Cameroon and Algeria are taking their economic partnership to new heights, marked by a series of high-level meetings and concrete investment plans in key sectors. The momentum was palpable during a productive session on July 8, 2026, when Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, welcomed Algeria’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Abdallah Boukemmache, accompanied by Abdel Khemane, CEO of MADAR Holding—Algeria’s state-owned conglomerate and the country’s second-largest economic group.
With over 6,000 employees across eleven sectors and fourteen subsidiaries, MADAR Holding is a major player in Algeria’s economy, specializing in tobacco, automotive parts, and agro-industry. Notably, it ranks as the leading importer of bananas and coffee in Algeria, making it a strategic partner for Cameroon’s agricultural exports. The meeting underscored the shared vision of deepening economic ties, aligning with President Paul Biya’s policy of economic openness.
« My mission in Cameroon centers on identifying opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, particularly in importing Cameroon’s prized exports like bananas and coffee, while also exploring substantial investments in these and other sectors,» explained Abdel Khemane. He emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation, a principle both nations strongly support.
The existing robust political, economic, and trade relations between Cameroon and Algeria are set to gain further traction with the upcoming fifth session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Yaoundé. Ambassador Boukemmache revealed that over 15 agreements are currently under negotiation, with a focus on boosting trade flows by importing Cameroonian products rather than exporting to the country. Concrete steps are already underway to solidify these efforts.
Indicators of this growing partnership are evident: the Algiers-Douala air route now operates four weekly flights, while Algerian consular services in Yaoundé have issued over 150% more visas. Significantly, Cameroon’s exports to Algeria surged by more than 107% between 2023 and 2024.
While bananas and coffee remain top priorities—with advanced negotiations already in place—Minister Mbarga Atangana highlighted other high-potential sectors for Algerian investment, including cocoa and cotton. Abdel Khemane confirmed MADAR Holding’s readiness to invest in both exporting these products to Algeria and processing them locally, fostering value addition within Cameroon.
Two critical working sessions are scheduled for July 9, 2026, in Douala: one with the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC) to discuss coffee exports, and another with the Haut Penja Plantations Society (PHP) to address banana trade. The Algerian delegation has expressed a strong desire to expedite export operations without further delays.
In a final gesture of commitment, Ambassador Boukemmache announced plans for a major business forum in Cameroon, led by Algeria’s top business leaders. This event aims to further translate partnership intentions into tangible outcomes, promising significant economic benefits for Cameroonian entrepreneurs.
