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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

19, April 2026

US: Trump’s approval rating at historic low amid concerns over economy, Iran war ⁰

A new poll has found that two-thirds of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of inflation as well as the war with Iran, revealing emerging divisions within his Republican support base.

According to an NBC News Decision Desk Poll powered by SurveyMonkey, Trump’s job approval rating has reached a new low, with only 37% of adults expressing approval of his presidency, while 63% disapprove—of which 50% disapprove strongly.

This marks the lowest approval rating recorded during his second term in the history of NBC News Decision Desk polling. Moreover, two-thirds of respondents voiced discontent with Trump’s approach to both inflation and the conflict with Iran.

The decline in Trump’s approval rating has been a consistent trend throughout his second term.

The latest findings show a deterioration in public perception of the president’s performance. Although Trump maintains substantial backing from his base, support among Republicans has waned compared to a prior poll conducted between late January and early February.

Currently, 83% of Republicans view him favorably, a decrease of 4 percentage points from earlier this year. Additionally, the proportion of Republicans who strongly approve of Trump’s job performance has fallen by 6 points, down from 58% to 52%.

Furthermore, a striking one-third of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction, while two-thirds feel it is on the wrong track—representing the most pessimistic perspective in Decision Desk polling since Trump assumed office again last year.

Source: Presstv

19, April 2026

Douala Port turns to PPP to rebuild its regional trade hub at Boscam ⁰

The Port of Douala has signed a public-private partnership (PPP) with Douala Terre-Port to rehabilitate and modernize the regional terminal at the Boscam quay.

The agreement, concluded on April 10, 2026, involves a total investment of CFA126.3 billion, fully financed by the private partner under a 30-year concession.

According to the port authority, the project includes the rehabilitation of the existing site, the development of a new 20-hectare platform, and, in an optional phase, the construction of a 700-meter quay. The initiative is also expected to generate around 500 direct and indirect jobs.

The Port of Douala estimates a projected return of 12.2% over the concession period, supporting the financial viability of the project.

Located on the left bank of the Wouri River, the Boscam quay was historically dedicated to sub-regional traffic. However, it gradually lost competitiveness from the 1990s due to silting and the accumulation of abandoned vessels. Cleanup operations in recent years have helped restore access to the site.

Through this project, the port aims to revive regional trade by promoting cabotage for goods and passengers between Douala and ports across the CEMAC region.

The initiative is also aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with the objective of facilitating intra-African trade.

In this context, the port plans to introduce simplified procedures for cargo and vessel clearance once the works are completed, in order to reduce operating costs and processing times.

The modernization of the Boscam quay is part of the port’s broader development master plan through 2050, which aims to strengthen Douala’s competitiveness in regional trade.

Source: Business in Cameroon

18, April 2026

Douala: Pope urges Christians to reject violence at Mass that draws 120,000 people ⁰

Pope Leo called on Cameroonians on Friday to reject violence and be generous with their neighbours ‌during an event billed as the biggest of his four-nation Africa tour, with roughly 120,000 people flocking to a Mass he led in the port city of Douala.

Amid heavy security, some believers had made their way on Thursday to the city’s Japoma Stadium, venue of the Mass, and slept overnight outside on mats to hear Friday’s address from the pontiff, who has become outspoken on war and inequality and has drawn the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump.

By Friday morning, streets near the stadium were lined with crowds singing, dancing and holding umbrellas to shield themselves from the heat.

After arriving in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city and economic hub, by plane from the capital Yaoundé, Leo told the ⁠crowd that many in the country are suffering from “material and spiritual poverty” but he urged believers to reject violence as a means to get ahead, regardless of the hardships they face.

“Do not give in to distrust and discouragement,” the pope said, in an appeal made in English during a speech that was otherwise mostly in French.

“Reject every form of abuse or violence, which deceives by promising easy gains but hardens the heart and makes it insensitive.”

FORCEFUL REMARKS ON AFRICA TOUR

Leo, the first U.S. pope, has debuted a new, forceful speaking style on his Africa tour. In Yaoundé on Thursday, he said the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants”, without naming anybody.

He has also this week decried violations of international law by “neocolonial” world powers and said “the whims of the rich and powerful” threaten peace.

Leo avoided overtly political messages on Friday.

Invoking the miracle of the loaves and fishes recounted in the Gospels, in which Jesus fed thousands with meagre resources, Leo said: “There is bread for everyone if it is given to everyone. There is bread for everyone if it is taken, not with a hand that snatches away, but ‌with a ⁠hand that gives.”

Carine Kemmoue, a medical doctor who attended Friday’s homily, said she saw a clear link between Leo’s message and his past statements critical of the war in Iran.

“I was very moved by the Pope’s message. When, I mean, he stands against positions like those of Donald Trump, for example, he is against violence,” Kemmoue said.

“I think that is normal for a man of God, since the Church promotes peace.”

After returning to Yaoundé on Friday afternoon, Leo met with students and professors at the Catholic University of Central Africa, which educates young people from across the region.

During the event, the pope referred ⁠to “the darker side of the environmental and social devastation caused by the relentless pursuit of raw materials.”

He drew a loud cheer when he said the continent “must be freed from the scourge of corruption.”

‘MOMENT OF JOY’ FOR CAMEROON’S CATHOLICS

Cameroon, a producer of oil and cocoa, faces grave security challenges, including a simmering Anglophone conflict in which thousands of people have been killed since 2017.

The country has been led for more than ⁠four decades by President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 93. His re-election last October sparked protests by opponents who say most ordinary Cameroonians have little to show for his rule.

Crowds greeting the pope on his visit to Cameroon have been enthusiastic, lining the streets along his routes and wearing colourful fabrics featuring images of his face.

Bishop Leopold Bayemi Matjei called ⁠Leo’s visit “a moment of great joy” and said he hoped it meant God would bless Cameroon.

“Our country needs a lot of blessing, a powerful blessing, so that hope will come to rise again,” said the bishop, who leads the Church in Obala, about an hour north of Yaoundé.

Friday was Leo’s last full day in Cameroon. He is scheduled to travel to Angola on Saturday.

Source: Reuters

16, April 2026

The Holy Father is in Bamenda to preach a message of peace ⁰

Pope Leo XIV travelled Thursday to the western Cameroonian city of Bamenda to preach a message of peace in the epicenter of a separatist conflict that humanitarian groups have called one of the world’s most neglected crises.

Leo’s Camair charter landed at the Bamenda airport, where jubilant Cameroonians clogged the roads, blowing horns and dancing. They were overjoyed that a pope had come so far to see them and put a global spotlight on the violence that has traumatized this region for nearly a decade.

Leo is to preside over a peace meeting involving a Mankon traditional chief, a Presbyterian moderator, an imam and a Catholic nun. The aim is to highlight the interfaith movement that has been seeking to end the conflict and care for its many traumatized victims.

It wasn’t immediately clear if any of the separatist fighters, who announced a three-day pause in fighting to allow the pope safe passage, would attend.

The pope is also set to celebrate a Mass for the people of Bamenda, near the western border with Nigeria.

Leo arrived in Cameroon on Wednesday on the second leg of his four-nation African trip, the first by the first American pope. In his arrival speech, he demanded the “chains of corruption” in the mineral-rich country be broken and lectured President Paul Biya on the legitimate exercise of authority.

The 93-year-old Biya, the world’s oldest leader, has been in power since 1982 and claims to have won a disputed election last year that gave him an eighth term in office.

The conflict in Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions is rooted in Cameroon’s colonial history, when the country was divided between France and Britain after World War I. English-speaking regions later joined French Cameroon in a 1961 U.N.-backed vote, but separatists say they have since been politically and economically marginalized.

In 2017, English-speaking separatists launched a rebellion with the stated goal of breaking away from the French-speaking majority and establishing an independent state. The conflict has killed more than 6,000 people and displaced over 600,000 others, according to the International Crisis Group.

The separatist movement is believed to be backed by several actors abroad. In December last year, a federal jury in U.S. convicted two individuals for conspiracy to provide funds and equipment to the separatist fighters. Belgian authorities in March also announced they had arrested four people as part of its investigations into Belgian residents suspected of being among the separatist leaders and raising money for them from Belgium.

Cameroon sits atop significant reserves of oil, natural gas, cobalt, bauxite, iron ore, gold and diamonds, making resource extraction one of the pillars of its economy.

While French and English companies have long dominated the extraction industry in Cameroon, Chinese companies have established a significant presence in recent years, particularly in the gold mining regions of the east.

On the eve of Leo’s arrival, separatist fighters announced a three-day pause in fighting. A spokesperson for the Unity Alliance, Lucas Asu, said the pause “reflects a deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint and respect for human dignity, even in the context of ongoing conflict.”

He said the pope’s visit should remain “spiritual” and not be seen as endorsing any political authority.

Though the number of deadly attacks by separatists has decreased in recent years, the conflict shows no sign of resolution. Peace talks with international mediators have stalled, with both sides accusing each other of acting in bad faith.

Morine Ngum, a mother of three whose husband was shot dead in 2022 by Cameroonian soldiers while fighting as a separatist, expressed doubt that the pope’s visit and peace meeting would lead to meaningful change. She said any real progress must begin with those in power.

“Nothing is going to change,” said Ngum, 30. “This conflict has turned my children into orphans and me into a widow. Many families have been rendered homeless.”

Source: ABC News

14, April 2026

Strait of Hormuz: Joint statement by the heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank Group ⁰

The Heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank Group met today as part of the coordination group they established in early April to maximize their institutions’ response to the energy and economic impacts of the war in the Middle East. At the end of their meeting, they issued the following statement:

“As we noted earlier this month, the impact of the war is substantial, global, and highly asymmetric, disproportionately affecting energy importers, in particular low-income countries. The shock has led to higher oil, gas and fertilizer prices, triggering concerns about food security and job losses as well. Some oil and gas producers in the Middle East have also seen a dramatic loss of export revenue.

The situation remains very uncertain, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is yet to normalize. Even after a resumption of regular shipping flows through the Strait, it will take time for global supplies of key commodities to move back towards their pre-conflict levels—and fuel and fertilizer prices may remain high for a prolonged period given the damage to infrastructure. Due to supply disruptions, shortages of key inputs are likely to have implications for energy, food, and other industries. The war has also forcibly displaced people, impacted jobs, and reduced travel and tourism, which may take time to reverse.

Today, we shared our latest assessments, ahead of the release this Tuesday, April 14, of the IEA’s monthly Oil Market Report and IMF’s World Economic Outlook. We also discussed the situations of the countries most affected by the shock as well as the responses by our institutions. Our teams are working closely, including at country level, to leverage our respective expertise and help countries through tailored policy advice and, in the case of the IMF and World Bank, financial support where needed.

We will continue to monitor closely and assess the impact of the war on energy markets, the global economy and individual countries, and to coordinate our response and support to our member countries—working with, and drawing on, other international organizations’ expertise as needed to lay the foundations for a resilient recovery that delivers stability, growth and jobs.”

13, April 2026

Hungary election: Trump, Netanyahu lose close ally in Europe as Orban defeated ⁰

Hungary has entered a new political phase after Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, lost power.

Ending his 16-year rule, Orban’s ruling Fidesz party fell behind the opposition Tisza party led by Peter Magyar in a closely contested election, whose results came out on Sunday.

Israel loses European steward

Orban had cultivated one of the closest relationships with the Israeli regime among the European Union’s members.

He had described Tel Aviv as a strategic and “ideological” partner, with his ties with Netanyahu playing a central role in shaping Hungary’s foreign policy.

During his time in office, Hungary repeatedly used its veto power within the EU to block statements and sanctions targeting the regime’s atrocities, therefore, providing Tel Aviv with diplomatic protection.

Israeli officials are now expressing concern over a potential shift in policy.

Reports from the Israeli paper Yedioth Ahronoth indicated that officials in Tel Aviv closely monitored the election and warned that Orban’s defeat could remove the regime’s last bastion of protection within the 27-nation bloc.

Observers say Magyar, who is more closely aligned with broader European positions, could end Hungary’s use of the veto, allowing for more unified EU action, including criticism of illegal settlement expansion, settler violence, and military aggression.

Trump left without ‘true friend’

The election result also represented a setback for Trump, who openly supported Orban during the campaign.

Just days before the vote, Trump urged Hungarian voters to back his “true friend” and said he would use the full economic power of the United States to assist Hungary in the event of Orban’s victory.

Magyar sharply criticized those comments, denouncing Washington for interfering in Hungary’s internal affairs.

Source: Presstv

3, April 2026

Russia conducts massive rolling aerial attacks on Ukraine ⁰

Russia has conducted rolling aerial attacks on Ukraine ‌since Thursday evening, Ukraine’s air force said Friday, ⁠adding that a large number of enemy drones were in Ukrainian airspace.

The bombardment was the second ‌time in a week that Russia has followed a overnight drone barrage with ⁠heavy daytime attacks, a new tactic as Moscow probes ways to penetrate Ukraine’s air defences.

“The Kyiv region is once again under a massive enemy missile and drone attack,” Mykola Kalashnyk, the regional governor, said.

“We can see that the enemy is using new routes, new drones which they are constantly ‌modernising, and new tactics,” air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said on state television.

He added that Russia had launched more than 400 long-range drones in the past ‌24 hours, as well as ten ballistic missiles that primarily targeted areas near the front line.

Ihnat said the bombardment was similar to Tuesday’s attack which killed at least four people when an overnight barrage of over 300 drones was followed by another of similar size in the middle of the day.

Large-scale Russian bombardments cause disruption across Ukraine as many government institutions, public transport services and businesses close during the attacks, which can last many hours.

“The enemy is exerting (pressure) on our population, paralysing the work of certain public institutions, as well as learning institutions,” Ihnat said.

In the eastern region of Kharkiv, one person was killed and 25 others injured by missile, bomb and drone ⁠attacks over the past 24 hours, governor Oleh Synehubov said on social media.

That included four ⁠ballistic missiles that struck the regional capital, also called Kharkiv, overnight. Authorities only reported one injury from that strike.

“Duty fighter jets have ‌been scrambled, and ground-based air defence systems as well as radar reconnaissance have reached a state of maximum readiness,” said the Operational Command of the ⁠Polish Armed Forces on X.

No violations of Polish airspace ⁠were recorded and military aviation operations linked to Russian strikes on ‌Ukraine ended later Friday, said the Operational Command of the ‌Polish Armed Forces.

“Activated ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have returned to standard operational activities,” the army wrote on X. “We inform that no violation of the airspace ⁠of the Republic of ⁠Poland was observed.”

Meanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited US negotiators to Kyiv to relaunch three-way talks with Russia, according to comments released Friday.

“I invited the American negotiating delegation to Kyiv. The delegation will do everything possible in the current conditions – during the war with Iran – to come to Kyiv,” Zelensky told journalists on Thursday.

Source: Reuters

1, April 2026

New Testament pastors in the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon ⁰

The mess left behind by Rev Dr Samuel Forba Fonki during his time as moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) is now amplifying with questions about the public image of protestant clerics becoming increasingly relevant.

Before Samuel Forba Fonki emerged as moderator, the PCC had a very rich tradition that emphasized modesty, humility and spiritual focus. As a prominent and successful failure, Rev. Fonki reportedly left behind a sinful PCC which has prompted Christians and many religious observers to raise concerns about the complete and total shift in how certain pastors from rich congregations of the PCC present themselves especially in matters of dress and outward style.

It is shameful, disgusting and disgraceful for a church like the PCC rooted in reformed theology to allow its pastors to now appear like Sammy Diko and Longue Longue.

The pastor’s role in the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon is to point beyond themselves—to Christ, to Scripture and to the life of faith. When a pastor’s personal appearance begins to draw disproportionate attention as seen on the photo attached to this editorial, it risks distracting from that central mission. Being a pastor is not a celebrity contest and the pastor is not a performer.

This Cameroon Concord Group editorial is not a call for rigid uniformity or the denial of cultural expression. A pastor’s dress can reflect dignity, context, and even joy. But there is a great distinction between attire that honors the sacred responsibility of God’s ministry and attires that risk blurring the line between spiritual leadership and spectacle. When that holy line becomes unclear, Christians may begin to question whether the focus remains on worship or has subtly shifted toward personality and display.

PCC ministers are all aware that pastoral leadership speaks of restraint, integrity, and a quiet confidence rooted in calling rather than appearance. Correspondingly, pastors deep within the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon should and must not only communicate in words but also in presentation.

The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, like other living institutions, must continuously reflect on how its pastors embody its values in a changing political and social landscape. That reflection is healthiest when it is honest, charitable, and anchored in the shared desire to preserve the integrity of the PCC’s mission.

To this I put my name

Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

27, March 2026

Yaoundé: Trade ministers gather for make-or-break WTO reform talks ⁰

Trade ministers from across the world convened in Cameroon’s capital on Thursday for four days of negotiations on reforming the World Trade Organization, with diplomats warning that failure to reach an agreement could push countries to set trade rules outside the body entirely — a development that could accelerate the fragmentation of the global trading system.

The gathering in Yaoundé arrives at an exceptionally fraught moment. Ministers are contending with the economic fallout from the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has sent energy prices soaring and disrupted food supply chains, compounding a year of tariff turmoil triggered by President Donald Trump’s aggressive use of trade measures. “From a business perspective this could yet become the worst industrial crisis in living memory,” said John Denton, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, pointing specifically to fertiliser supply disruptions that threaten food security across Africa.

Deep divisions, no roadmap

Ministers arrive without a clear reform agenda, after years of stalled multilateral deals and six years of paralysis in the WTO’s dispute settlement system. The divisions are significant: the United States supports reform in principle but is resisting a detailed work plan, while the European Union, Britain, and China are pushing for one, according to internal documents seen by Reuters. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said she expected the talks to be difficult.

The stakes of failure have been laid out starkly by several delegations. Swiss Ambassador Erwin Bollinger warned that without concrete outcomes, “the WTO will lose its attractiveness and relevancy.” UK trade minister Chris Bryant went further, raising the prospect of institutional collapse. “My anxiety is if we ministers don’t get this week right, you might see a disorderly collapse of the WTO and some people writing a new rule book,” he said.

Flash points

Among the most contentious issues is the future of a moratorium on customs duties for digital downloads, which has become a battleground between Washington and New Delhi. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to tell members the United States is “not interested” in a temporary extension, insisting only a permanent arrangement is acceptable. India is likely to hold its opposition, while other countries are seeking a two-year extension. South Korea’s trade minister called a failure to extend the moratorium a “big blow” to both the WTO and the global economy.

The talks have also been overshadowed by the absence of Taiwan, which was excluded after host country Cameroon described it as a province of China — a move likely to draw its own diplomatic fallout on the sidelines of the conference.

Source: Businessday.ng