A landmark meeting in early July 2026 between Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and Algeria’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Abdallah Boukemmache, along with Abdel Khemane, CEO of Algeria’s state-owned holding company MADAR, marked a pivotal moment in strengthening Cameroon-Algeria economic relations.

With over 6,000 employees across 11 subsidiaries and 14 investments spanning industries like tobacco, automotive, and spare parts, MADAR stands as Algeria’s second-largest economic group. It also plays a dominant role in agribusiness, being the country’s top importer of bananas and coffee—two sectors where Cameroon holds significant potential. This high-profile engagement underscores Cameroon’s commitment to economic diversification under President Paul Biya’s leadership.

« My mission here is to explore concrete ways to expand partnerships with Cameroonian businesses, particularly through importing key products such as bananas and coffee, alongside substantial investments in these and related sectors. The financial strength of MADAR provides a solid foundation for these initiatives, always in alignment with Cameroonian authorities’ priorities, » explained Abdel Khemane. He emphasized that this collaboration aligns with the shared vision of South-South cooperation cherished by both nations.

Accelerating trade and investment

The upcoming fifth session of the Cameroon-Algeria Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Yaoundé is expected to give fresh impetus to bilateral relations. Ambassador Boukemmache highlighted ongoing negotiations for over 15 economic agreements, but stressed that these are not just formalities—they are being actively translated into action. « We are not merely signing agreements; we have come with MADAR’s CEO to implement what has been agreed, boosting and solidifying trade across multiple sectors. This means importing from Cameroon, investing in Cameroon, and growing together, » he stated.

Recent indicators reflect this momentum: weekly flights between Algiers and Douala have doubled to four, visa issuance by Algeria’s consular services in Yaoundé has surged by over 150%, and Cameroonian exports to Algeria skyrocketed by 107% between 2023 and 2024.

Expanding partnership horizons

While banana and coffee remain focal points—with advanced negotiations underway—Minister Mbarga Atangana also highlighted opportunities in cocoa and cotton, two pillars of Cameroon’s export economy. Abdel Khemane confirmed MADAR’s readiness to invest in both sectors, not only for importing these products to Algeria but also for local processing, adding value to Cameroon’s agricultural output.

To further advance these plans, two critical working sessions were scheduled in Douala on July 9, 2026: one with the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC) regarding coffee, and another with the Haut Penja Plantations Company (PHP) concerning banana exports. The Algerian delegation expressed strong interest in initiating exports immediately, with minimal procedural delays.

Concluding the meeting, Ambassador Boukemmache announced plans for a major business forum in Cameroon, led by Algeria’s leading employers’ federation. This event, aimed at mobilizing a high-level delegation of Algerian entrepreneurs, is set to turn partnership intentions into tangible outcomes, promising substantial benefits for Cameroonian businesses.