A productive meeting on July 8, 2026, between Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and Algerian Ambassador Abdallah Boukemmache has set the stage for stronger economic ties between the two nations. The ambassador was joined by Abdel Khemane, CEO of Algeria’s state-owned Holding MADAR—the country’s second-largest economic group, employing over 6,000 people across 11 subsidiaries and 14 investments.

With a dominant presence in tobacco, automotive parts, and agro-industry, Holding MADAR also ranks as Algeria’s top importer of bananas and coffee. The company’s leadership is now eyeing Cameroon as a strategic partner to expand trade in these sectors and beyond, aligning with President Paul Biya’s economic openness agenda.

« I’ve been in Cameroon for days to explore ways to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, particularly through importing key products like bananas and coffee, while also making significant investments in these and other sectors, as permitted by Cameroonian authorities. The financial strength of Holding MADAR makes this a viable opportunity, » explained Khemane, emphasizing the value of South-South cooperation cherished by both nations.

Stronger economic ties ahead

The existing solid political and economic relations between Cameroon and Algeria are set to gain further momentum with the upcoming fifth session of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation in Yaoundé. Ambassador Boukemmache highlighted the progress of ongoing negotiations, stating, « We’re currently finalizing over 15 agreements spanning various economic domains. But this isn’t just about signing deals—we’ve brought the CEO of Holding MADAR to turn these agreements into action, boosting and consolidating trade exchanges by importing from Cameroon rather than exporting to it and investing in local industries. »

Key indicators reflect this growing momentum. The Algerian Consulate in Yaoundé has seen a 150% surge in visa issuances, while Cameroon’s exports to Algeria skyrocketed by 107% between 2023 and 2024. The direct flight route from Algiers to Douala now operates four times weekly, further facilitating trade.

Expanding beyond bananas and coffee

While bananas and coffee remain the primary focus—with advanced negotiations underway—Minister Mbarga Atangana also introduced Algeria to other high-potential sectors in Cameroon’s economy, including cocoa and cotton. Khemane confirmed that Holding MADAR is ready to invest in these areas, not only for export but also for local processing.

Two critical working sessions in Douala on July 9, 2026, will focus on coffee with the National Cocoa and Coffee Office (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC), and on bananas with the Haut Penja Plantations Company (PHP). The Algerian delegation has expressed urgency in launching export operations without further delays.

Before concluding the meeting, Ambassador Boukemmache announced plans for an upcoming business forum in Cameroon, led by Algeria’s top business federation. This event, expected to draw a high-level delegation of Algerian entrepreneurs, will solidify the commitment of both nations to translate partnership intentions into tangible outcomes, promising significant economic benefits for Cameroonian businesses.