Strengthening bilateral economic cooperation between Cameroon and Algeria took center stage during a productive meeting on July 8, 2026, when Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce, received Abdallah Boukemmache, Algeria’s ambassador to Cameroon. The diplomat was accompanied by Abdel Khemane, CEO of Algeria’s state-owned Holding MADAR, the country’s second-largest economic group.

With over 6,000 employees spread across eleven subsidiaries and fourteen holdings—including tobacco, vehicle manufacturing, and spare parts—Holding MADAR is a major player in Algeria’s agro-industrial sector. The company stands as the nation’s top importer of bananas and coffee, making it a strategic partner in Cameroon’s efforts to expand trade and investment ties, particularly under President Paul Biya’s economic openness agenda.

During the meeting, Abdel Khemane emphasized his mission: « I have been in Cameroon for several days exploring ways to develop partnerships with local businesses, particularly through importing key Cameroonian products like bananas and coffee. We are also considering substantial investments in these and other sectors, subject to approval by Cameroonian authorities, given the Holding’s considerable financial capacity. » He framed the initiative within the broader context of South-South cooperation, a priority for both nations.

The existing strong political, economic, and commercial relations between Cameroon and Algeria are poised for a major boost with the upcoming fifth session of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Yaoundé. Ambassador Boukemmache highlighted ongoing negotiations, noting, « We are currently finalizing more than 15 agreements spanning various economic sectors. But we’re not just signing agreements—we’ve come with the CEO of Holding MADAR to make these plans a reality by enhancing and consolidating trade exchanges between our countries. This means importing from Cameroon rather than exporting to it, while also investing in Cameroonian industries. »

Recent indicators underscore the growing momentum. The direct flight route between Algiers and Douala has expanded to four weekly flights, while Algerian consular services in Yaoundé have increased visa issuance by over 150%. Meanwhile, Cameroonian exports to Algeria surged by more than 107% between 2023 and 2024.

Beyond bananas and coffee—sectors already under advanced negotiation—Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce used the meeting to introduce Algeria to other high-potential industries, including cocoa and cotton. Abdel Khemane confirmed Holding MADAR’s readiness to invest in these sectors, not only for export to Algeria but also for local processing and value addition.

Two high-level working sessions are scheduled for July 9, 2026, in Douala. The first will involve the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC), focusing on coffee. The second will engage Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP), targeting banana exports. The Algerian delegation has expressed a strong desire to expedite these processes to begin exports immediately without further delays.

Before concluding the meeting, Ambassador Boukemmache announced plans for an upcoming business forum in Cameroon. The event, led by Algeria’s leading employers’ federation, aims to mobilize a large delegation of Algerian business leaders. This initiative reflects both countries’ commitment to turning partnership intentions into tangible outcomes, promising significant benefits for Cameroonian economic operators.