The Ministry of Trade has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Yaounde I in a move aimed at strengthening market surveillance and accelerating Cameroon’s export drive. The agreement, concluded recently in Yaounde for the benefit of the National Advanced School of Engineering, sets out a legal framework for cooperation between the two institutions to align scientific expertise with commercial activity and consumer protection.
Signed by the Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and the Rector of the University of Yaounde I, Rémy Magloire Dieudonné Etoa, the memorandum seeks to harness technology to enhance oversight of markets. Central to the partnership is the deployment of Big Data solutions proposed by the National Advanced School of Engineering to track fraud and curb unfair trade practices. The initiative is also designed to promote equity in commercial transactions by ensuring consumers pay the correct price for the exact quantity of goods purchased.
Beyond domestic market regulation, the agreement outlines measures to develop exports by strengthening the capacity of economic operators. The objective is to equip businesses with the skills required to integrate into global value chains and operate competitively. The memorandum also emphasises the promotion of “Made in Cameroon” products within national and sub-regional markets, with a focus on improving competitiveness to access the 1.3 billion consumers covered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The document further underlines the importance of Cameroon’s participation in multilateral trade. This dimension is expected to take shape in the coming days during the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, scheduled to hold from 26 to 29 March in Yaounde. The conference is set to bring together global trade stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting international commerce.
Describing the accord as a turning point, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana said the signing marked the realisation of a strategic partnership between scientific expertise and commercial dynamism. He added that it translates into action the government’s policy of emergence and the structural transformation of Cameroon’s economy.
For his part, Professor Rémy Magloire Dieudonné Etoua stated that, through its expertise in mathematical and industrial modelling as well as computer engineering, the University of Yaounde I, via the engineering school, is committed to providing solutions to the evolving challenges presented by the Ministry of Commerce.
Mercy Fosoh
