(Business in Cameroon) – Nearly 20 Italian firms and multiple cross-sector ventures mark a four-year surge in bilateral trade as Italy’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Filippo Scammacca Del Murgo, ends his mission. On Friday, 24 October 2025, Cameroon’s Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, held a farewell audience with Ambassador Scammacca, whose tenure has been defined by a strengthened economic and technological partnership between the two countries.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed achievements in trade and enterprise cooperation, including the promotion of technology transfer, the establishment of industrial partnerships, and the development of small and medium enterprises. The Minister commended the Ambassador’s efforts to boost trade flows and collaboration between Cameroonian and Italian businesses, particularly in the sectors of design, agri-processing, leather, textiles, and ceramics.
Strong Bilateral Cooperation
Under Ambassador Scammacca’s leadership, Italy reinforced its economic presence in Cameroon through multiple business initiatives. At the 2024 International Business Fair, PROMOTE, held in Yaounde, he spearheaded “Italy Day,” a dedicated platform for bilateral trade promotion. The event brought together entrepreneurs from both nations, with 19 Italian companies participating across industries such as construction, agri-food, design, irrigation, and logistics.
For the first time, Italian financial institutions, operating under the Ministry of Finance, joined the forum to offer investment and financing prospects to local enterprises. Addressing the forum, Scammacca reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting Cameroon’s industrial and energy development through sustainable partnerships.
Discussions during the farewell meeting also addressed the structuring of Cameroon’s social economy sector, drawing inspiration from Italy’s cooperative model. Both sides highlighted professional training as a key driver of economic growth, emphasising capacity building in incubation centres and vocational training in artisanal and creative industries.
Minister Bassilekin outlined plans for continued cooperation with the incoming Italian ambassador, with a focus on connecting economic actors, fostering ties between chambers of commerce, and encouraging participation in trade fairs and investment forums.
Cultural, Educational Partnerships
Ambassador Scammacca’s mission also advanced cultural diplomacy and innovation. In collaboration with the University of Padova and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Embassy organised Cameroon’s first-ever Italian Design Day at the National Advanced School of Public Works (NASPW) in Yaoundé. The event gathered 62 participants and showcased 37 creative projects under the theme “Inequalities: Design for a Better Living.” The initiative support the reinforcement of Italy’s commitment to supporting skill development and promoting sustainable design and architecture within Cameroon’s creative economy.
Friday’s meeting underscored the quality of Cameroon-Italy relations and the shared ambition to pursue a dynamic, development-driven partnership aligned with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy. As Ambassador Scammacca concludes his tenure, both nations reaffirmed their resolve to expand bilateral trade, strengthen SME competitiveness, and advance joint ventures that promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Mercy Fosoh
