Key Roles: Declaration of trade Policy Monitoring of international trade commitments implementation
Areas of Intervention: Trade policy Regulatory texts governing foreign trade operations Information on products eligible for the Preferential Tariff (CEMAC, ECCAS and AU) Procedures for registration on the importers’ register
Key Roles: responsible for land use planning at the national level, public investments and the control and evaluation of development programs www.minepat.gov.cm
Areas of Intervention: Infrastructures building etc
Key Roles: Definition and implementation of public finance policies and tax and customs regulations foreign exchange regulations
Areas of Intervention: Specific finance laws on derogatory measures Regulatory texts Customs regulations
Key Roles: prepares and implements the industrial and mining policy of Government and technological development strategies in the different areas of national economy
Areas of Intervention: Regulation of quality issues, intellectual property aspects, stamping, trade in mining products
Key Roles: responsible for the elaboration, implementation and evaluation of Government policy with regard to the development of small and medium sized enterprises, social economy and handicraft
Areas of Intervention: Business creation, small and medium size enterprises capacity building.
Key Roles: Responsible for agricultural policyand regulations concerning trade in plant species
Areas of Intervention: Texts governing trade in plant products Focal point for SPS measures
Key Roles: Definition and implementation of national livestock and fisheries policy
Areas of Intervention: Texts governing trade in animal products - on exemptions
Key Roles: Setting out and monitoring national public health policy
Areas of Intervention: Texts governing trade in pharmaceutical products - on exemptions
Key Roles: Defining and implementing national environmental protection policy
Areas of Intervention: Texts governing trade in forest and timber products - International conventions affecting trade (CIPRES, etc.)
Key Roles: Responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of the Government’s forest and wildlife policy
Areas of Intervention: and evaluation of the Government’s forest and wildlife policy. International conventions affecting trade (CIPRES, etc.)
Key Roles: Definition and implementation of national transport policy
Areas of Intervention: Information on port and airport facilities and logistics bases
Key Roles: In charge of standardisation and product conformity issues
Areas of Intervention:Technical regulations - pre-shipment evaluation of conformity (PECAE)
Key Roles: Institution that represents and defends the interests of the private sector
Areas of Intervention: interests of the private sector Information on the conditions for issuing certificates of origin for exports.
Key Roles: Institution that represents and defends the interests of businesses in agriculture, fishery and forestry.
Areas of Intervention: Information on agricultural and livestocks statistics.
Key Roles: Public institution responsible for promoting investment
Areas of Intervention: Incentive measures provided for in the Investment Code concerning certain import and export operations
Key Roles: Economic interest group responsible for facilitating international trade operations The e-GUCE platform, thus providing the exporter with a series of basic functionalities.
Areas of Intervention: Organisation bringing together all the entities involved in foreign trade operations. Information on procedures
Key Roles: plays essential roles in streamlining import/export procedures, enhancing logistics efficiency, and promoting international trade
Areas of Intervention: Information on import and export procedures, in particular the CNSC fee.
Key Roles: Coffee and cocoa promotion institution
Areas of Intervention: Practical information on coffee and cocoa export procedures.
ACPM is the 'Association Camerounaise des Professionnels de la Microfinance' (Cameroonian Association of Microfinance Professionals). It is an association representing professionals and institutions involved in microfinance activities in Cameroon. ACPM works to promote the development of microfinance, provide support and training to professionals in the sector, and advocate for policies conducive to financial inclusion and poverty reduction.
APECCAM stands for "Association Professionnelle des Établissements de Crédit du Cameroun" (Professional Association of Credit Institutions of Cameroon). It is an association in Cameroon that represents credit institutions such as banks and other financial institutions. APECCAM works to coordinate activities among its members, advocate for their interests, promote best practices in the banking sector, and contribute to the development of the financial industry in Cameroon.
GECAM stands for "Groupement des Entreprises du Cameroun" (Grouping of Companies of Cameroon). It is an organization that represents a collective of businesses or companies operating in Cameroon. GECAM may serve as a platform for these companies to collaborate, advocate for their interests, address common challenges, and contribute to the development of the business environment
CCIMA stands for "Chambre de Commerce, d'Industrie, des Mines et de l'Artisanat" (Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Crafts). It is a chamber of commerce organization in Cameroon, which typically serves as a representative body for businesses operating in various sectors. CCIMA offer services such as trade facilitation, business networking, advocacy, and support to promote economic development and growth.
The chamber constitutes, alongside the public authorities, the consultative and representative body of the interests of professionals in agriculture, fishing, livestock breeding, forestry and wildlife.
Created by Decree No.75/118 of 21 February 1975 and reorganised by Decree No.98/311 of 9 December 1998, the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNSC) is an administrative public establishment with legal personality and financial autonomy. Providing assistance to and protecting the interests of shippers with a view to contributing to the promotion of international trade are the missions assigned to the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNSC).
Syndustricam is an abbreviation for a syndicate or union of industries in Cameroon. It represents the interests of industrial companies operating in the country. Syndustricam advocates for policies favorable to the industrial sector, provide support and representation to its member companies, and contribute to the development of the industrial economy in Cameroon.
ONCC stands for "Office National du Cacao et du Café" (National Cocoa and Coffee Board). It is an organization in Cameroon responsible for regulating and overseeing the cocoa and coffee industries. ONCC may be involved in activities such as licensing, quality control, market regulation, and promotion of these key agricultural commodities, which are significant exports for Cameroon.
ASSOBACAM is "Association des Bananiers du Cameroun" (Association of Banana Producers of Cameroon). It represents banana growers, producers, or stakeholders involved in the banana value chain. ASSOBACAM may focus on promoting the interests of the banana industry, advocating or favorable policies, and supporting the development of the sector.
CICC stands for "Conseil Interprofessionnel du Cacao et du Café" (Interprofessional Council of Cocoa and Coffee). It is an organization in Cameroon that serves as a council or regulatory body overseeing the cocoa and coffee industries. CICC plays a role in coordinating activities, setting standards, promoting best practices, and representing the interests of stakeholders within these sectors.
GEX stands for "Groupement des Exportateurs de Cacao et Café" (Grouping of Cocoa and Coffee Exporters). It is an organization in Cameroon that represents exporters involved in the cocoa and coffee trade. GEX may work to facilitate exports, advocate for policies benefiting exporters, provide support and resources to its members, and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the cocoa and coffee export sectors in Cameroon.
APICAM stands for "Association Professionnelle des Ingénieurs Conseils et Sociétés d'Ingénierie du Cameroun" (Professional Association of Consulting Engineers and Engineering Firms of Cameroon). It is an association in Cameroon that represents consulting engineers and engineering firms. APICAM works to promote the interests of its members, ensure high professional standards in engineering practices, provide networking and professional development opportunities, and contribute to the advancement of the engineering profession in Cameroon.
The Cameroonian business ecosystem comprises a diverse array of key stakeholders and actors, each playing crucial roles in shaping the business environment and influencing investment dynamics within the country. These stakeholders include government entities such as ministries of Trade, Finance, and Industry, which are instrumental in formulating and implementing policies, regulations, and initiatives that govern trade, finance, and industrial activities. For instance, the Ministry of Trade oversees trade policy formulation, monitors
International trade commitments, and provides essential information on preferential tariffs and import/export procedures. Similarly, the Ministry of Finance defines and implements public finance policies, tax regulations, and foreign exchange regulations, significantly impacting financial operations and investment decisions. Moreover, regulatory bodies like the Standards Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development play pivotal roles in ensuring compliance with quality standards, intellectual property regulations, and agricultural trade policies. These entities provide essential guidelines and procedures for product certification, quality control, and trade in agricultural commodities, contributing to market transparency and consumer protection.
The Cameroonian business ecosystem comprises a diverse array of key stakeholders and actors, each playing crucial roles in shaping the business environment and influencing investment dynamics within the country. These stakeholders include government entities such as ministries of Trade, Finance, and Industry, which are instrumental in formulating and implementing policies, regulations, and initiatives that govern trade, finance, and industrial activities. For instance, the Ministry of Trade oversees trade policy formulation, monitors international trade commitments, and provides essential information on preferential tariffs and import/export procedures. Similarly, the Ministry of Finance defines and implements public finance policies, tax regulations, and foreign exchange regulations, significantly impacting financial operations and investment decisions.
Moreover, regulatory bodies like the Standards Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development play pivotal roles in ensuring compliance with quality standards, intellectual property regulations, and agricultural trade policies. These entities provide essential guidelines and procedures for product certification, quality control, and trade in agricultural commodities, contributing to market transparency and consumer protection.
Furthermore, industry associations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Crafts (CCIMA) and the Investment Promotion Agency (API) serve as vital intermediaries between businesses and the government, advocating for the interests of the private sector, promoting investment opportunities, and facilitating business registration and licensing processes. Their expertise and networks offer valuable resources for foreign businesses seeking to navigate regulatory frameworks, access market information, and establish strategic partnerships.
Additionally, international organizations and trade facilitation entities like the Single Window for Foreign Trade Operations and the Cameroon National Shippers Council (CNSC) play essential roles in streamlining import/export procedures, enhancing logistics efficiency, and promoting international trade. These organizations provide platforms for collaboration, offer information on trade regulations and procedures, and help businesses mitigate logistical challenges and trade barriers.
The business ecosystem in Cameroon is shaped by various specificities, each influencing how businesses operate and navigate the economic landscape.
Cameroon's rich cultural diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and languages, underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in business interactions. Businesses must navigate linguistic nuances, traditions, and customs to build trust and rapport with local stakeholders. Respect for hierarchical structures, elders, and authority figures, coupled with an appreciation for personal relationships and social connections, lays the foundation for successful business engagements.
Engaging with the Cameroonian government is essential for businesses to navigate regulatory frameworks, access incentives, and stay informed about market conditions. Proactive engagement with government agencies, such as the Investment Promotion Agency (API) and relevant ministries, facilitates smoother registration processes and regulatory compliance. Participation in industry forums and workshops fosters collaboration and advocacy for private sector interests.
Cameroon's business environment is characterized by rapid changes influenced by economic, political, and social dynamics. Businesses must demonstrate adaptability to thrive amidst challenges such as infrastructure limitations, bureaucratic hurdles, and supply chain disruptions. Flexibility in strategy, operations, and partnership-building enables businesses to navigate uncertainties and maintain resilience in the face of evolving market conditions.
Cameroon's business practices are shaped by a diverse cultural landscape, with English and French as official languages. English predominates in Anglophone regions, while French is prevalent in Francophone regions. Building relationships and respecting hierarchical structures are central to business etiquette, mirroring Nigeria's relationship-oriented culture.
Awareness of public holidays and language preferences is essential for scheduling business activities and appointments in Cameroon. Modesty, respect for cultural norms, and adherence to local customs are paramount, particularly in predominantly Muslim regions. Dressing conservatively and displaying cultural awareness enhance business interactions and demonstrate respect for the host country's traditions.
