Afriland First Bank Cameroon has formally become a first-line partner of the 2026 International Business, SME and Partnership Fair (PROMOTE), following the signing of a partnership agreement on April 15, 2026 in Yaounde. The agreement, signed by the Director General of Afriland First Bank, Célestin Guela Simo, and Pierre Zumbach, Founder and High Adviser attached to the Presidency of the Inter-progress Foundation, sets the framework for collaboration ahead of the fair scheduled from June 12 to 21, 2026 at the Yaounde Conference Centre.
The partnership reinforces the role of PROMOTE as a platform for business networking and investment mobilisation in Central Africa, while aligning with Afriland First Bank’s strategy to finance and support enterprises across the value chain. Officials said the collaboration is designed to lower entry barriers for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and expand their visibility and access to markets. The move comes as Cameroon seeks to strengthen private sector growth and enhance competitiveness through structured business platforms.
The Director General of Afriland, during the signing stated that the partnership reflects a shared vision between the bank and the Interprogress Foundation to position enterprises at the core of economic transformation. He noted that Afriland First Bank’s involvement in PROMOTE dates back to earlier editions, reinforcing its support for enterprise development and investment promotion.
“At Afriland First Bank, we believe Africa possesses the human capital, expertise and resources required to build its own champions. Our mission is to mobilize the financial instruments that transform this potential into tangible outcomes,” Célestin Guela Simo stated.
On his part, Pierre Zumbach, speaking on behalf of the Interprogress Foundation, indicated that the renewed commitment marks a strategic phase for the fair, which was established in 2002 as a biennial platform to promote business opportunities. He added that the event has evolved into a recognized meeting point for stakeholders seeking to boost enterprise growth and economic output. According to Zumbach, the renewed commitment reflects the growing importance of structured platforms in supporting enterprise growth and national economic development.
“Afriland First Bank is making a significant contribution to strengthening the relevance and attractiveness of PROMOTE as a business platform. The fair remains a strategic meeting point for boosting enterprises and the wider economy,” Pierre Zumbach said.
Data presented during the signing ceremony highlight Afriland Bank’s financial capacity to support the initiative and its broader role in the economy. It emerged from the ceremony that in 2025, the bank extended over 1,200 billion CFA FRANCS in credit to private enterprises, with total outstanding loans reaching 1,667 billion CFA FRANCS. Deposits stood at 1,950 billion CFA FRANCS, contributing First to a total balance sheet of approximately 2,550 billion CFA FRANCS.
The bank also operates a network of around 100 branches across Cameroon and maintains a presence in 10 African countries, reflecting its regional footprint. Partnerships with international financial institutions such as SFI, PROPARCO and the BID were cited as part of efforts to mobilise additional funding for SMEs.
Within the framework of PROMOTE 2026, Afriland First Bank has committed to financing the full participation of 40 SMEs, alongside offering a reduction of between 30% and 35% on participation costs for its clients. The bank will also provide advisory services, networking opportunities and visibility support to participating enterprises.
The Deputy Managing Director of Afriland First Bank Cameroon, Hervé Ayissi said the bank’s intervention is structured to improve access to the fair and support enterprise growth through targeted financial and non-financial services.
“The objective of PROMOTE is to foster enterprise development, and our role is to ensure that all businesses, including those with limited resources, are able to participate. We will support around 40 enterprises and contribute to reducing participation costs for others,” Ayissi said.
The 2026 edition of PROMOTE coincides with two milestones: 25 years of the fair’s contribution to economic development and 40 years of Afriland First Bank’s operations, highlighting the convergence of institutional experience and long-term investment in enterprise development.
Mercy Fosoh
