Cameroon-Algeria economic ties set to soar with new deals

Yaoundé — Algeria’s commitment to deepening economic ties with African partners has taken a concrete step forward in Cameroon, where high-level discussions have paved the way for expanded trade and investment.

On July 8, 2026, Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, welcomed Abdallah Boukemmache, Algeria’s Ambassador to Cameroon, alongside Abdel Khemane, CEO of MADAR Holding—Algeria’s state-owned economic powerhouse and the country’s second-largest conglomerate.

MADAR Holding employs over 6,000 people across eleven subsidiaries and fourteen strategic investments, spanning industries from tobacco and automotive parts to agro-industry—where it holds a dominant position as Algeria’s top importer of bananas and coffee. The Holding’s financial strength and sectoral reach make it a key player in Algeria’s economic expansion into sub-Saharan Africa.

During the meeting, Abdel Khemane outlined MADAR’s ambitious plans to collaborate with Cameroonian businesses, emphasizing the import of high-demand Cameroonian products like bananas and coffee. “I’ve been in Cameroon for several days exploring ways to strengthen partnerships with local enterprises, starting with the import of flagship products such as bananas and coffee, alongside significant investments in these and other sectors, subject to the guidance of Cameroonian authorities,” he stated. He also framed the initiative within the broader context of South-South cooperation, aligning with both countries’ shared development goals.

The existing strong political, economic, and commercial relations between Cameroon and Algeria are set to receive a major boost with the upcoming fifth session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Yaoundé. Ambassador Boukemmache highlighted ongoing negotiations for over 15 agreements, with concrete actions already in motion. “We’re not just signing agreements—we’ve brought the CEO of MADAR Holding to ensure these initiatives materialize. Our focus is on boosting and consolidating trade exchanges between our countries by importing from Cameroon rather than simply exporting to it, and investing directly in Cameroonian ventures,” he explained. Recent trade metrics underscore this momentum: weekly flights between Algiers and Douala have increased to four, consular visa issuance in Yaoundé has surged by over 150%, and Cameroonian exports to Algeria grew by more than 107% from 2023 to 2024.

Expanding horizons beyond bananas and coffee

While banana and coffee imports remain a priority—with advanced negotiations underway—the Cameroonian Minister took the opportunity to introduce Algeria’s delegation to other high-potential sectors, including cocoa and cotton. Abdel Khemane confirmed MADAR’s readiness to invest in local processing and export, reinforcing Algeria’s role as both a buyer and a partner in value addition.

In the coming days, two critical working sessions are scheduled in Douala on July 9, 2026: one with the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC) to discuss coffee trade, and another with the Haut Penja Plantations Company (PHP) to finalize banana export arrangements. The Algerian delegation has expressed urgency in launching these operations without delay.

To further solidify these ties, Algeria is preparing to host a major business forum in Cameroon, led by the President of Algeria’s employers’ federation. This event will bring together a high-level delegation of Algerian business leaders, aiming to transform bilateral intentions into tangible partnerships and deliver significant economic benefits for Cameroonian operators.