Cameroon Algeria economic ties strengthening with trade boost

Cameroon and Algeria are deepening their economic ties, with key sectors like banana and coffee production drawing fresh investor interest from the North African nation.

On July 8, 2026, a high-level meeting in Yaoundé between Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and Algeria’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Abdallah Boukemmache, underscored the growing momentum behind bilateral cooperation. The Algerian delegation included Abdel Khemane, CEO of MADAR Holding, Algeria’s second-largest state-owned economic group with over 6,000 employees across 11 sectors, including agriculture, automotive, and tobacco.

As Algeria’s top importer of banana and coffee, MADAR Holding is positioning itself to expand investments in Cameroon’s agricultural value chains. Khemane emphasized the group’s commitment to importing Cameroonian produce while exploring local processing opportunities. “My mission is to identify partnership opportunities with Cameroonian businesses, particularly in banana and coffee, while leveraging MADAR’s financial strength to invest in these and other sectors,” he stated.

Trade growth and new opportunities

The fifth session of the Cameroon-Algeria Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, scheduled in Yaoundé, is set to finalize over 15 agreements spanning multiple industries. Boukemmache highlighted tangible progress, noting a 107% surge in Cameroonian exports to Algeria between 2023 and 2024 and a 150% increase in Algerian visa issuance for Cameroonians. He also pointed to the expanded air connectivity, with four weekly flights now operating between Algiers and Douala.

Expanding beyond banana and coffee

While banana and coffee remain priorities, Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce urged Algerian investors to explore additional lucrative sectors such as cocoa and cotton. Khemane confirmed MADAR Holding’s readiness to invest in both export and local processing, aligning with Algeria’s strategy of strengthening South-South cooperation.

Immediate next steps include follow-up meetings in Douala on July 9, 2026, with the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) and the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC), as well as with the Haut Penja Plantations Company (PHP) for banana exports. Algerian officials aim to fast-track these operations, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.

Future business forum to further ties

To solidify this partnership, Algeria plans to host a high-profile business forum in Cameroon, led by the country’s top business federation. The event is expected to attract a large Algerian business delegation, signaling a clear commitment to turning bilateral intentions into tangible economic gains for both nations.