Continental Free Trade Market: Government, Private Sector Seek To Unlock Opportunities

T he 12th session of the Came- roon Business Forum (CBF) opened in Douala on October 22, 2026, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and Head of Go- vernment Joseph Dion Ngute. Go- vernment officials and business lea- ders are meeting to identify reforms that can improve the business cli- mate, strengthen local enterprises and expand their access to African markets. Held under the theme, “AfCFTA and Productive Transformation: What Re- forms to Make Cameroon a Major In- dustrial and Commercial Hub in Africa?”, the two-day forum provides a platform for public-private dialogue on removing barriers to business growth and harnessing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The meeting, the first session since October 2020, concludes today, October 23. In his address, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute outlined priorities for strengthening the business envi- ronment and accelerating economic transformation. These include main- taining macroeconomic stability amid international financing pressures and security challenges; improving energy supply, transport, logistics and other basic infrastructure; ex- panding vocational training; encou- raging investment through tax and customs incentives; increasing pro- duction and employment through local raw-material processing; im- proving access to African and inter- national markets; managing business risks; and strengthening consultation between public authorities, busi- nesses and financial institutions. The priorities reflect the practical constraints facing enterprises as they seek to increase production, create jobs and compete in regional markets. Access to reliable infra- structure, skilled workers and finan- cing remains important to investment and industrial development, while certification and compliance with AfCFTA rules of origin can help eli- gible products benefit from prefe- rential market access. Celestin Tawamba, president of the Cameroon Employers Organisation (GECAM), highlighted the pressures facing businesses and workers, in- cluding labour shortages and infla- tion. He called for stronger efforts to address these difficulties and ur- ged the implementation of resolu- tions adopted at previous editions of the forum, particularly those aimed at improving the business climate and transport services. Five thematic workshops form part of the programme, with...