(Business in Cameroon) – Unrecorded imports into Cameroon from the Central African Republic (CAR) rose by 12.1% in 2024, reaching 2.9 billion CFA francs, representing 1.1% of Cameroon’s total unregistered trade, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
The rebound, after a downturn in 2023, was driven by strong demand for flour and vegetables, which together accounted for nearly one-third (32.9%) of informal trade flows. This agricultural momentum underscores the CAR’s role as a key supplier of food products, particularly in border regions where trade remains vibrant.
Beyond food products, materials for artisanal furniture making (10.9%) and charcoal (9.8%) also made up significant shares, reflecting the dynamism of small-scale cross-border trade in wood and crafts.
The INS report also cited firewood, fresh meat, tubers, and crude palm oil as key components of informal trade. The diversity of exchanges is further illustrated by fresh or dried fruits (1.8%), soaps and detergents (2%), and various plant materials (2.6).
Beyond the figures, these exchanges highlight the economic complementarity between Yaoundé and Bangui and the porous nature of their shared border, where informal commerce remains a vital supply channel for Cameroonian markets.
Amina Malloum
