An economic forum bringing together Cameroonian and Thai businesses has set the stage for expanded trade and investment, with both sides positioning Cameroon as a strategic entry point into the Central African market. The maiden Thailand-Cameroon Business Matching Forum 2026, held on February 18, in Yaounde, focused on agriculture, agro-industry, automotive lubricants, security systems, food and beverages, and energy-saving technologies as priority sectors for partnership.
Organised under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts of Cameroon, CCIMA, the forum gathered 11 Thai economic operators on a prospecting mission to Cameroon. The delegation was led by Kanokpun Phattraprinsiri, Director of the Thailand Trade Centre in Abuja, which covers 21 African countries. Thai companies showcased products including agricultural machinery, tea-based beverages, biscuits and snacks, cosmetics, industrial and automotive lubricants, locks and security equipment, and air conditioning systems for domestic and commercial use.
Participants were briefed on arbitration and conciliation mechanisms to facilitate amicable settlement of potential commercial disputes. Organisers said the forum followed earlier government-level engagements aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and promoting trade and investment relations between the two countries.
Positioning Cameroon as a regional hub
Bienvenu Bidjogo Ndongo, Regional Delegate of the Chamber for the Centre Region representing its president, said the objective was to match Cameroonian and Thailand companies in order to develop business between both countries.
He added that the initiative was designed to enable foreign enterprises to meet Cameroonian counterparts and explore partnerships that could extend beyond distribution to long-term local production. According to him, Cameroon’s strategic location makes it a gateway not only to the national market but to the wider CEMAC region of more than 80 million people.
“It is not just a question of us selling their products, but also about knowing how we can transform our economy by working with these Thailand companies,” he said, noting that collaboration could allow Cameroonian firms to benefit from Thailand’s more advanced industrial experience.
Growth prospects and trade expansion
Kanokpun Phattraprinsiri stated that Cameroon, like much of Africa, is experiencing continued economic growth. Citing World Bank statistics, she said growth is projected at about 4.3%.
“The objective is to bring Thailand experts to meet Cameroon importers to boost trade between both nations,” she said. “We brought many kinds of products and we will see the market survey in Cameroon and maybe in the future, we can define which product we can focus on solely.”
She added that Africa represents a new growth frontier for Thai entrepreneurs seeking to diversify export markets. The forum also aimed to build confidence among Thai businesses and Cameroonian trading partners by strengthening trade networks across West and Central Africa.
During business-to-business sessions, Yan Naing Tun of Variety Foods International Co. LTD said his company exports to more than 50 countries and was exploring opportunities in Cameroon. “We brought our Thailand quality product to Cameroon people,” he said, highlighting value-added food products including wheat-based healthy snacks.
Economic relations between the two countries have expanded in recent years, with Thai rice and other consumer goods gaining ground on the Cameroonian market. Thai firms have also shown interest in infrastructure and renewable energy projects, while Cameroon continues to promote opportunities in agriculture, energy and tourism as part of efforts to diversify its economy and attract foreign direct investment.
Mercy Fosoh
