Economic cooperation between Cameroon and Algeria is reaching new heights, marked by a series of strategic agreements and substantial investments in key sectors. A high-level meeting in Yaoundé on July 8, 2026, brought together Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and Abdallah Boukemmache, Algeria’s Ambassador to Cameroon, alongside Abdel Khemane, CEO of MADAR Holding—a state-owned enterprise and one of Algeria’s largest economic groups.
MADAR Holding, with over 6,000 employees across 11 subsidiaries and 14 participations, stands as a major player in Algeria’s economy. It dominates the tobacco, automotive, and spare parts sectors while also leading as the country’s top importer of bananas and coffee. The visit underscored Algeria’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Cameroon, aligning with President Paul Biya’s vision of economic openness.
« My mission in Cameroon focuses on identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, particularly through importing key Cameroonian products like bananas and coffee, as well as making meaningful investments in these sectors and others, subject to the approval of Cameroonian authorities, given the financial strength of MADAR Holding, » explained Abdel Khemane. He emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation, a principle shared by both nations.
The existing strong political, economic, and commercial relations between Cameroon and Algeria are set to gain fresh momentum with the upcoming fifth session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Yaoundé. Ambassador Boukemmache revealed that over 15 agreements are currently under negotiation, with tangible steps being taken to implement them. « We are not just signing agreements; we are here to execute what has been agreed upon—boosting and consolidating trade exchanges between our countries by importing from Cameroon, investing in Cameroon, and expanding economic cooperation across multiple sectors, » he stated.
Recent indicators highlight the growing momentum in bilateral trade. Algerian Airlines has increased flights between Algiers and Douala to four per week, while the Algerian consulate in Yaoundé has issued over 150% more visas. Cameroonian exports to Algeria surged by more than 107% between 2023 and 2024, reflecting the deepening economic integration.
While bananas and coffee remain the primary focus of negotiations, Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce also highlighted other lucrative sectors, including cocoa and cotton. Abdel Khemane confirmed MADAR Holding’s readiness to invest in these areas, both for importing products to Algeria and establishing local processing facilities. « Our goal is to create a seamless trade flow that benefits both nations, » he added.
Two critical working sessions were scheduled for July 9, 2026, in Douala. The first involved the National Office of Cocoa and Coffee (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Coffee and Cocoa Council (CICC), while the second focused on the Haut Penja Plantations (PHP) for banana exports. Algeria’s delegation expressed a strong desire for immediate export operations to commence without further delays.
Before concluding the meeting, Ambassador Boukemmache announced plans for a major business forum in Cameroon, led by the President of Algeria’s employers’ federation. This event aims to mobilize a high-level delegation of Algerian business leaders, further solidifying the commitment of both countries to turn partnership intentions into concrete economic outcomes. The initiative promises significant opportunities for Cameroonian economic operators.