Moroccan Business Delegation Set for Cameroon Visit in November to Strengthen Investment Ties

A Moroccan business delegation bringing 25 companies is expected in Cameroon this November as part of efforts to strengthen investment and commercial ties between the two countries.

Experts from Casablanca Finance City (CFC) met officials of the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts (CCIMA) in Douala on June 8 to discuss priority sectors and projects ahead of the upcoming “CFC Africa Tour” mission. The discussions focused on identifying investment opportunities and strengthening cooperation mechanisms that could facilitate Moroccan direct investment, commercial contracts and partnerships with local firms.

Organisers say the initiative is part of Cameroon’s efforts to attract additional private capital into strategic sectors of the economy. Areas identified for potential collaboration include agro-food industries, agro-industry, infrastructure, ecotourism, logistics and transport, renewable energy, mining and other productive sectors considered important for economic growth and value-chain development.

According to organisers, the November mission will provide a platform for Moroccan and Cameroonian businesses to explore investment opportunities and establish commercial relationships. The preparatory discussions also examined how local enterprises can position projects capable of attracting investors and financing.

Explaining the choice of Cameroon as a destination for the mission, Hicham Chaoudri, Director of Institutional Affairs and African Partnerships at Casablanca Finance City, said the country’s economic profile made it a natural partner. He said Cameroon occupies an important position in Central Africa and offers a diversified economy.

“Cameroon is a power in Central Africa, with a very diversified and highly dynamic economy. It was natural that we could come here. In addition, our relations with the Cameroonian government and private sector are very strong,” Chaoudri said.

At CCIMA, officials said local businesses should prepare adequately to take advantage of the opportunities expected from the visit. Particular attention is being given to sectors that require financing, technical partnerships and access to new markets.

Daniel Tala Kuate, President of the Industries and Public Works Section at the CCIMA, said the mission could create opportunities for local operators seeking partners and investors.

“The Moroccan mission brings a solution. Economic operators, particularly those in the construction sector, are resourceful. They will know how to present their projects and assess the opportunities they can draw from other offers,” he said.

Officials also stressed the importance of developing bankable projects before the arrival of the delegation. Dr Simon François Yonga Bakalag, National Coordinator of the Growth Sectors Network Centre, said project preparation would be critical to securing investment commitments.

He said the centre had a role to play in supporting working capital needs, direct investment mobilisation and financing initiatives.

“The projects must be sufficiently developed, and that is the role the centre must play in terms of working capital, direct investment and investment mobilisation to strengthen weak links in our value chains,” Bakalag said.

Following the exploratory mission, organisers plan to identify 25 Moroccan companies that will take part in the November visit, which is expected to focus on investment promotion, business partnerships and sector-specific opportunities.

Mercy Fosoh