(Business in Cameroon) – Dag Rasmussen, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail, a subsidiary of the French media and entertainment giant Lagardère, will visit Cameroon in the coming days. According to a statement released on March 31, he will officially open the first Aelia Duty-Free stores at Yaoundé-Nsimalen Airport on April 10. The event will also be attended by the Cameroonian Minister of Transport.
Sountou Bousso, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail for West Africa, will also be present. Bousso had signed a 10-year concession agreement with Aéroports du Cameroun (ADC) on September 11, 2024, for the design and operation of duty-free shops at both Douala and Yaoundé’s international airports. Lagardère Travel Retail views this project as “more than just a commercial expansion.”
“This move is part of a strong ambition: to stimulate the regional economy, create sustainable jobs, and provide travelers with a rich and memorable experience,” the company emphasized.
The new Aelia Duty-Free stores, covering 500 square meters, are located in the heart of the passenger terminals. They were built in collaboration with local Cameroonian companies specializing in commercial design. “These local artisans handled the entire project, from construction to custom-made furniture. Around 100 direct jobs, and as many indirect jobs, have been created,” Lagardère Travel Retail added.
With 170 years of expertise, Lagardère Travel Retail is a global leader in the travel retail industry. Present in 42 countries, the company operates more than 5,000 stores, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and travel-related product spaces. Under the leadership of Dag Rasmussen since 2011, the company is further solidifying its presence in Central Africa.
Ludovic Amara
