Cameroon, US Hold Talks to Advance CFAF 4trn Business Pipeline

American companies are pursuing nearly $7 billion, or about CFAF 4 trillion, in trade and investment opportunities in Cameroon, spanning energy, mining, transport infrastructure, technology, forestry and logistics, according to the US Embassy in Yaounde. The portfolio was discussed during the inaugural US-Cameroon Bilateral Economic and Commercial Dialogue, held in Yaounde on August 27.

The projects are at various stages of development and include a proposed hydropower plant valued at about $3 billion, a proposed $2 billion airport project and mining ventures worth at least $585 million.

According to the US Embassy in Yaounde, the dialogue established a formal platform through which the two countries will address obstacles to investment and pursue shared economic priorities. Joint working groups will be created to sustain the process, with follow-up talks expected in the United States in 2027.

Cameroon’s Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey, led the Cameroonian side. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sarah Troutman headed the American delegation, which also included US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim John G. Robinson.

The Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, said the discussions were structured around three broad areas: improving the business and investment climate, promoting investment and partnerships, and expanding bilateral trade and market access. Discussions also covered taxation, energy, customs, logistics, mining, agro-industry, local processing, digital technology and infrastructure.

Energy and Mining Dominate Pipeline

The biggest project discussed is the proposed 1,080-megawatt Grand Eweng Hydropower Project on the Sanaga River. New York-based infrastructure investor Hydromine has been working for several years to advance the development, which Cameroon’s latest public-private partnership pipeline values at about $3 billion.

Illinois-based A. Epstein and Sons International, together with financial partner ITF, is also in discussions over a proposed $2 billion airport in the Douala metropolitan area. The company is pursuing a separate $230 million project to construct modern theater halls in Yaounde, Douala and Bamenda.

In the critical minerals sector, Connecticut-based Tronox and Australia’s Lion Rock are involved in plans for a rutile development that the US Embassy values at $500 million. The project remains at an early stage, with exploration work still underway.

Washington, DC-based American Renaissance Minerals (ARM) is also in discussions over the development of the cobalt-nickel-manganese deposit at Nkamouna, beginning with an estimated investment of $85 million. The project has not yet secured a new mining permit. The mining discussions included sector reforms intended to improve the operating environment for investors, with critical minerals among the areas of common interest identified by both governments.

Virginia-based Cybastion announced plans to invest $75 million in a Douala project comprising an artificial intelligence-powered data center and a power plant. New York fintech company Azamra is also seeking to facilitate investment by Cameroonians abroad and accelerate cross-border digital payments.

Other opportunities concern equipment, freight and forestry. New Jersey-based Hoffman Equipment is pursuing an $83 million equipment transaction intended to support infrastructure construction and technical training.

FedEx and its Global Service Participant, Globex Cameroun S.A.R.L., are developing a framework and timeline for a warehouse at Douala International Airport. California-based Taylor Guitars and its local partner, Crelicam, meanwhile continue their long-standing sourcing of ebony wood from Cameroon.

MINEPAT said the new institutional mechanism is intended to promote investment, facilitate trade and support value creation. The US Embassy said both governments would continue working with their private sectors to move the identified opportunities forward.

Mercy Fosoh