Cameroun Algeria deepening trade ties with banana and coffee deals
Cameroon-Algeria trade ties deepen with new economic partnerships
Cameroon and Algeria are accelerating their economic collaboration, unlocking fresh trade opportunities through strategic agreements and investments in key sectors like banana and coffee exports.
Trade relations between Cameroon and Algeria are gaining momentum, following a productive meeting on July 8, 2026, between Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and Algeria’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Abdallah Boukemmache. The diplomat was joined by Abdel Khemane, CEO of MADAR Holding, a state-owned Algerian conglomerate and the country’s second-largest economic group.
With over 6,000 employees across 11 subsidiaries and 14 participations—spanning tobacco, vehicles, spare parts, and agroindustry—MADAR Holding stands as a major player in Algeria’s economy. Notably, it is the leading importer of bananas and coffee in the country. The minister’s meeting with the delegation underscored Cameroon’s strategic economic opening under President Paul Biya’s leadership.
« I’ve been in Cameroon for several days exploring ways to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, particularly through importing key Cameroonian products like bananas and coffee, » explained Abdel Khemane. « We’re also ready to make substantial investments in these sectors and others, subject to Cameroon’s regulatory framework, given the financial strength of the state-owned Holding I lead. » He framed the initiative within a South-South cooperation framework, aligning with both nations’ shared priorities.
Next steps in bilateral trade expansion
The existing strong political, economic, and commercial ties between Cameroon and Algeria are set to receive a major boost with the upcoming fifth session of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation in Yaoundé. Ambassador Boukemmache highlighted ongoing negotiations for over 15 agreements, emphasizing concrete action: « We’re not just signing agreements—we’re here with the CEO of MADAR Holding to implement what’s been outlined. Our goal is to enhance and consolidate trade flows between our countries by importing from Cameroon, investing in Cameroonian industries, and expanding into multiple economic sectors. »
Key indicators reflect this momentum. The air route between Algiers and Douala now operates four weekly flights. Algerian consular services in Yaoundé have issued over 150% more visas, while Cameroonian exports to Algeria surged by over 107% between 2023 and 2024.
New sectors and immediate export plans
While banana and coffee remain the primary focus of advanced negotiations, Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce used the meeting to pitch additional high-potential sectors to the Algerian delegation. Cocoa and cotton, both critical to Cameroon’s economy, caught the interest of MADAR Holding, which expressed readiness to invest in both export and local processing.
Two critical working sessions are scheduled in Douala on July 9, 2026: one with the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC) for coffee, and another with the Haut Penja Plantations Company (PHP) for bananas. The Algerian side is pushing for immediate export operations to begin without further delays.
Future business forum to solidify ties
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 will bring together a large delegation of Algerian business leaders, further translating shared intentions into tangible outcomes. The initiative is expected to yield significant benefits for Cameroonian economic operators.