategy, particularly drawing on Latin America’s experience in value addition and agricultural transformation.

According to the Secretary General at the Ministry of External Relations, Oumarou Chinmoun, EFILAC is in line with government policy: that of making Cameroon a land of productive opportunities and essential industrial growth in the heart of Africa.

“We share with nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile not only similar climatic and agricultural challenges, but above all proven expertise in structural transformation and the development of agricultural value chains,” he said.

Gateway to a 60-million-consumer market

Data presented during the forum indicates that trade between Africa and Latin America currently accounts for less than 2% of global exchanges, pointing to a significant untapped growth margin. Cameroon continues to import agricultural inputs, processed food products and industrial equipment from the region, with estimates placing these flows at around CFA1.5 trillion annually.

Officials said reversing this trend through local production could unlock new industrial capacity while reducing external dependence. The API outlined its role in structuring investment opportunities, positioning itself as a facilitator for Latin American firms seeking entry into Cameroon and the wider Central African market.

“The opportunities for investment are numerous and are driven by growing demand in agro-industry, construction materials, agricultural equipment, industrial packaging, logistics and production technologies,” said Boma Donatus, an API official. “The Cameroon market represents 28 million consumers within a CEMAC space of 60 million inhabitants, with access to more than 12 billion consumers across African markets,” he added.

Parallel to the policy discussions, the forum hosted a first round of business-to-business meetings between Cameroonian and Latin American companies. These sessions are aimed at establishing joint ventures and long-term industrial partnerships, particularly in sectors where import substitution is considered immediately viable.

Latin American investors attending the forum signaled strong interest in Cameroon’s geographic position and resource base. Daniella Prudente Vitorino, Head of Delegation of Latin American investors, said the country’s market fundamentals had influenced investment decisions.

“I came in an economic mission like this and my heart decided to stay here. When I got back in Brazil, my team began to start marketing studies,” she said. “This country has many similarities with Brazil in terms of climate, rainfall levels and food customs, and that made us decide to stay here,” she added.

She also pointed to Cameroon’s role as a regional gateway. “Let’s not forget one important thing, the strategic location of Cameroon for the entire African market. Cameroon’s strategic location is very important to us,” she said.

Sector-specific investments are already emerging. In the livestock and agriculture value chain, investors have identified the Adamawa Region as a priority zone, with new facilities and training programs underway, including initiatives in artificial insemination to improve productivity.

Beyond agriculture, aquaculture has also been identified as a growth area. Helio F. Martins, a Brazilian business leader, highlighted the potential for adapting Latin American technologies to local conditions.

“Cameroon is a land of opportunities, especially in aquaculture. We have a technology within the company that is very well adapted to Cameroon, which has many rivers where we can produce fish,” he said. “We have already imported equipment and created a company with a local partner. This forum will allow us to boost our partnership with Cameroon,” he added.

The forum’s first day concluded with networking events, including a business and cultural gala aimed at strengthening ties between participants. Organizers said the quality of exchanges and level of participation indicate strong prospects for translating discussions into tangible investments.

Source: Business in Cameroon

22, April 2026

Cameroon PhD nuisance: academic dwarfs and jokes on steroids ⁰

On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched a war against Iran. The war was expected to be short and decisive. It has proven to be anything but a cakewalk. Following a two-week ceasefire that ended today, President Trump now finds himself in an awkward strategic predicament. Opposite him stands Iran, a nation subjected to forty-seven years of sanctions, yet one that has nonetheless cultivated a remarkably sophisticated indigenous missile and drone capability. That capability is not an accident; it is the product of sustained domestic investment in technical education. Iran’s success in this conflict is tied to a large cohort of PhDs trained in fields such as science, nuclear physics, mathematics, and engineering. For over four decades, economic isolation was meant to constrain Iran, yet it has instead compelled self-reliance, yielding technological capacities that now present a tangible challenge to US military dominance.

In Iran, the world is witnessing what a strong cohort of PhDs can do for a nation. But by some strange happenstance in Cameroon and deep within the Cameroonian diaspora, PhD has become something of a national embarrassment bordering on farce. The recent anxiety around doctoral inflation prompted the 92-year-old Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Paul Biya, to instruct the country’s Minister of Higher Education, Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, to clarify that only state universities are authorized to award doctorates.

Minister Fame Ndongo also warned that students enrolling in offshore online programs do so entirely at their own risk. The concern from the head of state is not difficult to understand in a country with weak infrastructure and unreliable internet connectivity. With poor internet connectivity, how can any genuine student conduct credible online doctoral research?

The minister’s intervention reads as an indictment of an industry that has turned the highest academic qualification into a purchasable title. In Cameroon, the doctorate has become a kind of lifestyle accessory like a watch or Smartphone. The flourishing trade in imported and distance-learning PhDs has become a recurring topic in Aghem, Bakweri, Nso, Manyu, Mankon, Metta, Bakossi, Oroko, Lebialem, Bali, Nkwen and Bafaw culture and development meetings, wake-keeps, naming ceremonies and social gatherings stretching from Toronto to Maryland and from London to Amsterdam. The PhD palaver in Cameroon is now a diaspora community fixation. In fact, it is an inside joke that has ceased to be funny.

Gone are the days when Cameroon’s intellectual landscape was defined by scholars whose achievements carried unquestioned weight and global respect, with figures like Dr Ako Defang Mengot, forged in the rigour of Harvard University and Professor Bernard Fonlon, whose doctorate in Literature from Sorbonne University reflected both depth and distinction. Today, we have Professor Carlson Anyangwe of Walter Sisulu University, who is grounded in the scholarly tradition of the University of London. For these giants, a PhD was a culmination of intellectual discipline, sacrifice and original contribution to knowledge. Today, that standard has fallen miserably and what remains is a hollow imitation of excellence, where the appearance of intellect is celebrated but its substance is increasingly rare.

Distance-learning institutions have emerged offering doctorate programs as easy to enrol in as gym memberships. In Cameroon diaspora circles, individuals with a questionable grasp of written or spoken French and English now brandish doctoral titles acquired from mushroom online colleges in the US, Pakistan, India and many obscure parts of the globe. The subjects’ and doctoral theses are often as weightless as the process bearing little relation to serious scholarship aimed at advancing knowledge or improving society.

Now, contrast Cameroon with a country like Iran, where the expansion of doctoral education has been rapid but not frivolous. Iranian universities have, over the past two decades, produced large numbers of PhDs in engineering, medicine and the natural sciences. These are not disciplines one typically completes online while working in care homes in Minnesota or Leicester. Iran faces its own challenges like bureaucratic hurdles and the ever-present tension between academic freedom and state oversight. Yet even critics would concede that a PhD in electrical engineering, nuclear physics, drone technology, or molecular biology is not a vanity exercise. One either knows the material or not as the laws of physics and science remains unimpressed by titles.

This editorial is not suggesting that only STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) deserves doctoral attention. The humanities and social sciences have long produced insights as vital as any laboratory breakthrough. The issue is not the field, but the standard. A rigorous PhD in philosophy or Law from an accredited institution is no less demanding than one in physics. A superficial PhD in any discipline, however, remains precisely superficial.

The purpose of PhDs in Cameroon is not intellectual contribution but to cause people headaches at wake keeps, birthday parties and village meetings where the title “Doctor” is utilized to polish egos. A few years ago, the preferred social currency in Manyu, a constituency in Cameroon, once renowned for academic aptitude, was the title of Sessekou. That of the Nso people was Shey! Today, it is a doctor.

Sadly, in Cameroon circles at home and in the diaspora, a PhD is now a lightweight, portable social accessory. In Iran, it remains closer to what it was always meant to be, a demanding intellectual apprenticeship culminating in a contribution to human knowledge.

President Paul Biya’s intervention is an attempt to restore credibility to doctoral qualifications within the Cameroon community at home and abroad. It is a reminder that a PhD was meant to be difficult, time-consuming, and profitable to society.

In Iran, whatever one thinks of its politics or strategic posture, doctoral education has not been reduced to a public spectacle. It’s PhDs in engineering, physics, mathematics and related fields are not ceremonial titles but functional assets embedded in the architecture of modern warfare. In the ongoing conflict, Iran’s indigenous missile systems, drone swarms, and electronic capabilities are not improvised miracles; they are the downstream product of sustained technical training and research culture. In that sense, the PhD is not a vanity badge but a component of national capability translated from university auditoriums into battlefields. We thank the Head of State for his timely intervention on this matter of national emergency.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai