CREDITS PRODUCTION Producer: Pascal Belda Regional Project Direction: Frederic van de Vyver, Melanie Rose Hardiman Local Project Director: Lawrence Pierre Associate Production: Jean François Moreau Research and Market Development: Nicholas Bruneau
Advertising Agency: World Advertising Business, General Manager: Yves-Armand de Ngankou
EDITION Written by: eBizguides Economic section given by: PriceWaterhouseCoopers Edited by: Susannah Wight Art Direction: Elisa L. Fuentes Photographs: eBizguides, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Public Works, Port Authority of Douala
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following people for their collaboration and support: H.E. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon; Ephraïm Enoni, Prime Minister; Jean-Marie Atangana Mebara, General Secretary to the Presidency; Pr. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Honourable Minister of High Education; Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo, Honourable Minister of Communication; Baba Hamadou, Honourable Minister of Tourism; Egbe Achuo Hillman, Honourable Minister of Forestry and Wildlife; Clobert Tchatat, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Luc Magloire Mbarga Atanga, Honourable Minister of Commerce; Charles Salé, Honourable Minister of Industry, Mines and Technological Development; Pr. Lekene Donfack, Honourable Minister of Urban Development and Housing; Bello Bouba Maïgari, Honourable Minister of Posts and Telecommunications; Alphonse Siyam Sewe, Honourable Minister of Energy and Water; Polycarpe Abah Abah, Honourable Minister of Economy and Finance; Joseph Janvier Mvoto Obounou, Director of Private Communication; Innocent Meutcheye, Cameroonian Embassy in Madrid; Laurent Abah; Prospère Tchuikou; and Thomas Fozein.
We would also like to thank the heads of the following institutions, for their sponsorship and support and without whom this eBizguide would not have been possible: The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife; The Ministry of Tourism; The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; SIAC Brasserie Isenbeck; BAT CEMAC; Djeuga Palace Hotel; Price WaterhouseCoopers; Douanes Camerounaises
Also a special thanks to all our friends in Cameroon: Willy, Philippe, Yann, Léo, Marie-Claude, Laurent, Stéphanie, Julien, Xavier, Zacharie, Edgar and Charles. World Investment News. Ltd. Fourth Dollard House, Wellington Quay. Dublin 2, Ireland Customer Service: Tel: + 34 91 345 66 25, Fax: +34 91 787 38 89 Email: info@ebizguides.com, www.ebizguides.com
Printed by: IM.Roal in Spain, EU Legal Deposit: ISBN 84-933978-5-7
EBIZGUIDE
- CAMEROON
How to use this guide? The goal of eBizguides is to offer extensive economic and
country’s economy itself. Through personal interviews
investment information on a country, with a focus on the
with the most important business people in the country,
top companies, while offering the best tourism and leisure
we then provide our readers with privileged information
information for your spare time. With this, we believe that
and sector analysis, including introductions written by key
our readers can get fully acquainted with the country,
decision-makers in the sector, such as government minis-
before investing in it long-term.
ters.
This book comprises three major sections, which deal with
You will also find fact files of all the major corporations,
general information, the country’s economy and leisure.
outlining their business activities, key projects and any investment opportunities. We consider this to include
General Information
some of the most invaluable information for business glo-
Background information on the country is coupled with
betrotters.
the main business resources available to you. Leisure Cameroonian Economy
For you to fall in love with the country, we also showcase
This section of the book starts off with an in-depth look
the best spots to visit, essential areas to discover, the top
at the country’s investment and legal framework, and the
hotels and restaurants, and much more.
Icons
Legends Proverbs
eBiz Recommended These companies were particular favourites of our team during their stay; this
These local phrases will help you to understand the
stamp is mostly given to restaurants,
popular culture in the country better. Perhaps you can
hotels, and so on.
even use them yourself.
eBiz Recommended Partner
Top Companies
Our team has been interviewing the heads of many companies; when they
This is a listing of the top companies that eBizguides
choose to allocate this stamp to a com-
encountered during their time in the country.
pany, it is because they themselves have received reliable service from the com-
Blue Notes
pany. This is useful insider information that will help you to Notice This indicates that the information is important and something to take notice of when planning, or during, your stay.
4
assess the country, do business and enjoy your stay.
EBIZGUIDE
- CAMEROON
Contents Did You Know?....................................................................................................................7 Cameroon Fact File..............................................................................................................9
General Information...........................................................................................................................11 Business Resources.............................................................................................................43
The Cameroonian Economy................................................................................63 to 184
Investment & Legal Framework...........................................................................................63 The
Country
Economy...........................................................................................83
Agriculture & Forestry.........................................................................................................97 Energy & Mining...............................................................................................................113 Finance............................................................................................................................123
Industry & Trade..............................................................................................................137 Public Works...................................................................................................................153 Tourism. ..............................................................................................................................163 Transport & Communication......................................................................................................171
Leisure................................................................................................................185 to 246 Travel Agents....................................................................................................................................241 Bibliography and Websites..........................................................................................................241 Company Index..................................................................................................................242 and 243
5
EBIZGUIDE
6
- CAMEROON
EBIZGUIDE
- CAMEROON
Did You Know? That the name of the country originates from “Rio dos Camaroes”, a name given to the mouth of the River Wouri in the 15th century by the Portuguese, who were impressed by the enormous number of shrimps found in that river. The whole expression, meaning “River of Shrimps”, became the name of the country as a whole. That although Yaoundé is the capital of Cameroon, it is Douala that is the most populous city. That Cameroon is known as “Africa in miniature”, as it reflects all the geographical diversity in Africa. The south and east are dominated by a dense equatorial rainforest; the west and northwest are hills and volcanic mountains; the central region is characterised by the plains of the Adamawa Plateau; and the north is where savannah contrasts with semiarid, rocky landscapes. That Cameroon is a bilingual republic, with both English and French as official languages. That Cameroon possesses the second largest forest of Africa and the highest mountain on the West African coast (Mount Cameroon, which is 4,095m high). That in the Mandara region, polished calabashes are used as a head-dress by young girls. That the famous tennis player Yannick Noah is Cameroonian. That Cameroon was also a former German colony.
7
EBIZGUIDE
8
- CAMEROON
EBIZGUIDE
- CAMEROON
Cameroon Fact File Land Area:
469,440 km2
Population:
16,380,000 million (as at July 2005)
Population in:
Yaoundé (capital): 1 million Douala 1.5 million
Population Growth Rate: Capital: Other Main Cities: International Airports:
Approx 1.9% Yaoundé Douala, Bafoussam, Nkongsamba, Maroua, Garoua Yaoundé (Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport, NSI); Douala (Douala International Airport, DLA); and Garoua (Garoua International Airport, GOU)
Main Port: GDP: GDP Growth: Inflation: Government System:
Douala, Limboh terminal US$13.6 billion 4.4% 1% (consumer prices) Unitary Republic – multiparty presidential regime, with a cabinet appointed by the president
Head of State: Official Languages: Climate:
President Paul Biya (since 6th November 1982) English and French Ranges from tropical along coast to semi-arid and hot in north
Measures: Fiscal Year: Time:
Metric 1st July to 30th June GMT + 1 hour
Electricity:
220v (European standard plugs)
Currency:
CFA Franc (XAF)
9
EBIZGUIDE
10
- CAMEROON
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
“A genius is he who is first to be right” Cameroonian proverb
11
GENERAL INFORMATION
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
tors can find a wide variety of tourist attractions, such as natural parks or reserves, waterfalls and wildlife. Because of the diversity of its traditions, Cameroon has many fas-
Introduction
cinating cultural assets. Its rich culture is especially reflected in its arts and artefacts (wood carving, calabashes, bronze and iron works, and pottery), which are
Often called “Africa in miniature”, little is known about
symbols of the country’s cultural heritage.
Cameroon in other countries. It is a land of contrasts at all levels: in its geography, culture, peoples, language and religion. This unique country has much to offer to please
History
any visitor, whether visiting the country for business purposes or simply as a tourist.
Since the Palaeolithic era, Cameroon has been inhabited by different linguistic and cultural groups (the Peuls,
Cameroon is a country that is worth visiting by those inte-
Fulani and Bantus). Bantu-speaking tribes settled in the
rested in investment opportunities. It has been peaceful
south. The Pygmies, the original inhabitants of Cameroon,
and united for more than 20 years and its political stabi-
gradually settled in the forests of the south and east pro-
lity has given it an increasing role in the Western and
vinces. The Fulani appeared during the 15th century and
Central African region, making it a model on the African
ended up settling in the north of Cameroon by the 16th
continent. Economically, Cameroon has adopted impor-
century.
tant reforms recently, reinforced by the new government, formed at the end of 2000. It has launched a privatisation
The first known European expedition to reach the coast of
process to stimulate more private-sector investment; has
the country was Portuguese. It arrived in 1472, led by
invited foreign investors to improve its infrastructure and
Fernando Po. The name Cameroon dates back from that
industrial tissue; has embarked on IMF and World Bank
period when the expedition sailed up the Wouri River and
programmes to encourage trade and business investment;
discovered it contained a high number of shrimps. The
and has remodelled the public sector to reduce govern-
explorers thus named it “Rio dos Camarões” (the Shrimp
ment control over the economy, touching every sector.
River), which gradually gave the name to the country. With the arrival of the Europeans, the slave trade started
Therefore, the investment climate is attractive; the
between Europe and Cameroon. Local chiefs started dea-
country has a dynamic agricultural sector (cocoa,
ling with the Portuguese and then French, British, German
bananas, palm oil and cotton), a strong potential in the oil
and Dutch traders, thus increasing the slave trade. In the
sector (Pipeline Doba-Kribi), and is an ideal geographical
18th century, British missionaries started protesting
entry point into the Central African market. Cameroon is
against the slave trade and created a colony with freed
endowed with abundant natural resources and the
slaves from Jamaica and Nigeria in Limbé (whose name
country’s human resources are of a high standard. For all
was then Victoria).
these reasons, Cameroon is one of the most influential countries in Central Africa.
At the end of the 19th century, when slavery ended, trade with Europe became more concentrated on natural
Cameroon is also a country that offers plenty of untapped
resources such as gold, ivory and palm oil. While the
opportunities in tourism. From the north to the south, visi-
Europeans were increasingly gaining power in Cameroon,
12
GENERAL INFORMATION the chiefs around Douala proposed that Britain should
1st January 1960 as the Republic of Cameroon, and
make Cameroon a British protectorate. Getting no answer
Ahidjo was proclaimed president. In October 1961, a refe-
from Queen Victoria, the chiefs signed a treaty with
rendum, supported by the UN, was carried out in British
Germany (by Gustav Nachtigal) on 12th July 1884, giving
Cameroon: the south (Christian) chose to join the French
it their sovereignty in return for trade advantages.
Cameroon and the north (Muslim) joined Nigeria. For two
Cameroon thus became “Kamerun”, with Baron von
years (until 1963), Cameroon was the scene of various
Soden as the first governor of the German colony; his task
riots and turmoil.
was to put down rebellions in the interior of the country. In 1888, a German settlement was founded, which later
On 20th May 1972, a new constitution proclaimed the
became the capital, Yaoundé. In 1907, the second
formation of the United Republic of Cameroon. In the
German governor, Von Puttkamer, started building the
1970s, Cameroon had become a strong economy, develo-
first railway of the country using forced labour. He also
ping industry and agriculture, especially coffee and cocoa,
started developing infrastructures such as roads, schools
and exploiting the newly found oil reserves. This ensured
and hospitals.
political and economic stability. In 1982, Ahidjo resigned as president. The then prime minister, Paul Biya, took over
The First World War put a stop to the German expansion.
his post and fired the new prime minister and other mem-
As a result of the war, Britain and France forced Germany
bers of his government, accusing them of plotting against
to leave the country. In 1919, Cameroon was split up and
him. In 1983, Ahidjo went into exile to France. The name
mandated by the League of Nations to the French and
of the country was changed to the Republic of Cameroon.
British governments; the British took 20% of the land and
In 1984, after an attempted military coup, violent riots
the French the remaining 80%. This administrative and
broke out in Yaoundé, causing more than 1,000 deaths.
linguistic division has been the cause of tensions until
That same year, Paul Biya was re-elected as president in a
today. The French Administration was ruled from
single-candidate election. In 1986, almost 2000 people
Yaoundé, while the British Administration was governed
were killed with deadly gases coming from Lake Nyos
from Lagos in Nigeria. This shared governance was con-
(North West Province). Paul Biya changed the name of his
firmed in 1922 by the League of Nations. While the British
party (UPC) to Rassemblement Démocratique du Peuple
Cameroon was neglected by Britain, whose attention was
Camerounais (RDPC) and outlawed all other political par-
on neighbour Nigeria, the French colony continued to
ties. In 1988, Paul Biya was re-elected president in ano-
grow and developed new infrastructures, plantations and
ther single-candidate election.
other facilities, still using forced labour. In the 1990s, Cameroon experienced unrest, turmoil and After the Second World War, calls for reunification bet-
demonstrations in the streets, and Amnesty International
ween the two Administrations and independence from
criticised the human rights situation in the country. In
France increased. In 1955, the newly formed UPC party
1991, there was a growing demand for a multi-party
(the Union of Cameroonian Peoples) organised a violent
system but this led to the restriction of press and meetings
uprising in French Cameroon to demand independence
of opposition parties were banned. Seven provinces were
from France. The rebellion was put down by the French.
put under military rule. A general strike occurred from July
In 1958, French Cameroon was governed by Prime
to November 1991, stopping when the government
Minister El Hajj Ahmadou Ahidjo, who created the party
agreed to a multi-party political system. In 1992 Paul Biya
Union Zaise. French Cameroon achieved Independence on
was re-elected president with 39.9% of the vote against
13
GENERAL INFORMATION John Fru Ndi (35.9%). The presidential elections were followed by demonstrations and the detention of opposition members. A state of emergency was declared in the west. Tensions between Cameroon and Nigeria started in 1994 over the Bakassi Peninsula, situated on the border. The two countries agreed to mediation by the UN. The Central African franc was devaluated after an economic crisis. Cameroon joined the Commonwealth in 1995 and started having international support. Paul Biya was reelected president during the 1997 elections. In 1998 and 1999, the Transparency International organisation classed Cameroon as “the most corrupt country in the world”,
Cameroonian flag
Government/Politics
reinforced later by a denunciation from the Catholic Church of Cameroon.
Cameroon is a bilingual Republic (French/English)
At the beginning of the 21st century, Cameroon had a
governed under the 1972 constitution, which was deeply
buoyant economy. The World Bank agreed to give funds
revised in 1996. A president, who is popularly elected for
for an oil pipeline project from Chad to Kribi. In 2001,
a seven-year term and is assisted by a cabinet, heads the
strong protests from environmental organisations
executive branch. The current head of state is H.E. Paul
emerged over the project and the deforestation of the
Biya, re-elected for the sixth consecutive mandate in
country. In October 2004, Paul Biya was re-elected president again, facing an opposition of 16 candidates. He formed a new Cameroonian government on 8th December, with the focus of reforming the country at different levels, usually referred to as “the Greater Achievements”. This implies finding solutions to social problems, corruption, education, boosting the economy and changing the image of Cameroon on the international scene.
National Symbols The National Flag Three equal vertical bands of green, red and yellow, with a yellow five-pointed star centred in the red band. The Cameroonian motto is “Peace, Work, Fatherland”.
Swearing in of H.E. President Paul Biya on 3rd November 2004 at the National Assembly
16
GENERAL INFORMATION October 2004. H.E. Paul Biya has been at the head of the
Since 1990, Cameroon has had a multi-party system: the ruling
Republic of Cameroon since 1982. The president appoints
party is the Rassemblement Démocratique du Peuple Camerounais
the cabinet and the prime minister, appoints and dis-
(RDPC) and the chief opposition party is the Social Democratic Front
misses judges, ratifies treaties and leads the armed forces.
(SDF). Other parties are the Cameroonian Democratic Union (UDC),
People have the right to vote from the age of 21.
the Movement for the Defence of the Republic (MDR), the Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon
The legislative branch consists of the unicameral 180-seat
(MLDC), the Movement for the Youth of Cameroon (MYC), the
National Assembly. All deputies are elected by direct
National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP) and the Union
popular vote for a five-year term. A 100-seat Senate (ten
of Cameroonian Populations (UPC).
per province) is yet to be established. The judiciary branch is closely based on the French civil
Government Ministries and Offices
law system. It consists of the Supreme Court of Yaoundé (judges are appointed by the president) and the High
Office of the Prime Minister
Court of Justice (nine judges and six substitute judges
H.E. Ephraim Enoni, Prime Minister, Head of Government
appointed by the National Assembly).
Town Centre, Yaoundé Tel: +237-223-5760
At the administrative level, the country is divided into ten Centre, South, East, Adamawa, North and Far North).
Office of the General Secretary to the Presidency
Each province is governed by a governor and divided into
H.E. Jean-Marie Atangana, State Minister
“departments”.
Presidential Palace, Yaoundé
provinces (Littoral, South-West, North-West, West,
Tel: +237-223-4025
Prime Minister’s office in downtown Yaoundé
17
GENERAL INFORMATION Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ministry of Environment
H.E. Clobert Tchatat, Minister
Town Centre, Bâtiment Ministériel n°2, Yaoundé
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Tel: +237-223-3677
H.E.Pierre Helé, Minister
Tel: +237-223-1190 Fax: +237-222-5091
Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Laurent Esso, Minister
Ministry of Commerce
791 Av. Konrad Adenauer, Yaoundé
H.E. Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Minister
Tel: +237-220-3850
Town Centre, Yaoundé Tel: +237-222-4352
Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife
Fax: +237-223-9029
H.E. Hillman Egbe Achuo, Minister Town Centre, Bâtiment Ministériel n°2, Yaoundé
Ministry of Communication
Tel: +237-223-6015
H.E. Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo, Minister
Fax: +237-222-9489
646 Av. de l’Indépendance, Yaoundé Tel: +237-223-2805
Ministry of Health H.E Urbain Olanguena Awono, Minister
Ministry of Culture
Town Centre, Yaoundé
H.E. Ferdinand Léopold Oyono, State Minister
Tel: +237-222-3525
646 Av. de l’Indépendance, Yaoundé Tel: +237-222-6579
Ministry of Higher Education H.E. Pr. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister
Ministry of Defence
Town Centre, Yaoundé
H.E. Zé Meka Remy, Ministerial Delegate
Tel: +237-223-4050
Town Centre, Yaoundé Tel: +237-222-5552
Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
Ministry of Economy and Finance
H.E. Pr. Lekene Donfack, State Minister
H.E. Polycarpe Abah Abah, Minister
Mballa II, Yaoundé
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Tel: +237-221-7212
Tel: +237-222-0079
Fax: +237-221-9915
Fax: +237-223-3717
Ministry of Energy and Water
Ministry of Industry, Mines and Technical Development
H.E. Alphonse Siyam Siewe, Minister
H.E. Charles Salé, Minister
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Tel: +237-223-3637
Tel: +237-222-4352 Fax: +237-222-2704
18
GENERAL INFORMATION
H.E. Ali Amadou, Minister, Vice Prime Minister
Ministry of Territorial Planning and Development
Town Centre, Yaoundé
H.E. Frédéric Augustin Kodock, State Minister
Tel: +237-222-0189
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Fax: +237-222-0197
Tel: +237-223-3637
Ministry of Labour
Ministry of Tourism
H.E. Zacharie Peveret, Minister
H.E. Baba Hamadou, Minister
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Tel: +237-223-0860
Tel: +237-222-0006
Fax: +237-223-0356
Fax: +237-222-1295
Ministry of Post and Telecommunication
Ministry of Transport
H.E. Bello Bouba Maïgari, State Minister
H.E. Dakole Daïssala, Minister
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Tel: +237-223-2055
Tel: +237-222-8729
Ministry of Justice
Fax: +237-223-3159
Ministry of Women and Family Affairs Ministry of Public Works
H.E. Suzanne Bomback, Minister
H.E. Martin Okouda, Minister
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Tel: +237-223-1468
Tel: +237-222-1918 Fax: +237-223-2270
Geography
Ministry of Research and Technical Sciences H.E. Madeleine Tchuente, Minister Town Centre, Yaoundé
Location
Tel: +237-223-5467 Cameroon is located in Central Africa, on the west coat of
Ministry of Small and Medium Size Companies, Social Economy and Craft Industry
Africa, and is bordered by Nigeria to the west and north-
H.E. Bernard Messegue Avom, Minister
southeast and Gabon and Equatorial Guinea to the south.
Town Centre, Yaoundé
Cameroon covers 475,440 sq km (land mass 469,440 sq
Tel: +237-222-4352
km) and is as large as California and twice the size of the
west, Chad to the north and northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, the Republic of Congo to the
United Kingdom.
Ministry of Sports H.E. Philippe Mbarga Mboa, Minister Town Centre, Yaoundé Tel: +237-223-3257
19
GENERAL INFORMATION Topography
Cameroon is endowed with significant agricultural, mineral and forest resources. Its multiple vegetation zones, plentiful
Cameroon exhibits a great variety of relief features encom-
rain, surface water and underground water resources, and
passing four distinct geographical regions: the south and
moderate climatic extremes allow for production of diverse
east are dominated by a dense equatorial rainforest (more
food and cash crops. Over 75% of the population is
than 20 million hectares); the west and northwest are hills
involved in the production of the food crops, so agriculture
and volcanic mountains; the central region is characterised
is Cameroon’s principal economic activity. The main cash
by the plains of the Adamawa Plateau (about 1,300 metres
crops are cocoa, robusta and arabica coffee, bananas,
above sea level); and the north is where savannah contrasts
cotton, oil palm, tobacco and rubber. Extractions from
with semi-arid, rocky landscapes.
these for export and local industrial use include cocoa powder and butter, rubber crumb, vegetable oils and
Cameroon covers an average distance of some 1,200 km
cotton fibre. Cameroon possesses the second largest forest
from south to north, and 800 km from west to east. Mount
of Africa, covering around 45% (one-third) of the territory.
Cameroon (4,095 m) is an active volcano located in the
The Cameroonian forest is one of the six territories that
Southwest; it is the highest peak of Western Africa and the
constitute the Congo Basin, which covers more than
sixth highest in Africa.
660,000 sq km. The rain forests are exploited for timber and wood products of exotic as well as popular species. Cameroon is endowed with vast natural resources
20
GENERAL INFORMATION There are numerous and varied species; around 300 have
Cameroon has one of the richest fauna and flora of
been identified, including ebony and mahogany.
Africa, a high number being endemic to their localities. The country possesses numerous reserves and national
Oil is exploited in the Douala/Kribi region and offshore on
parks, of various sizes, offering great opportunities for
the continental shelf and in the territorial waters. There are
game viewing with a wide variety of mammals (especially
several significant non-oil mineral deposits on land, many
primates with more than 20 species of monkey) and birds.
of which have been identified and mined, including gold,
The most famous are Waza National Park, Korup National
diamond, coal, iron ore, gypsum, cobalt, kaolin, phos-
Park, Bouba Ndjida National Park, BĂŠnouĂŠ National Park
phates, bauxite, lime-stone, marble, chromium, uranium,
and the Dja Reserve, which is one of the few remaining
columbine and barite.
gorilla sanctuaries in the world.
Cameroon is host to numerous game reserves where primates can be seen
GENERAL INFORMATION Cameroon’s fauna include: elephants, hippopotamus,
People and Culture
giraffes, antelopes, buffalos, waterbucks, bushbucks, gazelles, rhinoceros, lions, leopards, chimpanzees, drills,
With more than 275 ethnic groups, Cameroon has a real
gorillas, baboons, hyenas, hogs, pangolins, mongoose,
mix of different cultures. The population can roughly be
porcupine, crocodiles, lizards, geckos and snakes (Gabon
divided into three geographical groups: south (the
vipers, boas). Cameroon is also home to more than 900
Pygmies and the Bantu), west (the Bamileke, the Bamoun
bird species.
and the Tikar) and north (the Fulani, the Kirdi, the Choa and the Kotoko). With so many different groups, religions
Climate
and economic interests, once in a while turmoil arises in the form of clashes between ethnic groups, though they are not as violent as they can be in neighbouring coun-
Because of its location, just north of the equator,
tries. These ethnic differences have to be taken into
Cameroon enjoys a truly tropical climate characterised by
account, and can be very important, when doing busi-
hot and wet conditions. The climate of Cameroon varies
ness.
greatly from tropical in the south along the coast to semiarid and hot in the north, thus dividing the country into two distinct regions when it comes to temperatures.
The Pygmies The Pygmies were the first settlers in Cameroon. They live
The dry season in the south lasts from November to
in the south and southeast regions of the country. They
February, rains starting in March and lasting until October,
still hunt and harvest wild fruits, living essentially from
with a heavy rainy season from June. Temperatures range
resources of the forest, on which they feed. Indeed, the
from a minimum of 20°C (at night) to a maximum of
forest has always played an essential role in their daily life,
32°C. Also note that Douala is much more humid and wet
and they use its resources to trade with neighbouring
than Yaoundé, with an average rainfall of around 75 cm
villages for crops. The exact number living in Cameroon is
in July.
not known (around 15,000) but according to the latest statistics, there are about 250,000 in Central Africa.
The rainy season in the north lasts from May to September. The difference of temperatures between day and night is drastic: they can go down to 14°C at night
The Bantu
from December to February and up to 42°C in the day
The Bantu comprise different groups, which come from
from March to May.
two regions. In the northwest and Douala region are the Bakoko, Bakweiri, Bassa, Batanga, Douala, Malimba and
The “harmattan”, dry and dusty northeast winds that
Mbos groups; in the region of Yaoundé are the the Bulu,
blow from the Sahara Desert, usually occurs in January
Eton, Ewondo, Fang, Ntumu and Yezum groups.
and February.
The Bamiléké The Bamiléké are the country’s biggest (about 700,000) and most economically dominant ethnic group. They are spread in the south and southwest, but can also be found
22
GENERAL INFORMATION
Traditional Bamoun mask from west Cameroon
in Yaoundé, Douala and Bafoussam. They have a special
the 14th century.
system of governance, called the “chefferies”, and are known for being good farmers.
The Bamoun
The Tikar The Tikar comprise different ethnic groups, mostly originating from Nigeria. They are located in the northwest.
The Bamoun live around Foumban (West Province) and are famous for their royal dynasty, which dates back to
23
GENERAL INFORMATION Cathedral Notre-Dame in Yaoundé
The Fulani
The Choa
The Fulani, also known as Peul, Peulh, Fulah, Fulfulde or
The Choa are located around Lake Chad. They are of
Fulbe, are an Islamic population who first arrived in
Arabic origin and arrived in Cameroon in the 18th century
Cameroon in the 19th century. It is said they come origi-
from the Sudan.
nally from Senegal where they are related to the Tukolor. This semi-nomad group can be found from Senegal to northern Cameroon mainly as herders of cattle, goats and
The Kotoko
sheep. In Cameroon, many are settled farmers and mer-
The Kotoko descend from one of the earliest peoples in
chants and are dominant in the north and northwest.
Cameroon, the Saos. They are also located in the Lake Chad region.
The Kirdi The Kirdi live in the Mandara Mountains, in the north-
Language
west, around Mora, Moloko and Tourou. Their name means “mountain peoples”. These non-Muslim peoples
Cameroon is a multilingual country. Its official languages
are mostly farmers and their villages are very typical in the
are French (spoken by 80% of the population) and
region.
English. English is mainly spoken in the Northwest and
26
GENERAL INFORMATION Southwest provinces, which were formerly under British
dishes are served with rice, couscous, fufu, plantain, corn,
control. Douala and Yaoundé are French-speaking. Apart
yam or cassava (manioc). In local restaurants, the boldest
from these two major languages, Spanish, German and
can try dishes made of snake, pangolin, crocodile, porcu-
Arabic are occasionally spoken. There are also more than
pine or giant snails. Nevertheless, the best-known
275 sub-ethnic languages and dialects spoken in
Cameroonian dish is the “poulet DG” (chicken cooked
Cameroon, the most important being Bassa, Ewondo,
with carrots and plantains) or the “poulet braisé” (grilled
Peul, Douala and Batanga. There is also Pidgin English
chicken). Other traditional Cameroonian dishes include:
(broken English), which is spoken mostly in the west but understood almost everywhere.
Religion Three primary religions exist in Cameroon: Christianity, Islam and animism. Christians constitute about 40% of the population, divided into 25% of Catholics and 15% of Protestants. 20% of the Cameroonians are Muslims. The remaining (40%) are those with traditional African beliefs or traditionalists. Yet, a high number of Christians follow traditional beliefs, especially during events such as wedding or funerals. The divide between Islam and Christianity is also a geographical one, with the concentration of Muslims residing in the northern provinces, while the Christians occupy the southern provinces.
Food and Drink Cameroonian Food
Ndole: bitter leaf stuffed with meat, fish or shrimp, often accompanied with a thick sauce (from the littoral) Ndomba nam: fish or meat cooked in banana leaves, mixed with a peanut purée, very spicy (from the centre) Kpwem: pounded cassava leaves, accompanied by plantain, yam or cassava tubers (from the centre) Ekok: a vegetarian dish made of leaves cooked in palm nut pulp (from the centre) Folere: meat or fish with plenty of sauce, served with fufu (from the north) Khokki: corn pudding with yam leaves and palm oil (from the west) Ouinga: meat cooked with a sauce made of local herbs and pepper (from the east) Ebandjea: dish with fish, lemon, tomatoes and pepper (from the south) Mitumba: cassava-based bread, ideal to accompany grilled fish
Cameroon has a very rich variety of food. Each region has got its own cuisine, often reflecting the crops grown in the area. The country is blessed with a rich soil and fruit
Cameroonian Drinks
and vegetables of all sorts can be found: bananas, pine-
Still mineral water can easily be found in 0.5 or 1 litre bot-
apples, coconuts, oranges, mangoes, papayas, guavas,
tles. You are strongly recommended not to drink water
melons, watermelons, grapefruits, avocadoes, tomatoes,
directly from the tap.
cucumbers… As in any other West or Central African country, Cameroonians like their food spicy, which is why
The major soft drinks are Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes
they often accompany it with pili-pili, a very spicy red
soda and tonic water, and Top (different flavours). Freshly
sauce (only try it if you can stand very spicy food!). Most
squeezed juices are also delicious (orange, banana,
27
GENERAL INFORMATION Cameroonians also celebrate Islamic holidays which follow the lunar calendar:
mango, papaya, guavas, carrot…). Beer is a common drink and widely available (brands sold include Isenbeck, Castel, 33 Export, Mutzig, Beaufort and Guinness). French, Italian and South African wine can be found in restaurants and supermarkets. Local specialities include matango (palm wine), afofo (spirit distilled from palm wine), bilibili (millet beer) or
Eid al-Fitr – which marks the end of Ramadan Eid al-Kabir (Tabaski) – 40 days after the end of Ramadan Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) Eid Milad Nnabi (Prophet’s Anniversary)
kwata (corn beer). Coffee, tea and hot chocolate can also be found throug-
Business Hours
hout the country.
Music
Banks Monday–Friday: 7.30am–3pm Saturday and Sunday closed
Because of the number of ethnic tribes, Cameroon boasts a great variety of music. Music is very traditional and is often related to a special dance to celebrate an event
Ministries/Public Sector Monday–Friday: 7.30am–3.30pm
(such as a wedding or funeral). In the 1970s, traditional music started to be accompanied with different rhythms, thus creating various styles: bikutsi, makossa, assiko.
Private Sector Monday–Friday: 7.30am–5/6pm
The most famous Cameroonian artists are Manu Dibango, Sam Fan Thomas, Anne-Marie Ndzié, Bachot Muna, Elanga Maurice, Moni Bile, Petit-Pays, les Nubians, Wes, and the famous tennis player, Yannick Noah.
Official Public Holidays
Shops Monday–Friday: 9am–12.30pm and 3–6pm
Supermarkets In Yaoundé, Monday to Saturday 8.30am–7.30pm,
The following fixed-date public holidays are observed:
Sundays 9am–1pm In Douala, Monday to Saturday 8.30am–12.45pm,
1st January: New Year’s Day - 11th February: Youth Day March/April: Easter - 1st May: Labour Day - 5th May: Ascension Day 20th May: National Day - 15th August: Assumption Day 1st October: Unification Day - 25th December: Christmas Day
28
3.30–7.30pm, Sundays 9am–1.30pm
GENERAL INFORMATION mended as most banks do not accept them or charge very high commission when they do. For changing money, unusually banks are not the best option, and are actually a last resort. Only a few branches have a foreign exchange service. The most common places to change money are the larger hotels and on the black market. When changing money, be sure to correctly calculate the money you expect to receive, and to count it completely before handing over your money. At no time should you feel rushed to complete the transaction.
FCFA bank notes
MONEY MATTERS
Should you need to have funds wired to you, your best bet is Western Union. Note that they only pay out in CFA francs. Most major towns have at least one Western Union office.
Currency The currency is Cameroon is the CFA franc, also used in the other countries of the CEMAC region (Central African
Payments and Credit Cards
Monetary Community – Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and
Credit card payment is not very common in Cameroon –
Gabon). The West African CFA cannot be used in the
only a few hotels and organisations accept this type of
CEMAC countries. The currency denominations are
payment. Travellers to Cameroon have to make cash pay-
CFA10,000, CFA5,000, CFA2,000, CFA1,000, CFA500
ment for virtually all the services rendered to them. As for
notes and CFA500, CFA100, CFA50, CFA25, CFA10 and
cash withdrawals or ATMs, only Visa can be used (at
CFA5 coins.
banks or hotels) and only a few banks in Yaoundé and Douala offer cash point services (Crédit Lyonnais and
Exchange rates (in 2005):
SGCB). As there is widespread credit card fraud in Africa and high commission is charged when using a credit card,
1 Euro= CFA656
it is recommended that you arrive in Cameroon with
US$1 = CFA525
enough hard currency in cash and use your credit card as
£1 = CFA993
little as possible.
Foreign Exchange In Cameroon, euros are the preferred currency, although US dollars and pounds sterling are accepted in some locations for exchange. Travellers’ cheques are not recom-
29
GENERAL INFORMATION
Finding pre-paid cards in the street is the easiest
Some indicative prices Taxi fare: CFA175 (drop), CFA2,300 (per hour) Internet: CFA500–3,000 (depending if in the street or at hotel) one hour. Bottle of beer: CFA500 Bottle of water: CFA400 (in supermarkets), CFA1,000 (in restaurants) A meal: CFA6,000–8,000 Pack of cigarettes: CFA800 Newspapers: CFA300 VCR movie: CFA2,000 Rent a house: CFA800,000–1,000,000 (depending on the size and the duration) One night in a five-star hotel: CFA65,000–85,000
30
Decent hair cut: CFA8,000 Domestic flights: CFA25,000 (from Yaoundé to Douala), CFA80,000 (from Yaoundé to Maroua) Central post office of Yaoundé
GENERAL INFORMATION Tipping It is common practice to tip hotel staff and porters.
COMMUNICATIONS
varies depending on the hour of the day but is usually quite slow. Costs per hour range from CFA500 (in the street) to CFA3,000 (in hotels).
Post Stamps can only be obtained from post offices. Mail
Fixed Lines Calling from Douala to Yaoundé and from these two towns abroad is not a problem but communication to and from other parts of the country is quite a challenge. Most
takes about a week to reach Europe. Post office hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am–3.30pm.
BEFORE AND AFTER YOU ARRIVE
major towns have telephone booths for local and internationals calls. Post offices also provide this service (IntelCam). The international dialling code for Cameroon is 00 237.
Health and safety Before You Arrive
To call abroad from Cameroon, dial 00, then the country code followed by the area code. The area code for Douala
Before entering Cameroon, make sure that all your vacci-
is “3” followed by six numbers and “2” for Yaoundé.
nations are up to date. It is compulsory that you have the Yellow Fever vaccination, and you may be asked to pre-
Mobile phones
sent the certificate of vaccination on arrival to Cameroon. The vaccine becomes valid after ten days of being administrated and lasts for ten years.
The mobile phone network coverage is quite good in
Also worth considering are vaccinations or boosters for
Cameroon, especially in Douala and Yaoundé, but not so
typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and cholera. If you are
efficient in remote areas. There are two providers: Orange
planning to travel extensively throughout the country,
and MTN. Both have pre-paid and post-paid systems. Pre-
immunisation against meningitis is also a worthy precau-
paid cards range from CFA2,500 to CFA30,000 for MTN,
tion. All travellers should visit their personal physician or a
and CFA1,000 to CFA25,000 for Orange. Phone numbers
travel health clinic 4–8 weeks before departure.
from Orange start with “900” and “600”; for MTN “700” and “500”. Sending SMS abroad is possible from both
Malaria will be your major health concern when visiting
networks.
Cameroon, as it is a risk all year round and widespread in
Internet services
Cameroon. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and mosquito protection measures (nets and repellents) are important at all times, as they are the most effective measure against
It is easy to find cybercafés in the main cities, either in the
Malaria. There are a variety of options available. The
street or the main hotels. The quality of the connection
choice will depend on your length of stay, how soon you
31
GENERAL INFORMATION need to travel, your medical condition, and so on. Some
paid in cash. Treatment costs and consultation fees are
anti-malaria drugs like Lariam (Mefloquine) only needs to
similar to those in western Europe and many pharmacies
be taken once a week, but many people have reported
can dispense drugs without a prescription. Pharmacies are
that it has neuropsychiatric side effects. Doxycycline is an
well spread out in Cameroon and are open during normal
antibiotic prophylaxis that is taken daily, and only needs
trading hours. Some are even open on Sundays. If you
to be started one day before you travel. It is widely avai-
have a serious medical emergency contact your embassy.
lable in the pharmacies locally, and can protect you against traveller’s diarrhoea. However, in a few cases it
Emergency calls
can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. A new drug, Malarone, can also be started the day before you travel,
In the event of an emergency call:
and is currently recommended by many doctors as it does not have the side effects of the others, but it is the most
Police – 17
expensive option. In any case, you have to continue taking
Fire or Ambulance – 18
the pills at least two weeks after the trip. Also note that
Gendarmerie – 13
the disease usually takes two weeks to incubate and
Operator – 222 80 00 (French); 222 90 00 (English)
symptoms vary from fever to rapid rises in temperature,
Enquiries – 12
headache or diarrhoea.
You are strongly advised to have a personal first-aid kit containing at least an antiseptic, paracetamol, sun cream, insect repellent, antihistamine and band aids.
On Arrival
Driving license and permits Traffic in Cameroon drives on the right. To drive in Cameroon, one has to obtain a Cameroonian driving licence as foreign licences or international driving permits are not valid (except if you possess a short-stay visa, less than two months). The Cameroonian licence can be obtained within 24 hours on production of the foreign licence and payment of a fee. However, the majority of car hire companies insist you also hire a driver. This is
It can be difficult to find a hotel at short notice so you are
actually a good option, as it can save you time and hassle.
recommended to book accommodation before you arrive,
Driving in Cameroon is not for the novice as the roads are
and arrange with the hotel to send a driver to collect you
in bad condition and dangerous (missing traffic signs,
from the airport – write and display your name on a pla-
pedestrians crossing, livestock standing in the middle of
card for identification purposes. Arrival at the airport
the road, and so on). Also there are numerous military
(especially Douala) is rather hectic and the reception quite
checkpoints when travelling by road, so make sure you
chaotic, especially for inexperienced travellers to Africa.
always have all the necessary documents.
Health Services
Entry Visa requirements
There are private clinics and hospitals in most large towns,
Any foreigner visiting Cameroon must possess a valid
the best hospitals being in Yaoundé. As in many coun-
entry visa, which can be obtained from a Cameroonian
tries, the cost of medical services or hospital care must be
embassy or high commission abroad. However, exemp-
32
GENERAL INFORMATION tions are granted to nationals from the Central African
Required Vaccinations
Republic, Chad, Mali, Nigeria and the Republic of Congo for stays not exceeding 90 days.
Requirements for Visas at Cameroonian Embassies and High Commissions
Foreigners intending to visit Cameroon must have: - a certificate or evidence of yellow fever vaccination - a certificate or evidence of cholera vaccination (only if coming from a cholera endemic zone).
Customs Requirements
Applicants must: Tourists and temporary visitors can bring in most items - have an international passport, valid for at least six
with the following limits on cigarettes, alcohol and per-
months
fume: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or five packets of
- have two recent passport photographs
tobacco; one bottle of alcoholic beverage; five bottles of
- have return tickets
perfume. Hard drugs, ammunition and pornographic
- if applying for a transit visa, submit copies of their
materials are prohibited. Currency declaration may be
onward tickets and visas to their destinations
requested on arrival. Customs duties are charged on items
- have an international certificate of vaccination for yellow
imported in commercial quantities. If they are your per-
fever
sonal belongings, it is up to you to convince the officials
- have proof of means of subsistence while in Cameroon
of that.
(bank statement or credit card statement) - have a supporting letter from their firm or business asso-
Foreigners are free to leave Cameroon with souvenirs, but
ciates in Cameroon (where applicable)
a licence must be obtained if antiquities are taken out of
- have a letter of invitation from Cameroon (where appli-
the country.
cable) - if a tourist, submit copies of their hotel reservations or a housing certificate legalised by the Cameroonian police.
Types of visa There are three types of visa: - tourist or short-stay (three months) - business (three months or six months) - transit (five days).
It is not necessary to have a permit to take photos in Cameroon. There are only restrictions in security and military zones (government buildings, harbours, airports and bridges). Before taking photographs of people, always ask first as Cameroonians can resent having their photo taken. They usually ask for a small amount of money in return.
Visa Extension Visas can be extended at the Immigration Office (Délégation Générale de la Sûreté Nationale/Police des Frontières) in Yaoundé at the cost of CFA50,000.
33
GENERAL INFORMATION GETTING THERE AND AROUND Getting to Cameroon By Air
Airlines (See section AIR CHARTER in page 45)
By Road (Border crossing) Visitors can enter Cameroon by road through these neighbouring countries, but do not expect crossing the border
The major airports are:
to be quick. Also make sure that all your documentation is completely in order (passport, visa, driving licence,
Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport – Tel: +237-223-
vehicle documentation, and so on).
1744 / 223-0611 Douala International Airport – Tel: +237-342-3630
Nigeria (through Banki or Ekok)
Garoua International Airport – Tel: +237-227-2346
Chad (through Kousseri)
Maroua-salak Airport – Tel: +237-229-1949
Central African Republic (through Garoua-Boulaï or
Ngaoundéré Airport – Tel: +237-225-1157
Kenzou)
Bertoua Airport – Tel: +237-224-1486
Gabon (through Ambam or Bitam) Equatorial Guinea (through Campo or Ebebiyin)
There is an airport tax of CFA10,000 for all international departures and CFA1,000 for all domestic flights.
Republic of Congo (through Ouesso)
Ben skins are commonly used to move around
GENERAL INFORMATION By Sea
the beaten track; some roads are very difficult to use during the rainy season. You are not recommended to
It is possible to get to Nigeria, Gabon or Equatorial Guinea
drive at all at night.
by boat, from Douala or Limbé. Make enquiries at the
If necessary, you can travel across town by taxi or ben skin
shipping offices in Douala or Limbé’s port.
(cheap city motor bikes), but be sure to negotiate the rate in advance. Ben skin bikes are very accident prone, and
GETTING AROUND CAMEROON By Air
are best left to the more experienced Cameroonian passenger. Urban taxis are yellow and have two rates: the “drop” (share-taxi) rate of CFA175 and the day-time hourly rate of CFA2,000. It is also possible to hire a car from any hotel in Yaoundé or Douala at an hourly rate of CFA3,000 (for air-condi-
The only national carrier is Cameroon Airlines. It operates
tioned cars) and CFA2,500 (for cars without air-conditio-
to and from the aforementioned airports (Douala,
ning).
Yaoundé, Ngaoundéré, Garoua, Maroua, Bafoussam and Bertoua). Nevertheless, be prepared for delays and cance-
In general, it is easy to travel by road in Cameroon. At
llations. This is an important possibility to take into
almost any hour of the day it is possible to travel from
account when travelling, considering that you could be
town to town by bush-taxi. Buses and coaches link the
stuck in a town for a few days. You are strongly advised
major cities, but are usually run on fixed schedules. There
to re-confirm your flight one day before flying. Don’t
are innumerable small bus companies. Except for the most
forget the CFA1,000 airport tax for domestic flights.
popular route (Yaoundé–Douala), which is travelled in comfortable coaches, the trip to any other place in
By Road
Cameroon might prove to be uncomfortable, exhausting and sometimes dangerous.
When getting around in Cameroon, whether within the
Genelcam Voyages +237-768-9293 (in Douala) and +237-
city or when travelling throughout the country, it is com-
773-1907 (in Yaoundé)
pulsory to have identity documents with you. Foreigners
Centrale Voyages +237-342-0316 (in Douala) and +237-
are allowed to carry a certified photocopy of their passport and visa – photocopies can be certified at any police station for CFA1,000 (price of the fiscal stamp). You are strongly advised to show the photocopy of your passport to avoid your original documentation being kept. Also, note that there is a toll to pay when travelling by road (CFA500). There are usually between two and four toll points between two towns. Though the road network in Cameroon is quite good, particularly between Douala and Yaoundé, it is usually better to have a 4WD vehicle, especially if you want to get off
The road network is very good throughout the country
35
GENERAL INFORMATION CAMEROONIAN EMBASSIES ABROAD
230-3994 (in Yaoundé) If you need to travel by road (locally or long distance) and don’t have your own vehicle, your safest option is to hire a car from a reputable company, though it is quite expen-
Algeria
sive. Note that the minimum age for renting a car is 21.
34 rue Yahia Mazouni, El Biar Algiers
By Train
Tel: +213-278-3831
There are a few railway lines across Cameroon, the most popular being from Yaoundé to Ngaoundéré (625 km).
Australia
The journey is made by night train every day (leaving at
65 Bingara Road
6pm from either town and arriving at 6am the next mor-
Beecroft, NSW 2119
ning). Prices range from CFA25,000 (first-class couchette)
Tel: +612-9989-8414
to CFA12,000 (first-class seat). This can be a good option for those who have the time, and they will be rewarded
Belgium
with beautiful landscapes.
Av. Brugman 131–133 1060 Brussels
The
other
two
lines
are
the
Central
Line
Tel: +32-2-345-1870
(Douala–Yaoundé) and the South-West Line. For up-todate information, contact CAMRAIL (Cameroon Railways
Brazil
Corporation) on Tel: +237-340-3080 (in Douala) or Tel:
Q102 Conjunto, 5 Casa
+237-222-8105 (in Yaoundé).
2, Lagosul, Brasilia Tel: +55-61-248-69-280
Canada 170 Clemov A, 234 Ottawa Ontario, K1S 2B4 Tel: +1-613-236-1522 Travelling by train is quite an experience!
Central African Republic Av. de la France P.O. Box 935 Bangui Tel: +236-61-16-87
Chad Rue des Poids Lourds N’djamena Tel: +235-51-28-94
36
GENERAL INFORMATION China
Germany
7 Dongwujile Sanlitou
53, Bonn Bad Godesberg
1006 Beijing
Reinalle 53
Tel: +532-22-76 / 18-28
Bonn Tel: +49-228-356-038
Democratic Republic of Congo 171 Bld du 30 Juin
Israel
P.O. Box 1988
Jabotinsky Street
Kinshasa
P.O. Box 50
Tel: +243-22-76 / 18-28
Tel-Aviv 62748 Tel: +972-3-5298401
Egypt 15 Rue El Israa Mohanessine
Italy
Cairo
282 Corso Vittorio Emmanuelle
Tel: +20-2-704-622
00186 Roma Tel: +39-654-71-50 / 678-47-5
Equatorial Guinea Calle Ray
Ivory Coast
P.O. Box 19
Immeuble le Général
Malabo
Rue Botreau-Roussel
Tel: +240-9-22-63
Abidjan Tel: +225-20-21-33-31
Ethiopia Bole Road
Japan
P.O. Box 1026
Nampeida Shi Buya
Addis Ababa
P.O. Box 9–12
Tel: +251-1-448116
Tokyo Tel: +81-3-5430-4381
France 73 rue d’Auteuil
Morocco
75016 Paris
Rue du Rif Souissi
Tel: +33-1-47-43-98-33
P.O. Box 1790 Tel: +212-77-58-818
Gabon Bd Leon Mba
Netherlands
P.O. Box 14001
Amalistraat 14
Libreville
The Hague
Tel: +241-73-29-10
Tel: +31-70-346-97-15
37
GENERAL INFORMATION Republic of Congo
United Kingdom
Rue General Bayardelle
84 Holland Park
P.O. Box 2136
London W11 3SB
Brazaville
Tel: +44-20-7727-0771
Tel: +242-83-34-84
United States of America Russian Federation
2349 Massachusetts Av. N.W.
Povarskaya Ulitsa, 40
Washington DC 20008
Moscow
Tel: +1-202-265-8790
Tel: +7-095-290-65-49
Saudi Arabia 94 336 Riyadh
FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN CAMEROON
Tel: +966-1-488-00-22
For those countries not featured, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your own country for updates on the honorary consul that represents you in Cameroon.
Senegal P.O. Box 4165 Dakar Tel: +221-23-21-95
South Africa 924 Pretorius Street
Yaounde
Arcadia 0083
Algeria
P.O. Box 13790
409 Rue 1828
Hatfield 0028
B.P. 1619
Tel: +271-342-24-77
Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-221-5351
Spain Avenida Alfonso XII, 53
Belgium
Madrid 28002
B.P. 816
Tel: +34-91-571-11-60
Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-220-0219 / 21
Switzerland 6 Rue Dunant
Brazil
Geneva
1849 Rue Joseph Mballa Elounden
Tel: +41-22-736-2022
B.P. 348 Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-221-4567
38
GENERAL INFORMATION Canada
France
Av. de l’Independance
Plateau Atemengue
B.P. 572
Av. de France, near Place de la Réunification
Quartier Bastos
B.P. 1631
Tel: +237-223-2311 / 223-0203
Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-223-4013 / 222-1776
Central African Republic Off Rue Albert Ateba Ebe
Gabon
B.P. 396
Rue 1816, off Bd de l’URSS
Quartier Bastos
B.P. 4130
Tel: +237-222-5155
Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-220-2966
Chad Rue Joseph Mballa Eloumden
Germany
B.P. 506
Av. de Gaulle
Quartier Bastos
B.P. 1160
Tel: +237-221-0624
Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-221-0056
China B.P. 1307
Israel
Quartier Bastos
B.P. 5934
Tel: +237-221-0083
Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-220-1644
Democratic Republic of Congo Boulevard de l’URSS
Italy
B.P. 632
B.P. 827
Quartier Bastos
Quartier Bastos
Tel: +237-220-5103
Tel: +237-221-2198
Egypt
Ivory Coast
B.P. 809
Rue 1805
Quartier Bastos
B.P. 11357
Tel: +237-220-3922
Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-221-7459
Equatorial Guinea Rue 1805
Japan
B.P. 277
B.P. 6868
Quartier Bastos
Quartier Bastos
Tel: +237-221-0804
Tel: +237-220-6202
39
GENERAL INFORMATION Korea
Russian Federation
B.P. 301
B.P. 488
Quartier Bastos
Quartier Bastos
Tel: +237-221-3223
Tel: +237-220-1714
Liberia
Saudi Arabia
Bd de l’URSS
B.P. 1602
B.P. 1185
Quartier Bastos
Quartier Bastos
Tel: +237-221-2675
Tel: +237-221-5457
Spain Libya
309 Bld de l’URSS
B.P. 1980
B.P. 877
Quartier Bastos
Quartier Bastos
Tel: +237-220-4138
Tel: +237-220-3543
Morocco
Tunisia
B.P. 1629
B.P. 6074
Quartier Bastos
Quartier Bastos
Tel: +237-220-5092
Tel: +237-221-1767
Nigeria
United Kingdom
Off Av. Monseigneur Vogt
Av. Winston Churchill
B.P. 448
B.P. 547
Quartier Bastos
Quartier Bastos
Tel: +237-222-3455
Tel: +237-222-0796 /0545
Republic of Congo
United States of America
Rue 1815
Rue de Nachtigal
Quartier Bastos
B.P. 817
Tel: +237-221-2458
Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-223-0512
Romania 1469 Rue Joseph Mballa Elounden B.P. 6212 Quartier Bastos Tel: +237-221-3986
40
GENERAL INFORMATION Douala
France Av. des Cocotiers B.P. 869
Benin
Bonanjo
Bepanda College Maturite
Tel: +237-342-6250
Bepanda Tel: +237-340-1341
Nigeria Bd de la Liberté
Canada
B.P. 1553
1726 Av. General de Gaulle
Akwa
B.P. 2373
Tel: +237-343-2168
Bonanjo Tel: +237-342-3105
Senegal Galerie MAM
Central African Republic
Bonanjo
Rue Castelnau
Tel: +237-342-2863
Akwa Tel: +237-343-4547
Togo 490 Rue Dika Mpondo
China
B.P. 828
125 Rue 1042,
Akwa
Quartier Hydrocarbure,
Tel:+237-342-1187
B.P. 4391 Tel: +237-342-6276
UK Boulevard de la Liberté
Democratic Republic of Congo
B.P. 1784
70 Rue Sylvanie
Akwa
B.P. 690
Tel: +237-342-3612
Akwa Tel: +237-343-2029
USA Off Av de Gaulle
Equatorial Guinea
B.P. 4006
Rue Tokoto
Bonanjo
B.P. 5544
Tel: +237-342-0303
Bonapriso Tel: +237-342-9609
41
GENERAL INFORMATION
42
BUSINESS RESOURCES
BUSINESS RESOURCES
“If a bird does not recognise a tree, it will not rest on it” Cameroonian proverb
43
BUSINESS RESOURCES ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS
ADVERTISING AGENCIES World Advertising Business
Associates Consulting Partners (ACP)
Rue Hotel Les Boukarous
B.P. 7176
B.P. 8338
Yaoundé
Yaoundé
Tel/Fax: +237-220-5414
Tel/Fax: +237-222-8342 Email: w_a_b97@yahoo.fr
ECA Conseil 474 Rue Njo-Njo
Media Plus
B.P. 3340
B.P. 13719
Douala
Yaoundé
Tel: +237-342-6269
Tel: +237-330-6832
Fax: +237-342-9118
Fax: +237-330-6690
Email: eca-conseil@camnet.cm
JBO Connection Ernst and Young
B.P. 1287
B.P. 443
Yaoundé
Douala
Tel: +237-331-6126
Tel: +237-342-8918
Fax: +237-331-5314
Fax: +237-342-1304
Galacci Studio Okalla Ahanda & Associés
Opposite Independance Hotel
Avenue du Général de Gaulle
Yaoundé
Douala
Tel: +237-762-7816
Tel: +237-342-7887
Fax: +237-222-8726
Fax: +237-342-8315
Excel Communication PriceWaterhouse Coopers
B.P. 6269
96 Rue Flatters, BICEC Building
Yaoundé
B.P. 1227
Tel: +237-223-2882
Douala Tel: +237-342-7351 Fax: +237-342-8732
Moody & Smith Advertising and Public Relations B.P. 3969
Strategies S.A.
Yaoundé
B.P. 3940
Tel: +237-229-2304
Douala
Fax: +237-239-0347
Tel: +237-342-2434 Fax: +237-342-4727
44
BUSINESS RESOURCES Synergie Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising
Cameroon Airlines
B.P. 390
Avenue Monseigneur Vogt
Douala
Tel: +237-223-0304 / 4001
Tel: +237-342-2640 Fax: +237-342-9483
Kenya Airways Nsimalen Airport
AIR CHARTER
Tel: +237-223-3602
SN Brussels Airlines
Yaoundé
Avenue Foch B.P. 13812 Tel: +237-223-4729
Air France Rue de Nachtigal
Swiss International Airlines
B.P. 14335
Avenue Foch
Tel: +237-223-4378
B.P. 14710 Tel: +237-222-9737 / 9730
BUSINESS RESOURCES Douala
Kenya Airways Rue de Trieste
Air France
Bonanjo
1 Place du Gouvernment
Tel: +237-342-9691
B.P. 4076 Bonanjo
SN Brussels Airlines
Tel: +237-342-1555 / 2878
100 Avenue de Gaulle B.P. 2074
Air Gabon
Bonapriso
Off Avenue de Gaulle
Tel: +237-342-0515
B.P. 371 Tel: +237-342-4943
Swiss International Airlines Avenue de Gaulle
Cameroon Airlines
B.P. 2959
3 Avenue de Gaulle
Bonanjo
B.P. 4092
Tel: +237-342-2929 / 1040
Bonanjo Tel: +237-342-3222 / 0111 Head office of Crédit Foncier in Yaoundé
BUSINESS RESOURCES BANKS
Ecobank Cameroon B.P. 582
Yaoundé
Tel: +237-343-8250 / 8251 Fax: +237-343-6247
BEAC
SGBC
Town Centre
Avenue de l’Indépendance
Tel: +237-223-3468 / 4695
Tel: +237-223-1060
Fax: +237-223-4693
Standard Chartered Bank BICEC (Banque International du Cameroun pour l’Epargne et le Crédit)
Avenue de l’Indépendance
Avenue Ahmadou Ahidjo, Town Centre
Fax: +237-222-2646
Tel: +237-222-2261
Tel: +237-222-1016
Caisse Commune d’Epargne et d’Investissement (CCEI)
Douala
Place de l’Hotel de Ville
BEAC
B.P. 11834
Avenue du Général de Gaulle
Tel: +237-222-5837 / 223-6327
Bonanjo
Fax: +237-222-1785
Tel: +237-342-3324 Fax: +237-342-3647
Commercial Bank of Cameroon B.P. 13171
BICEC
Tel: +237-222-0422
195 Avenue du Général de Gaulle
Fax: +237-222-0617
B.P. 4070
Email: cbcbank@camnet.cm
Tel: +237-342-2603 / 2965 Fax: +237-342-5561
Crédit Foncier du Cameroun 484 Boulevard du 20 Mai
City Bank
B.P. 1531
B.P. 4571
Tel: +237-223-5214 / 15
Tel: +237-342-4272
Fax: +237-223-5221
Fax: +237-342-4074
Crédit Lyonnais
Commercial Bank of Cameroon
Boulevard du 20 Mai
B.P. 4004
B.P. 700
Tel: +237-342-0202
Tel: +237-222-8920
Fax: +237-343-3800
Fax: +237-222-8915
47
BUSINESS RESOURCES Crédit Foncier du Cameroun
Douala
B.P. 297
Tel: +237-342-5408
Tel: +237-342-1213 Fax: +237-342-9038
CATERERS
Crédit Lyonnais Rue Joss
La Doual’air
Bonanjo
Bonapriso
Tel: +237-342-6501
Douala
Fax: +237-342-9512
Tel: +237-342-3110
Ecobank
Cefor Traiteur
Boulevard de la Liberté
Boulevard de la République
Akwa
Douala Tel: +237-340-6368
SGBC 78 Rue Joss
Quick’Air Food & Drinks
B.P. 4042
Akwa
Bonanjo
Douala
Tel: +237-342-7010 / 04
Tel: +237-343-0256
Fax: +237-342-8772
Standard Chartered Bank
CONFERENCE FACILITIES
57 Boulevard de la Liberté Akwa Tel: +237-342-3612
Yaoundé
Fax: +237-342-2789
Djeuga Palace Hotel
CARGO
B.P. 2659 Tel: +237-222-4646 / 6457 Fax: +237-222-4700
Air France Cargo
Email: djeugapalace@camnet.cm
Zone Fret Aéroport Bonapriso
Hilton Yaoundé
Douala
Boulevard du 20 Mai
Tel: +237-342-5969
B.P. 11 852 Tel: +237-223-3646
Cameroon Airlines Cargo Zone Fret Aéroport Bonapriso
48
Fax: +237-222-3210
BUSINESS RESOURCES Douala
GMS Boulevard de la République
Le Méridien Douala
Akwa
35 Avenue des Cocotiers
Tel: +237-343-8014
B.P. 3232 Tel: +237-343-5000 Fax: +237-342-3507
COURIER EXPRESS Yaoundé
DENTAL SERVICES Yaoundé Cabinet Dentaire Bastos Rue Joseph Mballa Elounden Bastos
DHL International Cameroon
Tel: +237-221-9521
Avenue de l’Indépendance Tel: +237-223-1358
Clinique Dentaire Adventiste Route de Ngousso
Chronopost
Tel: +237-222-1110
Rue Mvog Fouda Ada Town Centre
Polyclinic André Fouda
Tel: +237-222-1575
Route de Ngousso Tel: +237-222-6612
EMS Rue Charles de Gaulle Tel: +237-222-3392
Douala
Douala Dr Vanderschueren Avenue du Gal de Gaulle Tel: +237-342-9391
DHL International Cameroon 244 Boulevard de la Liberté
Dr Bernard Zipfel
B.P. 3582
Immeuble Neuilly II
Tel: +237-342-3636
Avenue de Gaulle Bonanjo
Chronopost
Tel: +237-342-0198
Rue Drouot Douala
Dr Claudette Nouni Panka
Tel: +237-342-7048
Bonanjo Tel: +237-342-2203
49
BUSINESS RESOURCES Douala
Dr Caroline Eyidi Boulevard de la Liberté Akwa
Energy Club
Tel: +237-343-4951
Bonapriso Tel: +237-342-3285
DRY CLEANER
Fitness Clinic Bonapriso
Elegance Pressing
Tel: +237-342-3459
Various outlets in both Douala and Yaoundé
Gymnasium Centre Luc’s Pressing
Avenue Njo-Njo
Various outlets in both Douala and Yaoundé
Bali Tel: +237-343-1451
HAIR AND BEAUTY
Moving Bonapriso
Most hotels have beauty salons
HEALTH CLUBS
Tel: +237-342-3284
HOTELS See under the section: Leisure
Yaoundé Hotel Djeuga Palace
INSURANCE COMPANIES
Open everyday 10am–9pm, except Wednesdays
Hilton Hotel
Yaoundé
Open everyday
CAMSUR Club Olympic
Rue Narvick
Bastos
B.P. 12400 Tel: +237-220-9632
Vital Plus
Fax: +237-220-9634
Town centre
Chanas Assurances S.A. B.P. 253 Tel: +237-222-4500 Fax: +237-222-5122
50
BUSINESS RESOURCES Gras Savoye Cameroun
INTERNET PROVIDERS
Avenue Konrad Adenauer Town Centre Tel: +237-220-2250
Yaoundé
SAAR Assurances
Espresso House
B.P. 11834
Bastos
Tel: +237-220-6648
Open every day
Fax: +237-220-6650
Cyber Café ICCNET SICAR Assurances
Hilton Hotel Arcade
B.P. 11 217
Tel: +237-222-1588
Tel/Fax: +237-223-2575
Fax: +237-222-1590 www.iccnet.cm
Douala
La Comète Near the Djeuga Hotel
AGF Assurance 1124 Rue Manga Bell B.P. 105
Douala
Tel: +237-342-9203 Fax: +237-343-0324
Dot.com
Website: www.agf-afrique.com
Boulevard de la Liberté Akwa
Chanas Assurances S.A. B.P. 109
Cyberbao Café Internet
Tel: +237-342-1474
1482 Boulevard de la Liberté
Fax: +237-342-9960
Tel: +237-342-2920 Fax: +237-342-2919
Gras Savoye Cameroun
Web: www.pdm-net.com/douala
Avenue du Général de Gaulle Bonanjo
Cyberix
Tel: +237-343-2122
Boulevard de la Liberté
Fax: +237-342-1966
Akwa
SIRCAR
Square Net
Akwa
Avenue de Gaulle
Tel: +237-342-0497
Bonapriso
51
BUSINESS RESOURCES Web Café Internet
Jogo Pascal
Carrefour Air Afrique
Avenue Maréchal Foch
Tel: +237-342-8734
Town Centre Tel: +237-222-4820
ICCNET Nhanag Paul
Tel: +237-342-4205
355 Avenue Ahmadou Ahidjo
LEGAL REFERENCES
Tel: +237-222-5746
Noah Guy
Yaoundé
293 Rue de Nachtigal Tel: +237-223-0966
Atangana Claire
Muna Muna & Associates
Bastos
B.P. 307 Yaounde
Tel: +237-223-5648
Tel: + 237-233-5574 Fax: + 237-222-6685 Email: munalaw@camnet.cm
You can find both English and French newspapers
BUSINESS RESOURCES Douala
La Nouvelle Expression Rue Prince de Galles
Metoukson Delangue
B.P. 15333
564 Rue Dubois de Saligny
Akwa
Akwa
Douala
Tel: +237-343-1741
Tel: +237-343-2227
Essomba Lucas
Le Messager
158 Rue des Mangiers
266 Boulevard de la Liberté
Bali
Akwa
Tel: +237-342-1123
Douala Tel/Fax: +237-342-0439
Penka Michel 302 Rue Boué de Lapeyrère
The Herald
Akwa
Boulevard du Pdt Ahmadou Ahidjo
Tel: +237-342-0772
Akwa Tel: +237-342-0874
Sandjon Jules 491 Rue Clémenceau Bonanjo
MEDICAL SERVICES
Tel: +237-343-3574
MEDIA
Yaoundé CMS (Centre Médico-Social)
CRTV
Town Centre
Avenue Konrad Adenauer
B.P. 1616
Yaoundé
Tel/Fax: +237-223-0139 Open Monday to Friday: 8am–12.30pm and 3–5.30pm
Cameroon Tribune Yaoundé
Polyclinic André Fouda
Tel: +237-230-4147
Route de Ngousso
www.cameroun-tribune.cm
Tel: +237-222-6612
Mutations Quotidien
Dr Etou Clinic
Town Centre, Opposite Chamber of Agriculture
Etoundi, opposite Noah Country Club
B.P. 12348
Tel: +237-220-1856
Yaoundé Tel/Fax: +237-222-5104 Email: mutations@mutations.net
53
BUSINESS RESOURCES Douala Polyclinic de Bonanjo Avenue de Gaulle
OFFICE SUPPORT Yaoundé
Tel: +237-342-7936
Reliance Clinique Bel-Air
Avenue Ahamdou Ahidjo
Bonapriso
Tel: +237-222-2796
Tel: +237-342-8284
D. Tsekenis General Hospital
Avenue Ahmadou Ahidjo
Bassa
Tel: +237-222-1921
Tel: +237-337-0144
A peaceful business centre under the sun.
BUSINESS RESOURCES Douala
Douala
CMS
Pharmacie de Bonapriso
Rue Ivy
Rue Tokoto
Bonanjo
Tel: +237-343-4861
Tel: +237-342-7663
Pharmacie de Douala COMPUFIRST
Akwa
Boulevard de la République
Tel: +237-342-7480
Akwa Tel: +237-342-7663
Pharmacie du Plateau Bonapriso
D. Tsekenis
Tel: +237-342-0580
Akwa Tel: +237-342-8378
Pharmacie Joss Rue Joss
PHARMACIES Yaoundé Pharmacie de Bastos
Bonanjo
PHOTOGRAPHY Yaoundé
Bastos
Most photography processing can be done on Kennedy
Tel: +237-220-6555
Street.
Pharmacie de l’Intendance Place Kennedy
Douala
Tel: +237-222-4694
Freedom Image Pharmacie des Nations
Deido
Nlongkak Tel: +237-220-9356
Laboratoire Photo Service Express Boulevard de la Liberté
Pharmacie du Centre
Akwa
Place Town Hall
Photo Hollywood Pharmacie du Palais
40 Rue de l’Hotel de Ville
Quartier Etoudi
Bonanjo
Tel: +237-221-2258
55
BUSINESS RESOURCES Procolor
Maisons d’Afrique
Boulevard du Pdt Ahmadou Ahidjo
Rue Boué Lapeyrère
Akwa
Akwa Tel: +237-342-2339
REAL ESTATE
SOCAGIC Boulevard du Pdt Ahmadou Ahidjo
Yaoundé Cabinet Sefco 665 Avenue de l’Indépendance
Akwa Tel: +237-343-0526
REMOVALS
Tel: +237-222-3695
D.S. Immobilier
Yaoundé
64 Avenue J.K. Kennedy Tel: +237-222-6836
MAC PAC International Avenue de l’Indépendance
La Roche Agence Internationale
B.P. 1095
Nlongkak
Tel: +237-223-7992
Tel: +237-220-0243
Fax: +237-223-0921
Liaison-Contact Etoa-Meki
Douala
Rue Joseph Mballa Elounden Tel: +237-221-7866
AGS 204 Rue Betote
Douala
Akwa Tel: +237-342-9548 Fax: +237-342-1953
G.T.I. B.P. 664
MAC PAC International
Tel/Fax: +237-343-3944
B.P. 15373 Tel/Fax: +237-343-0189
Immobilier Kadji 123 Rue Alfred Saker Akwa Tel: +238-342-4774
56
56
BUSINESS RESOURCES RENT A CAR
Sam Auto Boulevard de la Liberté
Yaoundé Avis Tel: +237-230-2255
Akwa Tel: +237-343-0331
RESTAURANTS
Fax: +237-230-3010
See under the section: Leisure
Europcar Tel: +237-223-0811
SECURITY SERVICES
Fax: +237-222-3981
Africa Security Hertz
Bonapriso
Tel: +237-230-3801
Douala
Fax: +237-230-4994
Tel: +237-343-3585
Safar Tours
ASA (Absolute Security Assistance)
Tel: +237-223-3646
Douala Tel: +237-343-2907
Douala
B.P. 1023 Yaoundé
Autorent
Tel: +237-221-5478
Avenue du Général de Gaulle
Fax: +237-220-9748
Bonanjo Tel: +237-342-4046
Contact Protection et Sécurité Akwa
Avis
Douala
Tel: +237-342-0347
Tel: +237-343-7661
Fax: +237-342-7056
DAK Services Europcar
B.P. 15506
Tel: +237-343-2126
Douala
Fax: +237-343-2124
Tel: +237-342-0231 Fax: +237-343-0231
Hertz Tel: +237-342-0690
Wackenhut
Fax: +237-342-9126
Douala Tel: +237-343-3333
57
BUSINESS RESOURCES SHOPPING CENTRES
City Sport Akwa and Bonapriso
Yaoundé
SPORT ACTIVITIES
Boutique CICAM Avenue Kennedy
Yaoundé
City Sport Noah Country Club
Located inside Score Supermarket
Tel: +237-744-7744 – Quartier Etoudi Offers: swimming, tennis and basketball
Douala Boutique CICAM Boulevard Ahmadou Ahidjo
Golf Club Mont Fébé
Akwa
Tel: +237-220-7583
Ready for a swim?
BUSINESS RESOURCES Karting
TAXIS
Racing Karts Airpot Road
Most taxis can be found at the hotels in Yaoundé and
Tel: +237-770-0017
Douala.
Swimming Pools Djeuga Palace
THEATRES/CINEMAS
Hilton Hotel Mont Fébé Hotel
Yaoundé
Tennis Hilton
Abbia Cinema
Mont Fébé Hotel
Rue Nachtigal Tel: +237-222-3166
Douala
Centre Culturel Francais Avenue Ahidjo
Golf
Tel: +237-222-6612
Golf Club de Tiko
Web: www.ccfyaoundé.com
Likomba Tel: +237-335-1173
Douala
Golf Practice Douala Tel: +237-992-1290
Centre Culturel Français Boulevard de la Liberté
Horse Riding
Akwa
Club Hippique
Tel: +237-342-6996
Joss, near Marina Plaisance
Website: www.ccfdouala.com
Tel: +237-342-0384 Also offers: squash and tennis courts
Le Concorde Cinema Avenue King Akwa
Tennis Bonanjo Tennis Club
Wouri Cinema
64 Rue de Verdun
Boulevard de la Liberté Akwa
Club PAD
Tel: +237-342-0252
Boulevard de Gaulle Bonanjo Tel: +237-342-5121 Offers: Tennis, swimming and basketball
59
BUSINESS RESOURCES TRAVEL AGENCIES Yaoundé
Douala Africa Travel Management Avenue du Général de Gaulle B.P. 2513
Afrika Tours Conseils
Bonanjo
B.P. 4125
Tel: +237-343-8172
Tel/Fax: +237-222-0614
Fax: +237-343-8172
Agence Safar Tour
Cameroun Horizon
Inside the Hilton Hotel
B.P. 3237
Tel: +237-222-8703
Tel: +237-342-9424
Fax:-+237-222-8761
Fax: +237-343-0980
Cameroon Travel Centre
Hemisphere Voyages
B.P. 6977
1181 Boulevard de la Liberté
Tel: +237-222-6221
B.P. 4640
Fax: +237-222-6705
Tel: +237-342-4232 Fax: +237-342-4213
Jully Voyages 305 Rue Mvog Fouda Ada
Trans Africa Tours
B.P. 6064
B.P. 15435
Tel: +237-222-1448
Tel: +237-342-9004
Fax: +237-222-2717
Fax: +237-343-8307
60
BUSINESS RESOURCES
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK
“He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers” Cameroonian proverb
63
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK INVESTMENT & BENEFITS
deposit of the file; it can either be a justified rejection or an authorisation decision signed by the minister in charge of
The investment code in Cameroon results from law number
industry. In the absence of a reply within days, the authori-
90/007 of 8th November 1990, and decree number 91/215
sation will be considered to have been granted.
of 2nd May 1991, fixing the procedure for the granting of benefits derived from the new investment code.
The various systems are described below.
The systems instituted by the investment code are granted
The basic system
through authorisation. Application files for authorisation for one of the systems of the investment code is subscripted
The basic system applies to the creation of new companies.
at the management unit of the investment code (CGCI). This file must comprise the following documents:
Conditions for the Granting of an Authorisation
- a stamped application based on the rates in force
The criteria of eligibility are:
- identification for the person or corporate body requesting the system in question
- permanent creation of jobs for Cameroonians to the tune
- information on the investment programme
of at least one job per CFA10 million investment bracket
- certified true copy of the land title or any other document
planned by the company.
relating to the piece of land where the project will be exe-
- annual exportation activity to the tune of at least 25% the
cuted
tax exclusive turnover of the company or a turnover in
- required application for authorisation to carry out the acti-
currency convertible out of the franc zone of at least 10%
vity
its tax exclusive turnover.
- documents certifying regularity of their situation vis-à-vis
- use of national natural resources, except energy resources
the National Social Insurance Fund, the tax, customs and
and/or goods and services produced in Cameroon to the
registration departments.
tune of at least 25% the value of production factors.
After verifying all the documents requested and ensuring
It should be noted that no minimum or maximum is envi-
that they are all there, the CGCI will immediately, and
saged for the amount of investments to be carried out
within 24 hours after submitting the file, issue a receipt
within the framework of the basic system.
when it receives a complete document.
Benefits Granted The director of CGCI will send a letter bearing the remark
There are two phases, the installation phase and the opera-
“conformity” within 15 days of receipt. He will then pre-
tion phase.
pare a draft decision that is submitted to the minister in charge of industry for signature at the latest five days after
The Installation Phase
notification.
This is the period during which the company must put in place the investments envisaged in the authorisation file. It
Any file submitted following this procedure must receive a reply within days from the date of issuing of the receipt of
64
lasts for three years and entitles the company to:
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK - exemption or exoneration from many registration taxes except those relating to the setting up of the company
The Small and MediumSized Enterprises System
- 50% company tax reduction as from the first year of taxation.
This system applies to the creation of new companies.
Before decision number 94/003 of 24th January 1994,
Conditions for the Granting of Authorisation or Licences
companies benefited during the installation phase from:
In order to quality for the small and medium-sized enter- a 15% reduction from entry tax for the company’s capital assets
prises system, the company must fulfil the following conHeadquarter of the National Investment Company
- exoneration from turnover tax or related taxes. These benefits were annulled by the above-mentioned decision within the framework of the tax and customs reform.
The Operation Phase This phase covers five years, which are renewable, and give the following benefits at the fiscal level: - A exoneration from the minimum company tax payable - reduction of 50% company tax for corporate bodies and - A 50% BIC tax for individual entrepreneurs - A 50% reduction of TPRCM (proportional tax on movable capital income) - A 50% reduction in the taxable level of the company for transportation if the said company is established in an area far away from the urban centre. At the administrative level, any company that requests the granting of the basic benefits laid down by the law is entitled to a simplified system for administrative authorisations related to the activity for the duration of the licence or authorisation that covers the launching, execution and operation phases. To this effect, its files will be treated by a one-stop shop.
65
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK The Strategic Companies System
ditions. It must: - create permanent jobs for Cameroonians to the tune of at least one job per CFA5 million bracket of investments planned by the company
This system is for the creation of new companies.
billion
Conditions for the Granting of Licences
- include Cameroonians or a Cameroonian company to
In order to qualify for this system, the company must:
- have a level of investments lower or equal to CFA1.5
the tune of least 35% of the company’s share capital. - create permanent jobs for Cameroonians to the tune of
Benefits Granted
at least one job per CFA20 million bracket investments
The installation phase covers three years. The benefits are
planned by the company
the same as those laid down for the basic system.
- fulfil one of the two conditions below: a) have an annual exporting activity of either at least 50%
The operation phase entitles the company for a non rene-
of the company’s tax exclusive turnover or a turnover in
wable period of seven years to benefits laid down for the
currency convertible out of the franc zone of at least 25%
operation phase of the basic system and to deduction of
of its tax exclusive turnover
the company’s taxable income to the tune of 25% of the
b) use the national resources except energy resources
total wages paid to Cameroonian workers during the
and/or goods and services produced in Cameroon, to at
fiscal year in question.
least 50% of the production factors value. Downtown Douala
66
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK It should also be noted that the company’s area of activity
reinvestments without exceeding half the benefit declared
must have been declared strategic within the framework
during this same fiscal year
of the industrialisation master plan and that the company
- an exoneration from capital increase registration taxes
will be eligible on signing an agreement with the govern-
- an exoneration from registration taxes for buildings
ment if it meets up with the above-mentioned criteria.
leased for exclusively professional use and being an inte-
Benefits Granted
gral part of the investment programme defined by the company.
The benefits granted are identical to those of the basic system with the only difference that the duration of the
Following the tax and customs reforms, benefits related to
operation phase is fixed at 12 years non-renewable and
the 15% reduction in entry tax, customs duties, turnover
that the company will, during this second phase, benefit
tax payable for the importation of equipment necessary
from the deduction of its taxable income, to the tune of
for the realisation of the programme were annulled.
25% of total wages paid to workers of Cameroonian nationality.
Key labour provisions
The reinvestment system
The law applicable to relations between employers and
This system is for companies already existing and opera-
employees in the Republic of Cameroon results from law
ting.
number 92/007 of 14th August 1992 on the Labour Code
Conditions for the Granting of Licences
and related texts. Numerous collective agreements concurrently legislate on
In order to quality for this system, companies have to ful-
the relations between employers and their employees
fill the conditions laid down in order to benefit from the
depending on the professional sectors in consideration.
reinvestment system of the General Tax Code. The investment programme must tie in with the investment system
Among the main collective agreements existing of:
of the General Tax Code. The investment programme
- automobile industries and related activities
must:
- maritime transporters, transit agents and transport auxiliaries
- either ensure increase in productivity, an increase in the
- catering companies
production of goods and services or that of the perma-
- public works and building industries
nent Cameroonian staff by at least 20% in relation to the
- polygraphic industries
state it was at the moment of the request
- bakeries and related activities
- or enable the company (for lodging establishments) to
- trading activities
attain a category above that which was existing at the
- insurance companies
moment of requesting to the licence.
- banking institutions
Benefits Granted
- pharmacies - air transport companies
The licence shall, for a period of three years, entitle the
- transformation industries
company to:
- forestry companies
a tax reduction (IS or IRRP) to the tune of 50% of the
- agricultural and related companies.
67
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK The purpose of this document is not to deal with labour
certified true copies of labour certificates, academic certi-
law in general, but to state employment conditions of
ficates and so on
foreign work force in Cameroon as well as the nature of
- a curriculum vitae (rĂŠsumĂŠ) of the candidate
social contributions to be made by employers and emplo-
- a criminal record not more than three months old
yees.
- a certified true copy of passport and residence permit for
Employment of Foreign Workers
expatriate staff already in the country - a copy of the contract or agreement if it does exist, justifying the occupation of the post in question by a foreigner
The employment of any foreign worker requires the esta-
- the Cameroonisation employment plan, approved by the
blishment of a written labour contract signed by the
minister in charge of labour
minister in charge of labour and social insurance.
- a detailed organisational chart of the company.
It should be noted that unskilled labour can only be
Only after having obtained a visa from the minister of
entrusted to a foreigner on presentation of an attestation
labour and social insurance can a foreign worker enter the
issued by the labour force service certifying the lack of
Cameroonian territory with the visa from foreign consular
Cameroonian workers to do the job in question.
authorities, depending on his or her nationality.
Applications for visas are the responsibility of the
Foreign worker residents in Cameroon must request a
employer. The refusal to issue a visa automatically annuls
residence permit from the national security service on pre-
the labour contract. If the minister in charge of labour
sentation of their labour contract.
matters does not take a decision two months from the date of the application, the visa would be considered to
Labour Contract
have been granted.
With some exceptions, the labour contract in Cameroon need not necessarily be in writing, but it is advisable for a
The visa application file for labour contracts must be sub-
labour contract to be in writing so as to avoid subsequent
mitted or addressed through a registered letter with an
disputes. The main information a labour contract must
acknowledgement of receipt to the competent services of
carry is:
the ministry in charge of labour matters. - the company name and address of the employer It must comprise the following documents:
- the second name, first names, sex, date and place of birth, filiations, permanent residence, nationality and pro-
- six copies of the labour contract dated and signed by the
fession of the employee
employer and the employee
- the reference to the collective agreement applicable if it
- a medical certificate of not more than three months old,
does exist
issued by a medical authority at the place of recruitment
- an explanation of the nature of the contract (limited or
and certifying that the person concerned is medically fit to
unlimited duration)
carry out his activity in Cameroon
- the date of start of contract
- a detailed description of the position to be occupied
- the termination notice period in case of unlimited dura-
- academic and professional references of the candidate:
tion contract
68
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK - the nature of post held, with a description of duties and
Social Coverage
responsibilities of the worker
The social contribution base will stand at CFA300,000 maximum
- the place of execution of the contract
per month – CFA3,600,000 annually.
- the professional category and grade of the worker - the effective salary amount and, if necessary, means of
Companies can be classified into three groups for the purpose of
calculating and attributing allowances and other benefits
their industrial accident contributions:
- if necessary, duration and modalities for the execution of the trial period
- Group A, low risk (agriculture, trade, banks, insurance, hotel
- the effective duration of service entitling the employee
management and so on)
to leave, as well as the duration of the leave
- Group B, average risk (industry, building and construction, trans-
- the employer’s affiliation number to the Natural Social
port except rail transport, and so on)
Insurance Fund
- Group C, high risk (public works and civil engineering and so on).
- the names of th employee’s family members
The above-mentioned contributions should finance the
- modalities for the execution of the statutory or contrac-
different branches of the national social insurance fund
tual legal provisions relating to travelling and transport
system:
- modalities for the granting of housing facilities or lod-
- family allowances (pre-natal, family and maternity bene-
ging allowance as laid down by the labour code.
fits) - pensions and retirement and disability benefits - hospitalisation and indemnity in case of industrial accident.
The Port of Douala is the busiest of Cameroon
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK Setting up commercial companies Obligation to Set Up the Head Office in Cameroon
A letter addressed to the minister of finance gives an account of the investments at the start and end of the operation. The System of Prior Authorisation to Contract Loans from
With the entry into force of the provisions of the uniform
Abroad
law, foreign companies can now freely carry out their acti-
Cameroonian law in general requires that the operator
vities in Cameroon and set up their subsidiaries.
obtains advance authorisation from the minister of
Obligation for a Prior Declaration of Foreign Investments
finance or the latter is given an account of any loans con-
Operations carried out between the Republic of
tracted abroad:
Cameroon and foreign countries will be subject to declaration and authorisation in advance.
The System of Prior Declaration of Direct Foreign Investments The Cameroonian law subjects the operator to a system of
- either by individual or corporate bodies, public or private with their permanent residence or head office in Cameroon - or by companies in Cameroon (subsidiaries or branches) of corporate bodies with head office abroad.
advance declaration to the minister of finance when set-
Exception
ting up any direct investment in Cameroon:
Member countries of the franc zone are not subjected to these systems. Article 12 of the decree of 3rd December
- either by individuals or corporate bodies with permanent
1968 states that: “The provisions of this decree will not
residence or head office abroad
apply to member countries of the franc zone with whom
- or by companies based in Cameroon but under direct or
financial relations of the Federal Republic of Cameroon
indirect foreign control, or foreign companies based in
remain free.�
Cameroon. By direct investment we mean:
Registration and Various Formalities Anyone who is setting up a company or secondary esta-
- the procurement, creation or extension of a business,
blishment on the national territory must fulfil the follo-
subsidiary or any company of personal nature
wing legal formalities:
- all other operations, whether independent or a group, concomitantly or successively,wich have to enable one or
- give an advance declaration of direct foreign investment,
several persons to take or increase the control of a com-
if necessary
pany operating an industrial, agricultural, commercial,
- deposit memorandum and articles of association at the
financial or real estate activity or to undertake the exten-
registry
sion of such a company already under their control, no
- register business activity in the business register
matter the form.
- obtain a taxpayer’s number - publish a business opening notice in a legal announce-
The prior declarations will be addressed in the form of a
ment journal
letter to the minister of finance.
- declare existence at the tax department
70
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK register to obtain a business licence
of the company, the amount of the share capital, the divi-
- declare existence at the National Social Insurance Fund
sion of shares, the organisation of management and
- declare existence at the provincial Labour Inspection
collective decisions, the rules of allocation and sharing of
Office.
profit, and the modalities of dissolution and liquidation.
Limited Liability Company
Limited liability companies will be managed by one or
A limited liability company can be set up by just one indi-
several mandated persons, be they shareholders or not and
vidual or corporate body, or by two or several individual or
resident in Cameroon.
corporate bodies. Thus an impersonal limited liability company is allowed.
The number of managers is not limited.
The minimum share capital imposed by the Uniform Act is
Managers are appointed either by the memorandum and
CFA1 million, divided into equal shares whose face value
articles of association or by a subsequent decision. The
cannot be below CFA5,000.
appointment or change of managers must be announced publicly.
The share capital must be fully paid-up when setting up. The duration of duties will be fixed by the memorandum The limited liability company will have a business nature no
and articles of association for a limited or unlimited dura-
matter its objective.
tion. In the absence of statutory provision, the manager(s) will be appointed for four years renewable.
Unless otherwise stated by a statutory provision, the shares will not be freely transferred to third parties. According to
Unless otherwise stated in the memorandum and articles
the memorandum and articles of association, they can only
of association, managers will have all the powers to act in
be transferred following approval by the majority of share-
all circumstances on behalf of the company. Any contrac-
holders representing at least three-quarters of the share
tual or statutory limitation of the powers of managers will
capital minus the shares of the assigning shareholder.
not be opposable to third parties.
However, the memorandum and articles of association will
Consequently, the powers of the manager of a limited lia-
allow free transfer among shareholders and/or among
bility company will be very extensive and wider than those
spouses, ascendants or descendants. In the absence of
of the board chairperson.
such statutory provisions, these transfer will be free. Shareholders will not be considered as traders. In principle,
General Assemblies
they will only be responsible for the debts of the company
Decisions of shareholders will be taken in a general
to the tune of their shares.
assembly. However, the memorandum and articles of asso-
Setting Up
ciation can provide that all decisions or some be taken by the assembly.
The memorandum and articles of association must provide
The decision to hold an assembly meeting will be the
some compulsory information, including: the form of the
initiative of the manager or auditors if necessary.
company, the objective, the appellation, the abbreviation if necessary, the location of the head office, the duration
Shareholders will be convened at least 15 days before the
71
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK meeting through hand mail or registered letter, with both
It is possible to set up an impersonal limited company. This
requiring an acknowledgement of receipt.
makes business applicable in OHADA (Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa) a resolutely modern
However, the rules of majority will be laid down by the
law.
law. Shareholders will not be considered as traders. Their responOrdinary decisions will be adopted by a simple majority by
sibility in principle is limited to the amount of shares they
one or several shareholders representing more than half
own.
the capital. If this majority is not obtained, unless otherwise stated in the memorandum and articles of associa-
The minimum share capital is fixed at CFA10 million. It will be
tion, during the second meeting, the decisions will be
divided into shares whose face value cannot be below
taken by a majority of votes expressed no matter the pro-
CFA10,000.
portion of the capital represented. Furthermore, shares in kind must be fully paid when setting Extraordinary decisions (all those that lead to the modifi-
up the company. Shares in cash can only be paid up to the
cation of the memorandum and articles of association)
tune of a quarter of their face value.
will be taken by a double majority: simple majority in terms of number of shareholders and three-quarters in
The limited company will have a business nature no matter
terms of capital.
its objective.
These conditions of majority can be reinforced by the
Unless otherwise stated in the memorandum and articles of
memorandum and articles of association but not reduced.
association, the shares will be freely negotiable.
Auditors
The limited company must have an auditor.
Limited liability companies whose share capital is above CFA10 million or which fulfill one of the following condi-
Setting Up
tions:
The memorandum and articles of association of the company
- annual turnover above CFA250 million
can be drawn up and modified under private seal.
- permanent workers above 50 persons The memorandum and articles of association must comprise will have to appoint an auditor.
a certain amount of compulsory information, including:
For the other limited liability companies, the appointment
- the form of the company
of an auditor is optional. It can however be requested by
- the objective
one or several shareholders with at least one-tenth of the
- the appellation
share capital.
- the location of the head office
Limited Company
- the duration of the company, the amount of the capital - the division of shares
Limited companies in Cameroon have since 1st January 1998
- the organisation of management and collective decisions
been operating in accordance with the provisions of the
- the rules of allocation and sharing of profits
Uniform Act on business establishments.
- the modalities of dissolution and liquidation.
72
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK The administration of the limited company can be ensured:
duration of their duties without exceeding six years in the case of ordinary appointment and two years in the case of
- either by a general manager if the number of shareholders
appointment by the memorandum and articles of association
is three or fewer.
or by the constituent general assembly.
- or by a board of directors which can be headed either by a chief executive officer or jointly by the board chairperson and
The board of directors can appoint among its members:
the chief executive officer.
General Manager
- either a chief executive officer who will preside over the board of directors and general assemblies and ensure at the
Companies with three or fewer shareholders may not have a
same time the management of the company and represent
board of directors and can appoint a general manager who
the latter in its transactions with third parties
will assume, under its responsibility, the duties of administra-
- or a board chairperson and a general manager.
tion and management. The former will have no specific legal powers apart from that The duration of the mandate of the general manager will be
of convening and presiding over board meetings and general
fixed by the memorandum and articles of association without
assemblies. He must however ensure that the board of direc-
exceeding six years in case of ordinary appointment and two
tors assumes its role of controlling management of the com-
years in case of appointment by the memorandum and arti-
pany entrusted to the general manager. The latter may or
cles of association or the constituent general assembly.
may not be chosen among board members. He or she will ensure the management of the company and represent it in
The manager will be subject to certain limitations of plurality of mandates.
its transactions with third parties.
General Assemblies
These limitations of plurality will only concern mandates held
Limited companies must, at least once, annually hold an ordinary
in limited companies that have their head office on the terri-
general assembly in order to approve the management and
tory of a signatory country of the OHADA Uniform Act
accounts of the year, to determine the profit and loss account, to
(Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic,
decide on the setting up or distribution of reserves and to renew the
Comoros Islands, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory
mandates of board members and/or auditors.
Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Chad, Togo).
Ordinary assemblies must comprise a number of sharehol-
Board of Directors
ders representing at least a quarter of the share capital. The ordinary general assembly will rule by a simple majo-
The board of directors will comprise at least three members
rity of votes cast.
and at most 12 (24 in the case of merger).
Any modification of the memorandum and articles of association must obligatorily be decided by the extraordi-
The modalities for the election of administrators or board
nary general assembly of shareholders.
members will be fixed by the memorandum and articles of association, which can envisage the sharing of seats depen-
Extraordinary general assemblies can only validly deliberate
ding on the categories of shares if they do exist.
if they comprise a number of shareholders representing at least half of the share capital. The extraordinary general
The memorandum and articles of association will fix the
assembly will rule by a two-third majority of votes cast.
73
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK Auditors
pany that decided on the creation of the subsidiary
Limited companies that do not publicly request savings
- a decision by the mother company authorising manage-
will have to appoint an auditor and a substitute.
ment to open a subsidiary in Cameroon and appointment of the future legal representative
The first auditor and his or her substitute will be
- a criminal record of the legal representative.
appointed by the memorandum and articles of association or by the constituent general assembly. The duration of
The management of the subsidiary will be ensured by a
his or her functions in this case will be two years.
representative to whom the mother company delegates a certain number of powers.
Ordinarily, the auditor will be appointed by the ordinary general assembly for a duration of six years.
Taxation in Cameroon
The duties of the auditor will be to verify the books, the accounts, the funds, the portfolio and valuables of the
The Republic of Cameroon has signed agreements with
company as well as control the regularity and accuracy of
member countries of Union Douanière et Economique des
the accounts.
Etats de l’Afrique Centrale on 13th December 1966, France on 21st October 1976 and Canada on 13th May
The auditor must establish annually a report in which he
1982 with the aim of avoiding double taxation. Below is
or she renders an account to the general assembly of his
an analysis of the various taxes required for any company
activities as well as a special report on the agreements
about to re-establish in Cameroon.
concluded between the board members and the company.
Subsidiary
Company Tax Generally, and except in specific cases, the following will be liable to company tax:
A subsidiary is a commercial, industrial or service provision establishment belonging to a company or person with a
- companies and persons who have opted for this tax
certain management autonomy.
- companies and other public establishments with financial autonomy operating a profit-marking activity.
A subsidiary will not have an autonomous legal entity different from that of the company of the person owning it.
However, the following will be exempted from this tax:
When it belongs to a foreigner, the subsidiary must be brought to an existing company or a company in creation
- investment companies with variable capital, for profits
of one of the signatory countries, at the latest two years
realised within the framework of their legal objective
after its creation except otherwise stated by a decision of
- agricultural cooperatives.
the minister in charge of commerce.
- Territoriality of Taxes
Setting Up
Subject to international tax agreements, the rules appli-
The following will be provided:
cable in the domain of territoriality of taxes result from article 4 of the General Tax Law.
- the memorandum and articles of association of the com-
74
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK The above-mentioned article 4 states:
dered to companies situated in Cameroon by companies
“Income liable to company tax will only be determined
not established in Cameroon will only be deductible
taking into account profits realized on operations carried
within the limit of 10% of the fiscal profit (before deduc-
out in Cameroon subject to international agreements.”
tion of the charges in question).
The administrative explanation of these provisions shows
This deduction limit will be 5% the turnover for public
that a foreign company operating fully in Cameroon will
works enterprises and 15% the turnover for design or
be liable to the Cameroon tax system.
planning department offices.
Following article 3 of the Franco–Cameroonian tax agree-
However, this limitation will not apply to technical assis-
ment of 21st October 1976, the term “stable establishment”
tance charges and analysis relating to factory assembly. It
(whose existence means liability to the Cameroon tax system)
will also not apply to relations between Cameroon and
refers to any fixed business facility through which a company
France
carries out its activities notably:
Franco–Cameroon agreement. The following conditions
in
application
of
article
5-3
of
the
will apply: - a head office - a subsidiary
- Rents for movables paid to a shareholder managing the
- an office
company and holding at least 10% of the capital will not
- a factory
be deductible.
- a workshop
- Company tax, and more generally all taxes relating to
- a mine or quarry
income tax, as well as penalties and fines of all sort, will
- a building or assembling work site (no matter the dura-
not be deductible within the framework of company tax.
tion).
- Commissions or brooking on goods bought on behalf of
Tax Base
companies based in Cameroon will only be deductible within the limit of 5% the FOB purchase value.
Profit that constitutes the tax base will be determined
- Patent, brand and model taxes paid out of Union
following the entire results of operations carried out by
Douanière et Economique des Etats de l‘Afrique Centrale
the company during the period in question.
countries will not be deductible if the benefit the company participating in the management or capital of the
The net taxable profit will be determined minus all
Cameroonian company paying it.
charges directly required in carrying out the taxable acti-
- Benefits in kind paid to employees constitute fiscally
vity in Cameroon. To this effect, the following peculiari-
deductible charges since the 1995/96 finance law.
ties should be noted:
All sorts of remunerations paid to the unique board member of a limited company are never deductible.
- Linear depreciation rates, the only depreciation tech-
Exporting companies can deduct 0.5% of the FOB amount
nique authorised by the general tax law, must be below or
of their exports.
equal to the fiscal rates laid down by the tax law in order
The charges calculated by the company and which exceed
that the annual depreciation can be deductible.
one of the limitations fixed by the general tax law will be
- Overhead charges, as well as the remuneration of some
reintegrated into the company tax base whose rate stands
services (technical, financial or accounting assistance) ren-
at 38.5%.
75
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK Tax Period
in just one instalment latest 31st March, when subscripting
The tax period refers to Cameroon’s budgetary year which
the DSF.
stretches from 1st January to 31st December of the same year.
The following must thus be deducted from the company tax:
Companies that begin their activities during the first six months that precede the closure date can draw up their
- proportional tax on real estate income deducted at source
first balance sheet at the end of the budgetary year follo-
at the rate of 16.5%, when paying interests or profits of
wing the one during which the activity began.
the company - special tax on income paid abroad and whose charge has
For instance a new company whose activities start in
been effectively incurred by the foreign service provider.
January 1999 is authorised to close its first fiscal year on 30th June 2000.
In effect, purchases in view of resale after transformation or otherwise made abroad or in Cameroon from importers
Only insurance and/or reinsurance companies will have the
industrialists, wholesalers, semi-wholesalers and forestry
possibility of closing their balance sheet with the aim of
operators will be liable to the deduction of 20% from rents
determining the tax base for a fiscal year that corresponds
collected by the company.
with the calendar year.
Tax Rate The company tax rate will be 35%. The tax amount will
This deduction introduced in the 1990/91 finance law is done at source when paying rents for movable and real estate property, except rents paid to the state and councils.
however be increased by the special surtax, calculated at the rate of 10% on a base comprising the main company
By way of tolerance, the tax agent has accepted to
tax. The total tax rate will thus be 38.50%.
exclude leasing operations from the deduction of the employer’s audiovisual tax paid for the fiscal year
The tax amount payable by each company can however not be lower than a minimum expressed in percentage of the
Income Tax
turnover (minimum collection). The rate of the minimum
Companies are also liable to taxes relating to all the sala-
collection increased by the special surtax stands at 11.1%.
ries, allowances and other benefits in kind and in cash paid or granted their employees.
Companies must produce a fiscal and statistics declaration (DSF) of the fiscal year that ends on 31st December each
This concerns:
year within three months following the end of the fiscal year i.e. before 31st March.
- national contribution to land tax at the rate of 1.50% paid monthly from salaries of the previous month
Concerning payment, the company tax will automatically
- contribution to the national employment fund paid
be paid by the tax payer in advance. The tax calculated
monthly at the rate of 1% on a similar bases as that of the
based on the general results of the fiscal year and whose
land tax
amount must be declared in the DSF will be deducted by
- tax paid by businesses to fund training programmes at
the amount of the monthly payment and the balance paid
the rate of 0.30% paid annually
76
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK Taxes Related to a Professional Activity All industrial and commercial companies operating in Cameroon must pay an annual business licence contribu-
estate agents - operations carried out by companies of the industrial free zone.
tion. The amount of the business licence will be deter-
Exonerations
mined according to the turnover.
The law will lay down a series of activities specially
Licence Contribution
exempted from the VAT.
The annual licence contribution will target people selling
Operations carried out in Cameroon, not included in the
alcoholic drinks wholesale or for retail.
list of exonerations, even when the residence of the indi-
Value Added Tax Value added tax came into force in Cameroon on 1st
vidual or head office of the person liable to tax is situated out of the territorial limits of Cameroon, are subject to the VAT tax.
January 1999, when it replaced the turnover tax. Taxable Persons
An operation is said to be carried out in Cameroon:
Those liable to the VAT are individuals or corporate bodies including government organisations and public agencies
- concerning sales, when it is realised following the supply
that independently carry out taxable activities either per-
conditions of goods in Cameroon
manently or occasionally.
- according to the law, when the service is rendered, or the object is leased, used or exploited in Cameroon.
These persons will be taxable no matter their legal status, their situation with regard to other taxes or the form and
Transportation
nature of their activities.
Economique des Etats de l‘Afrique Centrale operations
Taxable Operations
within
the
Union
Douanière
et
will be considered to have been carried out in Cameroon if the transporter is based or has placed his head office
Only remunerated operations carried out within the fra-
there, even if most of his operations are carried out in
mework of an economic activity will be liable to the value
another member country.
added tax.
Commissions will be considered to have been received in Cameroon when transport tickets are sold by travel agen-
The following are taxable:
cies and companies with such an activity no matter their destination, means of transport or the head office of the
- supply of goods - provision of services
transportation company.
- importation of goods
Calculation
- real estate works
As concerns the sales and trading of goods and services,
- operations relating to the supply of buildings by real
the tax base will comprise the total price payable by the
estate agents
purchaser of the goods or services.
- sale of second-hand articles and materials by professionals
Rates
- renting of undeveloped land and empty spaces by real
Rates are fixed as follows:
77
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK - general rates: 17.5% (19.25% special surtax inclusive)
research, technical, financial or accounting assistance.
- zero rates: 0%.
Deductions
The tax base will comprise the net amount of sums paid – the turnover tax exclusive.
The right to deduct will be at the latest on 31st December of the second fiscal year following that during which the
The rate of the income tax will be 15% in common law. It
VAT became payable.
will be 7.5% in accordance with the provisions of the Franco–Cameroon tax agreement for technical assistance
The VAT must feature on each receipt issued by a regis-
charges paid to a French company.
tered supplier subjected to the full assessment system and indicating his registration number.
Special Tax
It will be deducted by the company situated in Cameroon, which has to pay it into the government treasury within 15 days following payment of taxable sums to the foreign
There will be a special tax at the rate of 25% on to some
beneficiary. However since income tax is payable by the
goods such as alcoholic products, fermented drinks,
Cameroonian company, its rate will be 15/85th and the
tobacco products, cosmetic products as well as jewelry
income tax could not be considered as a charge deduc-
and precious metals.
tible from the taxable result of the Cameroonian company.
The rules relating to taxable operations, exonerations, territoriality, tax liability and liquidation concerning VAT will be applied to this type of tax.
Taxes Paid by Foreign Suppliers
Special Income Tax Applicable to Sub-Contracting Oil Companies The 1980/81 finance law extended the field of application of the income tax to sub-contracting oil companies based
Special tax on common law income is not levied on com-
in Cameroon in the form of subsidiaries by virtue of
panies based in Cameroon, but on foreign companies
periodic oil contracts signed.
carrying out activities on behalf of Cameroonian companies, the state or government organisations.
These companies were since then given the option of taxing their financial results in accordance with the
The finance law of 1979/80 instituted a special income tax
common law provisions or all-in taxing of the income tax
levied on individuals or corporate bodies resident out of
at 15% calculated on the basis of their turnover.
Cameroon, by companies situated in Cameroon, the state or government organisations for author’s right:
Author’s right
Registration Taxes Payables by Companies The main registration taxes to be paid by commercial or
This covers
industrial companies during their existence are described
- sale or renting of trade mark and patent exploitation
below.
licences - hiring or right to use cinematography films - supply of industrial, commercial or scientific equipment
78
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK Setting up of Company, Increases in Capital
Companies with their Head Office in Cameroon
The rates are:
The tax is levied on:
- CFA0–750 million – 2% - CFA75–1,500 million – 1.5%
- dividends paid to shareholders
- CFA1,50–3,000 million – 1%
- sitting allowances paid to board members
- CFA3,00–5,000 million – 0.5%
- secret remunerations and benefits
- CFA5,00–2,500,000 million – 0.25%
- remuneration of sole board member of limited compa-
Merger Tapering rate above.
Liability Payable Fixed rate of CFA50,000.
Partial Asset Contribution
nies.
Foreign Companies with a Stable Subsidiary The PTMCI is paid on dividends to be paid out. Subject to the specific provisions of special agreements signed by Cameroon, the taxable base will comprise the payable net result.
This has the same system as a merger on condition that authorisation is obtained from the minister of finance and
Since the tax agent in Cameroon does not always have
that the absorbing or new company is set up in accor-
the possibility of verifying payments abroad, the general
dance with the Cameroonian law and has its head office
tax code envisages an adjustment when the subsidiary
in Cameroon and is authorised by the investment code.
ceases its activities.
The transfer of shares is generally exempted from taxes.
The PTMCI is thus calculated based on profits and deficits
Renting of buildings:
cumulated. The amount of tax resulting from this calcula-
lease, sub-leasing for professional, industrial or commer-
tion will eventually be deducted from the tax that would
cial use and lease granted to companies in view of lodging
have been paid upstream.
- their staff – 10%. - other lease – 5%.
PTMCI Exonerations Exonerations are made on the amount paid to sharehol-
Renting of movables – 5%
ders for the purchase of their SICAV. (Société d’investisse-
Sale of buildings or business – 15%
ment à capital variable) which can be translated as inves-
Contracts: 2%
tment company with variable capital.
Special Company Tax (TSS)
Rate, Payment Period
All companies operating in Cameroon were subjected to
The PTMCI rate for share products and related income will
an annual tax called special company tax (TSS). It was
be 15% plus one-tenth special surtax, giving a total rate
abrogated by the 1995/96 finance law.
of 16.50%
Proportional Tax on Movable Capital Income (PTMCI) is income tax levied as follows.
The PTMCI payable by income earners will be deducted at source by the debit company and paid spontaneously into the treasury within 15 days from the date of payment of
79
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK the amount.
CRTV TAX CRTV Tax is deducted yearly at source from salaries by
Tax Payable by the Employee
employers.
Subject to international tax agreements, workers employed within the Cameroonian territory even tempo-
The amount of this contribution is as follows:
rarily will be subjected to the Cameroonian tax system for income earned from their activities in Cameroon.
- CSA5,000–100,000 – CSA750 - CSA100,000–200,000 – CSA1,950
Income tax will be calculated based on the gross salary
- CSA200,00–300,000 – CSA3,250
and taxable allowances and indemnities, as well as bene-
- CSA300,00–400,000 – CSA4,250
fits in kind. These benefits in kind will be determined by
- CSA400,00–500,000 – CSA5,850
the general tax code by allocating the following rates to
- CSA500,00–600,000 – CSA7,150
the gross salary to which are added allowances and
- CSA600,00–700,000 – CSA8,450
indemnities:
- CSA700,00–800,000 – CSA9,750 - CSA800,00–900,000 – CSA11,050
for housing – 15%
- CSA900,00–1,000,000 – CSA12,350
for water – 2%
more than CSA1,000,000 – CSA13,000
for domestic attendants – 5% for vehicles – 10%
Salary taxes are deducted monthly by the employer who
for feeding – 25% (CFA50,000/month maximum).
pays them into the government treasury.
Proportional Tax on Salaries This proportional tax on salaries (TPS) is calculated on the gross amount of salaries determined as above, following a tax allowance of 20% for expert fees. Its rate stands at 6%, to which is added one-tenth special surtax, giving 6.60%.
Graduated Surtax The graduated surtax is a general income tax that takes into account the tax payer’s family responsibilities (family allowance system). Just like the TPS, one-tenth special surtax is also added to it.
Communal Taxes Tax payers liable to the income tax must also pay communal taxes whose amount is minimal.
80
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK INVESTMENT DIRECTORY
National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH)
Chamber of Commerce Industries and Mines (CCIM)
B.P. 955
Chairman – M. Claude Juimo Monthe
Tel: +237-220-1910 / 9864
B.P. 4011
Fax: +237-220-9869
Yaoundé
Douala Tel: +237-342-2888 / 3690 Fax: +237-342-5596
National Office for Industrial Free Zone (NOIFZ) B.P. 673
Investment Code Management Unit (ICMU)
Douala
B.P. 15438
Fax: +237-343-3317
Tel: +237-343-3343 / 3345
Douala Tel: +237-342-5946 / 343-3111
National Investment Office (SNI)
Fax:-+237 343 3007
B.P. 423 Yaoundé
National Committee for Privatisation of Public Enterprises
Tel: +237-222-4422 Fax: +237-223-1332
B.P. 423 Yaoundé
National Loan Recovery Agency (SRC)
Tel/Fax: +237-223-5108
B.P. 11991 Yaoundé
National Employment Fund (FNE)
Tel: +237-222-0911 / 3739
B.P. 10079
Fax: +237-222-3964
Yaoundé Tel: +237-223-0062 / 5340 Fax: +237-223-5139
World Trade Organization Coordinating Committee Yaoundé Tel: +237-222-0070 Fax: +237-222-2704
81
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY
“By trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree” Cameroonian proverb
83
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY ECONOMIC GROWTH & ECONOMIC REFOR STRATEGY
declared “off track” – the country had not reached the completion point from which debts of CFA1,000 billion could be cancelled. Several reasons were given to explain this situation:
In the 1990s the country went through a severe economic crisis, like most African countries, because of the fall in the
1) There had been unsatisfactory management of the pro-
prices of raw materials. As a result of political stability and
gramme’s funds.
the vast programme of structural reforms carried out by the
2) Programme funds had not been implemented.
government with the help of the World Bank and the
3) The strategic framework for poverty alleviation had not
International Monetary Fund, in 2005 the country was once
been implemented. This envisages should:
again experiencing economic growth. For more than five
- ensure micro economic stability
years, the Cameroonian economy has been growing at an
- reinforce growth through economic diversification
average rate of 4.7%, thus contributing close to 50% to
- manage of the progressive drop in petroleum production
CEMAC’s GDP. (Economic and Monetary Community of
- reinforce the private sector as the main force of economic
Central Africa).
growth and partner in social services
In October 2000, the country qualified to take part in the
- develop infrastructures and natural resources in a sustai-
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative Programme.
nable manner
Following the joint World Bank and the International
- foster economic integration within the CEMAC frame-
Monetary Fund mission in December 2004, Cameroon was
work
MAIN ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL INDICATORS
Source: Bank of Central Africa States. Economic and monetary situation of member countries of the economic and monetary community of central Africa in 2004 and projection for 2005.
84
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY - reinforce human resources and social sectors
Telecommunications (CAMTEL), which is now under way
- improve the institutional framework, administrative mana-
- reconstruction of infrastructure, particularly the increase
gement and governance.
in electricity production and the railway transportation system.
However, despite the difficulties and lateness in implementing the programme, Cameroon has significantly reduced
GDP
its debt burden since 2000 and some institutional reforms have been carried out. New measures have been taken by
Cameroon experienced a relatively sustained economic
the government in 2005 so that the country can reach the
activity in 2004; the country’s actual GDP in effect pro-
completion point in 2006, these include:
gressed by 4.4% during the year. The continuous improvement in public finances and structural reforms carried
- reinforcement of the anticorruption campaign
out have favoured growth, caused mainly by private inter-
- reforms to increase fiscal revenue
national consumption.
- the privatisation process of some public enterprises such as
Cameroon
Airlines
(CAMAIR)
and
Cameroon
Holding area at the Port of Douala
85
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY GDP Distribution Per Sector of Activity in 2004:
In Cameroon, the cost of living is higher in urban areas than
This was:%
GDP
gory, the government has long defined three major zones
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing
43.9%
- Mines, industries, building, public services
15.6%
- Zone 1, where the living standard is high and comprises
- Services
40.5%
cities like Douala, Yaoundé and Limbe
rural areas. To determine salary per socio-professional catebased on living standards:
- Zone 2, where the living standard is average and comAgriculture and forestry exploitation play a dominant role in
prises cities like Bamenda and Bafoussam
the country’s economy. They are the main form of deve-
- Zone 3, where living standard is low and comprises the
lopment thanks to their contribution to the creation of jobs
rest of the national territory.
(80% of the active population) and export earnings (40% of export earnings).
Mercier HRC, a human resources consulting firm, published an international report on the living standards of all the
The projected increase in electricity production will witness
cities of the world. The 2004 report, based on more than
an evolution of the secondary sector vis-à-vis the GDP.
200 criteria, examined the cases of 144 cities worldwide. According to this report, Douala the economic capital of
The tertiary sector is dominated by transport and building
Cameroon, is the 25th most expensive city in the world and
telecommunications; the latter constitutes the real back-
the second most expensive city in Africa after Abidjan,
bone of the country’s growth.
which occupies the 24th world position and the first position in Africa.
Petroleum or oil production is declining progressively and though it contributes significantly in the country’s eco-
In 2005, there has been a significant increase in the prices
nomic activity, it no longer contributes in economic growth.
of basic commodities due mainly to the increase in the VAT rate (which increased from 18.7% in 2004 to 19.25% from
Internal demand has constituted the main force of eco-
2005). There have also been increases in fuel and electricity
nomic growth with a participation rate of 3.7% attributed
prices.
to increased private consumption. External demand contributed just 0.7% to growth.
The average prices of basic commodities are thus as follows in 2005 (in CFA):
COST OF LIVING
- Housing in Douala: two-bedroom house and sitting room 75,000/month
Is Cameroon an expensive nation or not? The answer to
- White sugar
350/kg
such a question when determining the cost of living
- Rice
175
depends on a person’s income compared with their average
- Township taxi
175
expenditure when satisfying their basic needs. The cost of
- Fuel (super)
516/litre
living represents the average expenditure on housing, food,
- Fuel (gas)
454/litre
health, education, clothes, household appliances, transport,
- Loaf of bread (170g)
175
leisure and the other items.
- Butter croissant (50g)
400
88
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY - Drinking water (1.5 litre)
400
- Beer
500/bottle
- Mobile phone
150–250/minute
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT Education
All over the national territory, the minimum salary has been fixed at CFA23.514 (35.8 euros) by decree of 17th February
With a literary rate of 72.4% and a schooling rate of 48%,
1995. In 2003, the human development index indicator
the Cameroonian educational system is characterised by a
stood at 0.499 in Cameroon (142nd out of 175 countries).
difficult micro-economic context but has improved thanks
More than 50% of Cameroonians live with an income of
to the efforts of the government.
less than US$1 daily (poverty level). Education is provided by government and private establishments. Primary education is considered to be one of the priority social sectors within the strategic framework of poverty alleviation. Government efforts have recently con-
Bonanjo is the business area of Douala
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY centrated on building classrooms, employing teachers, and
ders, call box attendants, food sellers, motorcycle taxi riders
supplying an annual “minimum package” (school material
and so on.
and equipment) to educational establishments. Poverty Alleviation Through Job Creation With a population growth rate above 2%, education demand is high. Though progress has been made, budge-
It is a government priority to alleviate poverty through job
tary priorities for primary, secondary and higher education
creation. The fight against unemployment is an essential
needs to be reinforced. The education rate for primary
element of the strategic framework for poverty alleviation.
education exceeded 100% during the 2000 school year
Government efforts have been consolidated by setting up a
and that of secondary education stood at 25%. Higher
flexible legislative and statutory framework. The remunera-
education also witnessed a significant growth with an
tion of workers and their working condition are governed
annual growth rate of 9.7% over the last ten years. The
by law B° 92/007 of 14th August 1992 and its decrees of
number of students per 100,000 inhabitants stood at 510
application, which allows the possibility of negotiating a
in 2002, as against 254 in 1990.
Unfortunately this
labour contract. Note should also be taken of the recent
increase in the education rate in the higher education
creation of the national employment and professional trai-
sector has not been compensated with a proportional
ning observatory, a body charged with assessing the level of
increase in infrastructure and logistic material in the
employment and buoyant sectors in terms of job openings.
country’s universities and other higher institutes of lear-
It is placed under the authority of the ministry in charge of
ning.
labour and vocational training.
Employment
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
Employment, Labour and Unemployment
2004 financial year Labour evolution indicators in Cameroon are not favourable: there is a high unemployment rate, low job creation
With the exception of the price of a barrel of crude oil,
rate in the formal sector, high rate of economic depen-
which witnessed an increase of 32.8% in 2004 vis-à-vis the
dence, very low salaries, job insecurity and economic sec-
2003 fiscal year, and rubber, banana and arabica coffee,
tors are not developing. The unemployment rate increased
the world prices of other main export products have conti-
in ten years from 7.3% of the active population to 24.6%.
nued to drop. The prices of cocoa, robusta coffee and
Unemployment is mostly affecting youths aged between 20
cotton fibre dropped significantly during the 2004 fiscal
and 24 years.
year.
Development of the Informal Sector
The trade balance surplus reduced from CFA66.6 billion in 2003 to CFA15.3 billion in 2004 despite a 1.1% progress in
As there has been an increase in unemployment and job
the total trade value. This decrease is the result of the
insecurity, the informal sector has developed in Cameroon
0.9% drop in import expenditure. This contributed to redu-
with the proliferation of road-side jobs described as survival
cing the import coverage rate, which moved from 105.3%
activities. These include carriers, bread sellers, second-hand
in 2003 to 101.2% in 2005.
cloth sellers, drug sellers, newspaper vendors, shoe men-
90
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY
2001
TO
2003 FISCAL
YEARS (IN
CFA
BILLIONS)
Source: Bank Of Central Africa States.
91
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY SOURCE AND DESTINATION OF FOREIGN TRADE
At sectorial level the objectives are to: - improve efficiency and quality of services - promote private sector participation including employees
The main import markets are France (more than 20%),
of the company
Nigeria (13%), the US, China, Japan and Germany.
- rapidly increase the communication network all over the
Generally, imports from Europe dropped from 63% in 1992
national territory.
to 51.5% in 2004. During the same period, imports from France also dropped significantly. This drop in imports from
Before carrying out privatisation, the government of
Europe has been in favour of Nigeria and Asian countries.
Cameroon put in place a global legislative and statutory framework that was coherent and encouraged preparation
The main export countries and their percentage of
and realisation measures and other related operations.
Cameroon’s total imports from 2000 to 2004 are: Italy
Specific organs charged with piloting the project were also
(20%), Spain (15%), France (12%), Holland (9%) and the
created.
US (5%). The list of enterprises to be privatised was published by However, it should be noted that the dynamism of
decree number 90/1423 of 30th October 1990. The legal
informal exports (tobacco, street drugs, cloth, electronics
framework of modalities for the privatisation process and
and others) from Nigeria mostly do not feature in official
state disengagement comprise:
statistics.
PRIVATISATION PROCESS
- the decision of 22nd June 1990 relating to the privatisation of public and para-public enterprises and its decree of application of 30th August 1990
Within the framework of its vast economic reform pro-
- the declaration of a general policy statement relating to
gramme started more than 20 years ago, the government
enterprises of the public sector adopted in May 1994 by the
of Cameroon undertook the nationalisation process in the
government.
management of public and para-public enterprises resulting in restructuring, liquidation and privatisation. The govern-
The organs charged with the implementation of privatisa-
ment has outlined the main objectives intended in the pri-
tion are:
vatisation process at the macro-economic and sectorial levels.
- the inter-ministerial committee, the decision body presided over by the minister in charge of finance
At macro-economic level the objectives are to:
- the technical commission for privatisation and liquidations, an organ charged with the realisation proper.
- improve public finances - boost private initiatives and investments
Since the launching of the privatisation programme, tan-
- restore market mechanisms
gible progress has been recorded despite difficulties
- mobilise and orienting national savings towards private
encountered to reach the completion point of the heavily
investments.
indebted poor countries initiative programme. In the agro-
92
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY DESTINATION OF EXPORTS
ORIGIN OF IMPORTS
93
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY industrial sector, some enterprises such as SOCAPALM,
- Douala Stock Exchange which has as an objective to guide
CAMSUCO and the tea production unit of CDC were priva-
and administer market operations and expose financial pro-
tised. In the energy sector, the privatisation of the national
ducts for quotation.
electricity corporation (SONEL) witnessed financial and management difficulties causing a serious electricity crisis
The stock exchange has two main categories of instru-
all over the country. However, these difficulties have been
ments: shares and obligations. The shares market com-
reduced to a minimum since 2004 and programmes for the
prises two sizeable sections.
modernisation and increase in production capacity are The privatisation of the water corporation (SNEC) and the
Douala Stock Exchange S.A. – Late Start of Activities
telephone corporation (CAMTEL) has not been successful.
The Douala Stock Exchange S.A. first financial market in
However, the telecommunications sector was opened to
Central Africa was created in December 2001. Its capital
competition and two mobile telephone exploitation
stands at CFA1.2 billion. It officially launched its activities
licences were granted to the companies ORANGE and MTN.
as far back as 23rd April 2003, the date on which it was
currently under way with the support of the government.
inaugurated by the prime minister and head of governIn the 2005 fiscal year, the government has accelerated its
ment. The government of Cameroon intended, by so doing,
disengagement process of CAMAIR, CAMTEL, SNEC and
to make Douala a centre of attraction for capital and exper-
CDC.
tise in order to help boost the economy. Unfortunately, more than two years after this inauguration, the first quo-
STOCK EXCHANGE
tations have not yet been made. Since the launching of its activities, only one operation has
Legislative and Statutory Framework
been successfully carried out in 2005 and this was with the Douala Urban Council (7,000 obligations with a face value
The financial market in Cameroon is governed by law
of CFA1 million). Authorities of the stock exchange hope
number 99/015 of 22nd December 1999 on the creation
to surmount these difficulties in 2005 with the assistance of
and organisation of a financial market. According to this
the government.
law, only banking institutions could accede to investment services for a transitional period of two years and they are
Procedures for the Introduction into the Stock Market
not required to create an ad-hoc legal structure. In effect, the context of a stock exchange in Cameroon requires the
- The admission request can be presented to the Douala
invention of specialised intermediation structures and inves-
Stock Exchange jointly by the community and the introdu-
tment partners.
cing member (an investor authorised by the Stock Exchange Commission).
The four central structures of Cameroon’s stock exchange
- Douala Stock Exchange is expected to decide within three
comprise:
months on the admission or refusal of the value. - Any admission is subjected to the approval of the Stock
- the financial market commission whose mission is to
Exchange Commission.
ensure control and surveillance and work for the proper
- The issuing organ is expected to produce an information
functioning of the market
note for the attention of the public and before subscription,
94
THE COUNTRY ECONOMY according to a structure defined by the Douala Stock
- to present a stock market capitalisation of at least CFA200
Exchange.
million
- Any issuing body whose value is admitted in the financial
- to present two years of consolidated annual accounts, if
market is expected to inform the public of any action likely
necessary, and certified by a chartered account authorised
to influence the rate of the value.
by ONECCA - to have distributed at least a dividend over the last two
First Market of the Douala Stock Exchange
years - to distribute to the public at least 15% of its capital when entering stock market
The conditions of eligibility to the first market of the Stock
- to undertake to sign a contract to animate stock market
Exchange are:
activities.
- to be a limited liability company
Douala Stock Exchange reserves the right to examine any
- to present a stock capitalisation of more than CFA500
other profitability criteria, depending on the quality of the
million
file presented.
- to distribute shares issued to at least 100 different share holders - to present three years of consolidated annual accounts, if
Debenture Bond Market of the Douala Stock Exchange
necessary, and certified by a chartered accountant authorised by ONECCA
Douala Stock Exchange fixes the modalities of admission of
- to have distributed at least two dividends over the past
debt instruments, notably:
three years - to distribute to the public at least 20% of its capital as
- minimal capitalisation of each share issue
soon as it enters the stock market
- conditions of duration and rate of the bond
- to undertake to sign a contract to animate stock market
- unit value of each security bond issued.
activities. Private Bond Douala Stock Exchange reserves the right to examine any
In brief, the conditions of admission of private bonds are:
other profitability criteria, depending on the quality of the file presented.
- to be a limited liability company - to present two years of annual accounts certified by a
Second Market of the Douala Stock Exchange
chartered accountant authorised by ONECCA - to produce a guarantee - to undertake to establish an agreement to animate the
The conditions of eligibility to the second market of the
market of certificates issued.
Douala Stock Exchange are: Public Bond - to be a limited liability company
Immediate admission on mere request by the issuing body.
- to distribute shares issued to at least 100 different shareholders
95
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY
AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY
“The wind helps those without an axe to cut wood” Cameroonian proverb
97
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY AGRICULTURE
duces arabica and robusta coffee, some of which is processed locally.
Forestry and agriculture are important industries in Cameroon and this sector occupies a very important posi-
Cotton: Cotton and maize are the only industrial crops of
tion in the economy, constituting the basis of the
northern Cameroon. The ever-increasing production exce-
country’s development. Thanks to its significant contribu-
eded 240,000 tons in 2004.
tion to employment and export earnings, agriculture and forestry exploitation are at the heart of the country’s eco-
Rubber: The annual production exceeds 50,000 tons, of
nomic activity. These activities will continue to play a sig-
which more than 90% of plantations belong to the state.
nificant role in the economy of rural areas. Banana: Banana is the major export crop. Its production In the agricultural sector are traditional export and food
which exceeded 300,000 tons in 2003 is ensured by agro-
crops. The main export crops are cocoa, coffee, cotton,
industrial enterprises and village plantations.
banana and rubber. Besides these main crops, Cameroon also produces and exports:
Food Products The main food products cultivated in Cameroon are
- tea, exported to Gabon, Central African Republic, Sudan
beans, pineapple, cassava, plantain, potatoes, tomatoes,
and Chad
yams, groundnut, Irish potatoes, paw-paw, mangoes,
- tobacco, exported to Holland
guava, pear, millet, sorghum and onions. People in the
- pineapple, exported to Europe
poor and vulnerable rural areas usually cultivate these pro-
- oil palm
ducts.
- sugar. The annual production growth is 5%, despite the major Cocoa: Cameroon is the highest cocoa producer in the
difficulties faced by these farmers such as:
CEMAC zone. Its production continues to increase. Some cocoa is transformed into butter, chocolate and cocoa
- transportation problems making it difficult to evacuate
powder locally.
these crops to urban areas - old production equipment leading to low productivity
Coffee: Cameroon was not spared the crisis that hit the
- a mostly female workforce.
coffee sector worldwide over the last few decades and production dropped sharply as a result. The country pro-
Because of this, within the framework of the growth stra-
Production over the last years and projections for 2005 (000 tons) *Estimated
99
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY tegy and poverty alleviation, the government of
Fruits and vegetables: These crops have a bright future.
Cameroon intends to support this sector of production
The measures taken here by government include the ela-
more than in the past, with the aim of increasing produc-
boration, launching and organisation of specific develop-
tivity. The starch, cereal, fruit and vegetable markets pre-
ment support programmes for priority sectors.
sent excellent development prospects in the short and medium term, with the completion of construction works
Development opportunities of new sectors: Pepper,
on the roads leading to South and East provinces.
horticulture and melon growing are the new sectors with a bright future. In effect, all the necessary conditions are
Starch: The government aims to increase production so
in place for the development of these activities in the
as to reduce the volume of imported food and improve
forestry zone of mono modale in the Littoral and south-
national food security.
west and the High Plateau zone of the West and North West provinces.
Cereals: It is the government’s policy to reinforce food security by increasing the production and income of the farmers through the development of production systems so as to improve competitivity on both the national and sub-regional markets. Cotton is mostly found in the north
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY FORESTRY
Fauna: The sector represents about 152 million income mostly in terms of tourism. About 2,000 people work in
Cameroon’s forest is the second largest in Africa after
the formal sector (hunters, tourist guides and so on) and
that of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forest and
8,000 in the informal sector (poachers).
woodland occupy respectively 40% and more than 30% of the territory with more than 17 million hectares of pro-
Wild fauna occupies a substantial place in people’s diet,
ductive forest. There are three types of tropical forests in
providing about half the people with protein needs.
Cameroon. The densest forest is concentrated in the south and by the coast. Mangroves can be found in the
Firewood: Some 70% of households use firewood to
Gulf of Guinea and in the northern forests.
cook, according to estimates from the Ministry of Mines and Power.
Cameroon’s rich forests have a commercial value with an ever-developing wood industry. Cameroon is one of the
Non-timber forestry products: Medicinal and food
largest producers and exporters of wood.
plants are still lowly exploited even though they are very common within the rural milieu. Some plants such as
At the legislative and statutory levels, it was only in 1994
OKOK or ERU (Ngnetum Africanum) and cane have an
that the government created a forestry code fixing the
increasingly high value.
objectives and methods of forestry exploitation.
Transformation Production and exportation
Since the temporal halt of log exportation in 1999, the
Wood is the second export product after oil. It represents
economy of the forestry sector has been based essentially
more than 15% of export earnings. In 2003, export ear-
on transformation, in terms of value added and the
nings for timber or wood stood at more than CFA194
number of jobs created in the urban and rural milieu.
billion. The forestry sector contributes about 6% to the GDP and creates about 45,000 jobs of which about half
The maximum transformation capacity is estimated at 2.8
are in the informal sector.
million square metres annually for a production of 2 million square metres a year.
Wood production is presently estimated at more than 2 million square metres annually. There are 300 marketable
Cameroon has about 70 wood transformation factories,
species but only about 60 are exploited. Export in the
which are mostly:
form of logs is forbidden for 13 species. 70% of the total production is made up from only five species.
- located in industrial free zones or in the urban milieu
Apart from timber, there are other forestry products that
(with easy access to the Port of Douala
are exploited, as described below.
- built using second-hand material bought from Europe first phase transformation factories.
TIMBER PRODUCTION
101
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY The marketing of wood is well structured on the export
Permanent forestry land can be exploited through the sale
market but disorganised at the local level, despite the fact
of logs or through an exploitation contract known as
that the market is expanding.
“Concession�, which can comprise one or several UFAs.
Exports are mostly destined for European markets (they
UFAs whose surface area does not exceed 200,000 hec-
consume 70% of logs and 90% of processed timber). The
tares are granted for 15 years renewable.
local market consumes mostly processed timber and second category plywood.
Forestry companies with UFAs must prepare development plans to be submitted to the Ministry of Forestry based on
Legislative and Statutory Framework of the Timber Sector
required ecological economic and social aspects (the set-
Forest exploitation in Cameroon is governed by law
local population and so on).
ting up of a transformation unit, the participation of the
number 94/01 of 20th January 1994 on forests, fauna and fishing and decree number 95/531 of 23rd August 1995, which fixes the modalities of application. According to
MAIN COMPANIES
these texts, the people can manage these forestry resources through the creation of community forests. The reforms have led to the restructuring of the local industrial
CAMEROON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
fabric, the creation of numerous jobs, and the increase in fiscal revenue.
Henry Njalla Kuan Managing Director
According to the law, the permanent forestry land must
Bota-Limbe
cover at least 30% of the national territory. Forests in
Tel: +237-343-1885 / 1883 / 333-2251
Cameroon are divided between:
Fax: +237-343-1746
- the permanent forestry land partitioned into Forestry
The Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) is an
Development Units (UFAs) and protected areas
agro-industrial enterprise created in 1947 as a public esta-
- the national forestry land (non-permanent) comprising
blishment. Its objectives were to acquire, develop and
the other forests (community forests).
operate extensive plantations of tropical crops like rubber, banana, oil palm and tea. The Corporation is under the
Forest exploitation goes through two stages. First a
supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and has its
forestry profession licence must be obtained, then a
headquarters in the South West Province, in Bota-Limbe.
forestry exploitation licence. Several types of licences are
The Corporation is run by a board of 12 members repre-
granted depending on whether they are for permanent or
senting government, ministries and other parastatals.
non-permanent forestry land. The Cameroon Development Corporation is the second Nationally, exploitation is possible through the sale of logs
largest employer after the government and owns nearly
(surface area of 2,500 ha maximum) or through authori-
100,000 hectares of land in Cameroon. The workforce is
sation to recover (maximum volume of 30 square metres)
estimated at 18,000 people including temporal workers.
or in community forests.
Activities of the Cameroon Development Corporation are
102
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY nowadays particularly diversified and essentially aimed at
tation and commercialisation of hevea Brasiliensis latex in
producing, transforming and distributing average goods.
Cameroon. HEVECAM exploits 15,000 hectares of hevea plantation to run its factories. In 1996, the company was
Thanks to its great reserves of cultivable lands, the com-
privatised to the GMG Group.
pany now has huge expansion possibilities. Moreover, CDC plans to increase its export of banana and rubber.
HYDROCHEM CAMEROUN
HEVECAM
Denis Lanfroy Managing Director
Jean Marc Seyman
B.P. 2228
Managing Director
Douala
Tel: +237-342-6274
Tel: +237-340-5995
Fax: +237-342-8141
Fax: +237-340-6037
HEVECAM (Hévéa in Cameroon) is an agro-industrial com-
Hydrochem activities started in Africa in 1929, when the
pany established in 1975 to develop the culture of hevea
first boat of nitrated calcium left Norway for Egypt.
in Cameroon. Situated in Niété, in the south of
Consequently, the presence of Hydrochem increased con-
Cameroon, HEVECAM is in charge of the industrial exploi-
siderably on the continent and in particular in West and
Just taste them!
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY Central Africa where it first established itself in Ivory Coast
MAISCAM
in 1990. Hydro currently has 11 subsidiaries and several Mohamadou Abo Ousmanou
representations on the continent.
Managing Director Based in Cameroon since 1995, Hydrochem immediately
Tel: +237-251083
took a lead in the market. Its registered office and its fac-
Fax: +237-252402
tory are based in Douala, entry point for Cameroon and Central Africa. Thanks to its dynamic commercial policy,
Maiscam was founded in 1982 after Sodeblé disappeared.
Hydrochem has been able to cover all of the Cameroonian
As a private capital-owned company, Maiscam started its
territory very quickly. The output of the factory of Douala
activities on 15,000 hectares in the Wassandé area, near
makes it possible for Hydrochem to meet the require-
Ngaoundéré.
ments in manure for all Central Africa. In the future Hydrochem plans to develop its exports towards markets
As of 1989, the consequent development of its planta-
of Central Africa.
tions led to the construction of a factory transforming wheat into several others sub-products such as wheatgerm oil, flour and oil cakes. Cameroon was host to the International Agriculture in 2004 Thanks to its Fair park of motorised
106
engines and its human
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY potential, Maiscam generated high outputs to satisfy an
PAMOL PLANTATIONS LIMITED
increasing demand, producing almost 5 tons per hectare on a cultivated surface of 2,000 hectares.
Chief M.B. Obenofunde General Manager
The Maiscam domain covers 5,500 hectares. Besides
Lobe Estate, P.M.B. 3
wheat, Maiscam is also planting sunflowers (over 500 to
Ekondotiti
1,000 ha) and soya (100 to 500 ha); the rest are waste
Ndian Division
lands.
South West Province Tel: +237-339-3548 / 343-0501
Maiscam now has an oil-refinery factory manufacturing
Fax: +237-339-3549 / 799-1597
vegetal oil from wheat germs, soya and sunflowers. All this production is then transferred to bottles and amounts
Pamol Plantations Limited (PAMOL) was created in June
to a total production of 500,000 litres a year.
1996 and started operation in November 1996. It took over from the defunct Plantations du Cameroun Limited (PPCL) in liquidation, one of UNILEVER’s subsidiaries in Africa, by a debt equity swap operation. PAMOL is governed by the laws of Cameroon and the Ohada Treaty. PAMOL is an agro-industrial company that specialises in
65% of the Cameroonian population lives from agriculture
107
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY the production and sale of crude palm oil, palm kernel, oil
Lobe and Ndian estates), supporting sporting events and
palm planting material (DxP seeds), laundry soap and
improving accessibility of Ndian division through road
rubber. The company owns two oil palm factories and a
maintenance activities.
brand new soap factory, which opened in 2004. PAMOL
“Cameroon is still virtually green and land is still
has more than 10,000 hectares of oil palm plantations in
available. Thanks to a culture of peace, Cameroon is
the South West Province. During the high season the
the right place for return on investments in the
company employs more than 3,500 Cameroonians.
long run.�
Today, some of the assets of PAMOL are the production and supply of germinated oil palm seeds in Cameroon and its new soap factory, whose production is expected to double within a year. The company is also planning to modernise its two mills and re-launch the fertilising process for its plantations. PAMOL management is now looking for investors to help them in these projects. PAMOL is also playing an acting role in the development of the areas of location by running two health centres (on The forestry sector is one of the booming sectors of the Cameroonian economy
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY PATRICE BOIS S.A.
SOCAPALM – Société Camerounaise des Palmeraies
Roberto Ponci Directeur Général
Marc Mutsaars
B.P. 8028
Managing Director
Yaoundé
Tel: +237-343-7783 / 339-1313
Tel: +237-230-2491 / 2489
Fax: +342-9756
Fax: +237-230-2487 Email: patricebois@patrice-bois.com
Société Camerounaise des Palmeraies (SOCAPALM) was
Website: www.patrice-bois.com
founded in the late 1960s and was a government-owned company aiming at exploiting palm plantations in rural
Patrice Bois S.A is a young Cameroonian company created
areas. After numerous changes, the firm was privatised in
in 2000, which manufactures wooden goods. It is one of
June 2000. Nowadays, SOCAPALM is a private company
the most important companies in Cameroon with nearly
of Cameroonian law (73%). Its main shareholder is the
CFA10 billion sales turnover in 2004 and with more than
Palmcam holding.
650 employees, 400 working in factories and 250 working at the level of its three UFAs.
Socapalm now has almost 1,500 permanent employees working on five plantations in Cameroon. The 28,000
The main goal of Patrice Bois S.A. is forestry development
hectares of palm plantations are spread across four
for the marketing of semi-finished and finished products
departments. SOCAPALM is the first palm oil producer in
such as joinery, cabinet work, frames, staircases, floors,
the country, producing 70,000 tons a year. Goods are
shipbuilding, sculpture, planting and decoration. Today
only distributed on the local market, starting with whole-
Patrice Bois S.A. exports its goods mainly to the European
salers, then refiners and at last soap merchants.
and American continents. Since its creation, Socapalm has remained a citizen-orienPatrice Bois S.A. continues its policy of expansion and
tated company wholly participating in the social and eco-
want to open a second factory in the south of the country
nomic development of rural areas surrounding its planta-
soon. The company is able to trace the wood it uses in
tions. Among other notable facts is its involvement in sup-
order to obtain certification which allows it to market its
porting education by sponsoring many teachers and the
products through world markets without restriction.
help the company gives to improve ways of communication through restoring tracks in isolated areas.
The company is distinguished by its citizen’s engagement in Cameroon and its many efforts to renew growth in
Socapalm is contemplating consolidating its assets by
forests. This company is sensitive to the environmental
modernising its production, and extending its plantations
problems made in its work and regenerates forests by
in the years to come. With this, it hopes to improve out-
planting seedlings – more than 7,500 trees were planted
puts and face Cameroon’s deficit in palm oil.
in 2004.
109
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY SOCIETE DE DEVELOPPEMENT DU CACAO – SODECAO
SOCIETE DES PALMERAIES DE LA FERME SUISSE
Didier Buecher
R. Mbappe
Managing Director
Managing Director
B.P. 570 Douala
Tel: +237-342-0447
Tel: +237-340-3795
Fax: +237-342-0417
Fax: +237-240-3931 Email: Sodecao@Cameroun-online.com
Created on 15th March 1976 the Société des Palmeraies de la Ferme Suisse (SPFS; Company of the Palm Plantations of
The Société de Developpement du Cacao (SODECAO) is
the Swiss Farm), with a capital of CFA1.4 billion (2.1 million
techically supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and
euros), has a plantation of 2,767 hectares palm trees
Sustainable Development, and is under the financial
(representing output of 12 tons per hectare) and an oil fac-
supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It is
tory of 7,700 tons raw oil capacity. Palm oil is sent to the
thus the key company to promote the cocoa industry for
refinery company of the “Littoral”, a subsidiary of SPFS.
the state. It is entitled to:
This latter is in charge of converting raw oil to a refined one used to cook olein and sterain as well as acid fat.
- conduct all studies, surveys, works or missions dealing with cocoa culture - define popular topics relating to cocoa culture support and implement programmes of regeneration, thickening and extending the orchard by producing and distributing performing plant material - support the structuring and professionalisation of cocoa workers, in connection with other speakers - organise, execute and intensify the fight against large plagues in the culture of cocoa, as well as evaluate those fighting programmes and measuring their impact on the environment - install agricultural spaces, including construction and maintenance of collecting slopes - diversify the agriculture, aiming at generating a harmonious equilibrium with the culture of cocoa. For the execution of its missions of public service, SODECAO maintains a national network of cooperation (IRAD, CARBAP) as well as an international one (COPAL, ICCO, CEPLAC).
110
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY SODECOTON
SPNP-SBM-PHP COMPAGNIE FRUITIERE
Mohammed Iya
Armel Francois
Managing Director
Managing Director
B.P. 302 Garoua
B.P. 15317
Tel: +237-227-1556 / 1727
Douala
Fax: +237-227-2068
Tel: +237-342-4248 Fax: +237-343-0487
SODECOTON, the Cotton Development Company of
Email: spnpof@iccnet2000.com
Cameroon, was established in 1951, when it was called CFDT, with 100% of French capital. Nationalised in 1974,
The company at the origin of the “Compagnie Fruitière”
it was renamed SODECOTON. This enormous company
(Fruit Company) was created in 1939 as a commercial
guides some 350,000 cotton producers and has more
firm. Later, it reinforced its activities in production, trans-
than 2,000 employees. The number of Cameroonians
port, imports and exports. The Fruit Company opened its
benefiting directly or indirectly from the activity of SODE-
capital in 1992 to the multinational corporation Dole (the
COTON is around 2 million. SODECOTON treats approxi-
world’s number one company in producing and distribu-
mately 220,000 tons of crop cotton per year and 90,000
ting fresh fruits). Today the company understands all the
tons of fibre cotton. Its turnover is CFA90 billion (137
different labours of the supply chain, from the production
million euros). It is the fourth biggest company in
of vegetables to the distribution of fruit.
Cameroon. Mohammed Iya, General Manager of SODECOTON since 1984, thinks that this production is likely to
The group has two main centres of activities: historically
increase twofold or threefold in response to world
based in Cameroon in the Moungo region and on the
demand, if private investors are ready to pay the price.
Ivory Coast. The Fruit Company employs 14,000 people on these two plantations.
SODECOTON heavily participates in the development of rural areas and in the fight against poverty.
In Cameroon, the company mainly produces bananas and pineapples. This production is mostly destined for the
The company essentially exports towards far-east coun-
European market but also for markets in North Africa:
tries: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the
Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. In order to formalise and promote its continuing efforts to improve the quality of life of its workers and the protection of the environment, the Fruit Company started an ISO certification process in 1999, which ended early in 2001.
111
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE
FINANCE
“A man’s wealth may be superior to him” Cameroonian proverb
123
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE INTRODUCTION
The new sub-regional law thus applied confirms the liberalisation option of this sector of activity and its imple-
The Cameroon financial sector is marked by the banking
mentation has been effective since January 2004 thanks
market, the financial market, the insurance market and
to the general instruction number 03/009/CF/MINFI/DCE/D
micro-finance institutions. The Cameroon financial market
of 7th January 2003.
is still at an early stage. The financial market commission
The first characteristic of the new trade law is the liberali-
has already approved five investment service providers,
sation of trade with foreign countries, which is seen
including: Afriland First Bank, CBC, SGBC, ECOBANK and
through the suppression of all administrative and visa
BICEC. The first quotation at the Douala Stock Exchange
authorisations concerning current transactions and a sig-
(DSX) was made in September 2005. Some companies
nificant part of capital flight.
have already introduced their shares for quotation. The second characteristic concerns increasing the responsibility of commercial banks in the application of trade
BANKING
rules or laws. Since December 2003, a primordial role has been given to authorised intermediaries in the execution
The Cameroon banking sector is characterised by a
and follow-up of these trade and money transfer opera-
regional statutory framework.
tions.
The Cameroon banking
system comprises the BEAC (Bank of Central African States) public institutions of savings and loans, a recovery
Main Commercial Banks
body (SRC), financial institutions and commercial banks.
Statutory Framework of the Banking Activity
The ten main commercial banks authorised by COBAC and operating in Cameroon are: - Afriland First Bank: composed 80% of private
The banking law in the CEMAC region was harmonised in
Cameroonian shareholders
1992 with the creation of COBAC, the Banking
- Amity Bank: composed 100% of private Cameroonian
Commission of Central Africa, a supranational community
shareholders
organ whose mission is to ensure the respect by credit ins-
- BICEC: privatised in 2000 to the group Natexis Banques
titutions of the legislative and statutory provisions enacted
Populaires
by national authorities, the Bank of Central African States
- CBC: Commercial Bank of Cameroonian, capital owned
or by itself and to sanction any violation of the laws.
90% by private Cameroonians and 10% by German Cooperation
Major innovations have been made in the conditions of
- Credit Lyonnais Cameroun: 65% Crédit Lyonnais,
transfer which have been liberalised by law number
35% government of Cameroon
0/80/CEMAC/UMAC/CM of 29th April 2000 on the har-
- Citibank Cameroon: 100% Citibank USA standard
monisation of trade rules of member states of CEMAC,
Chartered Bank
which stipulates in article 73 that “CEMAC member states
- Ecobank: holding Ecobank transnational Togo, 66%
shall guarantee freedom to transfer profits properly
Standard Chartered, 34% Cameroon government
acquired”.
- Société Générale de Banques au Cameroun (SGBC): 74% Société Générale with various other shareholders
124
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE and 26% Cameroon government
Banking Activity
- Standard Chartered Bank
The banking activity as at 30th June 2004 was characte-
- Union Bank of Cameroon: created from a group of
rised by an abundant liquidity of the banking system in
cooperative societies.
four banks, and a slowdown in the growth rate of bank
Several of these banks are found in other countries of the
deposits (+7.8% in June 2004 as against +11% in June
sub-region: Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, Tchad and
2003).
Equatorial Guinea.
At the level of resources, the consolidated situation of the ten main commercial banks shows that deposits stood as
A study carried out by ECONOMIA on its 2002 classifica-
at 10th June 2004 at CFA1,221.5 billion, giving an
tion of the best 200 African Banks shows that Central
increase of CFA88.5 billion compared with that of end
Africa has dynamic banking sector with most of the banks
June 2003.
presenting a growth rate for the year 2001. Close to 83% of deposits are private. The internal loan In the franc zone, Cameroon and Gabon are the two
coverage coefficient by deposits is decreasing, having
heavyweights. Among the best 25 banks, three are
reduced from 97.8% in June 2003 to 88.7% in June
Gabonese and six Cameroonian.
2004. Six Cameroonian banks granted more than 87% of loans. BICEC head office in Douala
125
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE They are: SGBC (22.6%), BICEC (20.9%) C.L.C. (13.7%),
Organisation of the Profession
SCBC (10.9%), CBC (9.9%) and Afriland First Bank
At continental level: The Organisation of African Insurers
(9.8%).
(OAA), with offices in Douala, is the most important of all the African insurance organisations.
Between end June 2003 and end June 2004 there was a
At regional level the Federation of Insurance Companies
drop in long-term loans while short and medium-term
of National Law in Africa (FANAF), with offices in Dakar,
loans increased (25.65% and 28.52% in June 2004, res-
brings together the national associations CEMAC and
pectively, against 24.84% and 23.60% at end June
UEMOA.
2003).
At national level: All insurance companies are members of the Cameroon Association of Insurance Companies
Globally, the evolution of activities remains satisfactory.
(ASAC), created in 1973 and recognised by the CIMA
As at 30th August 2004, banks respect the coverage ratio
Code. The head office is in Douala.
of risk and net equity. The granting of loans by banking institutions remains low and the cost is high. This situation is partly due to the much more rigorous selection of risks
MARKET
in the granting of loans. The Cameroonian market is the second largest market of
INSURANCE Statutory Framework
CIMA after that of Ivory Coast and remains the most structured in the CEMAC region. There are in all 20 companies, 13 of which are specialised in I.A.R.D. and seven in life insurance.
The years 1985/86 were marked by the liberalisation of
The market is characterised by under-insurance, notably
the banking sector. In 1992 a community law was put in
industrial risks, the very low coverage rate of households
place when 14 African countries south of the Sahara
(apartments, accidents), and the low development of life
signed a treaty instituting the integrated organisation of
insurance.
the insurance market and the Inter-African Conference of Insurance Markets (CIMA). This treaty took effect in
There is a remarkable disequilibrium between the I.A.R.D.
February 1995 and has as its objective to harmonise, orga-
branch and the Life branch. Five insurance companies of
nise and develop the insurance sector. An insurance code
the I.A.R.D. branch share 73% of the market, namely:
was adopted and updated in 2001.
CHANAS (21%), AXA (15.9%), SAAR (14.3%), SNAC (12%) and ACTIVA (9.9%). The total turnover increased
The treaty was a boomerang. It requested the strict res-
by 7% in 2003 from CFA77 billion in 2002 to CFA83
pect of the rules by the operators. It also redefined the
billion. The I.A.R.D. branch, with a growth rate of 8%,
role of agents and brokers who must obtain a licence to
recorded the highest increase whereas the life branch
operate. Since January 2002, insurance companies have
attained only 12.2 billion in 2003, giving an increase of
been requested to separate life insurance operations from
4.9% compared with 2002.
those of I.A.R.D. (fire, accidents, various risks). They are thus separate companies with each operating on a
One of the main problems in the sector is the financing of
minimum share capital of CFA500 million.
insurance activities that have placement difficulties. While
126
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE waiting for the first quotations of the Douala Stock
MAIN COMPANIES
Exchange, most insurers rely on term deposits (remunerated at the rate of 5.5% in banks) and state obligations.
AFRILAND FIRST BANK
Some insurers also rely on real estate investments, but they are less productive.
Paul Fokam Kammogne Managing Director
MICRO FINANCE
B.P. 11834 Yaoudé Tel: +237-223-3068
The economic crisis which severely hit the country in the
Fax: +237-222-1785
1990s was marked by the collapse of the banking sector, followed by a series of liquidation and closing of banks.
Afriland First Bank was founded in 1987, under the direction
Since people had lost confidence in banks, there was a
of Dr K. Fokam and other well-meaning Africans who wished
boom of micro-finance institutions after the devaluation of
to improve the image of a continent weakened by the eco-
the Cameroonian franc in 1994. Unfortunately, because of
nomic crisis of the 1980s.
the absence of a proper legislative and statutory framework, these micro-finance institutions have themselves been collap-
The bank built its notoriety on pursuing certain objectives:
sing and closing down.
building bridges between the formal and informal sectors of the economy, reducing the tendency to use cash as a
After this with the assistance of COBAC the government
mean of payment, integrating rural areas in the develop-
undertook to restructure the micro-finance sector. In April
ment process, helping the rise of a true entrepreneurial
2002, the CEMAC law on micro-finance was adopted. It lays
class and bringing its support to the development of com-
down transitory measures to conform with micro-finance ins-
panies.
titutions. This regularisation period will end in April 2005. However, an additional period of grace expiring in April 2007
Afriland First Bank shareholders are SBF and Co.
is envisaged for the norms adopted by COBAC. In July 2003,
(36.62%), FMO (19.80%) and others (43.58%).
the Ministry of Finance and the Budget created the National or government policy on micro finance.
AGENCE DE REGULATION DES MARCHES PUBLICS
In 2005 Cameroon has more than 600 micro-finance institu-
Managing Director
tions for a total of 200,000 clients constituted in the form of
B.P. 6604
self-managed community savings and loans funds, savings
Yaoundé
and loans cooperatives rural micro banks. At the economic
Tel: +237-220-1803
level, micro-finance represents close to 10% of total liquidity
Fax: +237-220-6043
in circulation – about CFA52 billion worth deposits for
Email: armp@gcnet.cm
CFA32 billion loans granted.
www.armp.cm
Micro-Finance Committee charged with the implementation
The Agency for the Regulation of Public Markets (ARMP) is an administrative public office with juridical and finan-
127
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE cial autonomy. It was created by a decree signed on 23rd
AGF CAMEROUN ASSURANCES
February 2001. The company is placed under the direct supervision of the president of the Republic.
Christian Marlin Managing Director
The Agency’s mission is to ensure the regulation, the
1124 rue Manga Bell
follow-up and the evaluation of the public market’s
B.P. 105
system. It is therefore entitled to:
Douala Tel: +237-342-9203 / 3418
- contribute to form and inform the actors of the system
Fax: +237-343-0324
on the rules and regulations and their procedures on
Email: agf.cameroun@agf-cm.com
public markets
Website: www.agf-afrique.com
- ensure the publication of the public markets review - monitor the enforcement of the rules and regulations
AFG is a subsidiary of AGF/Allianz group, the first insu-
and its procedures (through surveys, opinions) on the
rance company in Europe and one of the worldwide lea-
public markets and make any recommendation or proper
ders. 71% of the capital of AGF Cameroon Insurances
proposal to improve the system
and 76% of Cameroon Life Insurance is held by AGF
- collect and centralise, for a database, any documents or
Africa.
statistics on the attribution, execution and control of the public markets
AGF’s network in Cameroon has been in place since
- publish in a public market review any public offer, results of
1938, opening date of the first insurance agency by the
the attributions, amounts and time schedule
“Préservatrice”. In 1974, the Préservatrice subsidiary was
- promote a transparent environment facilitating competition
transformed into a limited company under the law of
and the development of companies as well as the develop-
Cameroon and was baptised SNAC (Cameroon’s New
ment of stable and performing national capacities
Insuring Company). SNAC VIE was later created in 1998.
- offer to the government and responsible bodies any mea-
On 1st October 2004 the companies from the SNAC
sures that are likely to improve the implementation and con-
group were transformed into Cameroon Insurance and
trol of public markets
AGF Cameroon Life Insurance.
- update the rules and regulations on public markets - elaborate any other mission dealing with public markets
Nowadays, AGF Cameroon manages CFA30 billion francs
and entrusted by the government.
(more than 45 million euros) in Cameroon. It is the unchallenged leader in the life insurance sector with more
The Agency actively participates in international forums on
than 50% of the market, as well as the third company in
public markets and maintains relations of technical coopera-
the damage insurance segment.
tion with international organisations acting in this sector. ARMP also develops surveys and conducts specific audits and
AGF Cameroon enjoys a very positive image among the
investigations on the implementation and control of public
people and benefits from very special relations all over
markets.
Cameroon.
129
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE BANQUE DES ETATS DE L’AFRIQUE CENTRALE
CAMEROON DEBT RECOVERY COMPANY M. Etoundi Oyono
Jean Félix Mamalepot
Managing Director
Governor
B.P. 111991
Avenue Monseigneur Vogt
Yaoundé
BP 1917 Yaoundé
Since its creation in 1989, the Cameroon Debt Recovery
Tel: + 237 223-3939 / 4030 / 4060 / 3573
Company (S.R.C.) has confirmed its role as the operational
Fax: + 237 223-3329
instrument of political restructuring in Cameroon’s ban-
website: http://www.beac.int
king sector. The S.R.C. has proved its validity and effectiveness as a true catalyst for economic resuscitation for its
Founded in 1972, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC)
clients in Cameroon, which include the public financial
is a multinational public alliance under the convention that
treasury, public organisations and semi-public corpora-
instituted the monetary union of Central Africa. This conven-
tions with financial difficulties.
tion of cooperation was passed between the United States, France and other states that were members of this union.
Confident of its position in Cameroon’s business commu-
The exclusive privilege to mint money on the territory of
nity and of firm support from the government, the S.R.C.
every member state of the monetary union is entrusted to
reinforces and intensifies its presence in the recovery
the BEAC. Its objective is to assure the stability of currency,
sector in order to be an active player in the consolidation
bringing its support to general economic policies decided by
of the Cameroonian economic recovery.
the union.
The SRC is placed under the supervision of the Ministry of
The BEAC’s true missions are to:
Finance and Budget.
- define and conduct the monetary policy that is to apply
COMMERCIAL BANK OF CAMEROON
to member states in the union - conduct currency exchange operations
Jean-Louis Chapuis
- hold and handle the federal change reserves of member
Managing Director
states
B.P. 4004 Bonanjo
- promote the well doing of the payment systems.
Douala Tel: +237-342-0202 / 341-0305
The BEAC also attends to member states in their relations
Fax: +237-343-3800
with international financial institutions.
Email: cbcbank@camnet.cm
The headquarters and central services of the Bank are
The Commercial Bank of Cameroon (CBC) was esta-
based in Yaoundé. Offices with local management are
blished in 1997 by Cameroonian and foreign economic
present in the capital of every member state.
agents (FOTSO Group, SNAC Insurances and private Cameroonian shareholders). The CBC’s main mission is to guide corporate and private investors in the financing of their projects and activities.
130
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE The Commercial Bank of Cameroon made a name for
Fax: + 237-342-3202
itself in the Cameroonian banking sector, having almost
Email: camerooncustoms@yahoo.fr
8% of market share in only a few years. CBC now accounts more than 200 employees spread in the
Over the past years, the Customs and Excise Department
country’s five most important economic cities: Douala,
of Cameroon has embarked in a large reform and moder-
Yaoundé, Bafoussam, Maroua and Garoua.
nisation programe leading to the following changes in the Centralised Office for External Trade:
This rise in the Cameroonian bank industry is undoubtedly due to the variety of the products offered: savings, trea-
- a new general IT system to facilitate all steps of the cle-
sury management and many different credits. CBC’s com-
aring system – 5 DONIA
petitive advantage is providing its clients a personalised
- support and agreement from the WTO
service.
- collaboration and partnership with Societe Generale de Surveillance
DOUALA STOCK EXCHANGE
- a double monitoring unit – Customs / Tax - new materials and equipments
Mathurin Doumbè Epée
- strict control of staff behaviour and morality
Managing Director
- faster controls of containers through the use of scanners.
Douala Stock Exchange (DSX), the national stock
These new measures of improvement have contributed to:
exchange of marketable securities in Douala, was inaugu-
- the dramatic reduction of delays in the clearance of
rated on 23rd April 2003. The first bonds were emitted on
goods
the first market in April 2005, thus reflecting a true start
- a better efficiency and transparency of clearing opera-
in the stock exchange activities.
tions - security and better efficiency of the trade and the logistic
This public call to savings came before many others of
chain
“tens of thousands Cameroonian francs”. A secondary
- improvement of ethics and good governance
market was due to open by June 2005, thus marking the
- partnership with the private sector.
beginning of quotations. The Customs and Excise Department has become a The Cameroonian State already expressed its will to priva-
reliable, credible and efficient partner for trade and eco-
tise some of the shares it holds in the capital of some
nomic activities. The department enables the protection
public and parastatal companies.
and the development of industrial investments and contributes to the state budget.
DOUANES CAMEROUNAISES Antoine Manga Massina Managing Director
“For a better performance through efficiency and good governance”.
5, quai de la Marine BP 4049, Douala Tel: +237-342-70-78 / 7674 *Left page picture: BEAC head office in Yaoundé
133
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE CAISSE NATIONALE DE PREVOYANCE SOCIALE
The Crédit Lyonnais is a credit bank certified by the Central Africa Banking Commission (COBAC). It was created on 26th July 1989 after the splitting and dismantling
Managing Director
of the former Société Camerounaise de Banque
B.P. 441
(Company of Cameroon Bank) by two of its shareholders
Yaoundé
(Crédit Lyonnais Global Banking with 65% and the State
Tel: +237-222-4890 / 223-4011 / 222-0538 / 342-0904
of Cameroon with 35%).
Fax: +237-223-5755 The Crédit Lyonnais is now the third biggest company on The Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale (CNPS; the
the national market. Its activity and profitability have not
National Social Insurance Fund) is the most renowned offi-
stopped increasing since it first started acting in the
cial structure for social insurance in Cameroon. It was
industry. Crédit Lyonnais, according to its commercial
established in 1967 to manage subventions to families. Its
policy, possesses a network of sales offices across the
field of activities later widened to pension funds (1974).
national territory. This presence on the field is especially
CNPS then got the power to cover work accidents and
important in key economic cities: Yaoundé (five offices),
professional illnesses. Moreover, the CNPS has a duty
Douala (two offices), Garoua, Ngaoundéré, Maroua,
regarding the social rights of all workers.
Bafoussam, Edéa, Limbé and Ebolowa.
The CNPS is a relay of the governmental action in health
ECOBANK CAMEROON
care, education and social care. For this purpose, its activity includes three parts of social security: family benefits,
Abou Kabassi
pensions for disability and death, and work accidents and
Managing Director
professional illnesses.
Boulevard de la Liberté B.P. 582
The management policy is now essentially focused on its
Douala
original mission, which is to claim quotes and payments of
Tel: +237-343-8250 / 54
social benefits.
Fax: +237-343-8487 Email: ecobankcm@ecobank.com
CNPS also acts in favour of handicapped and abandoned
Website: www.ecobank.com
persons to stimulate personal and collective accomplishment and therefore maintain social equilibrium.
Ecobank Cameroon is a part of the Togo based multinational African bank: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
CREDIT LYONNAIS CAMEROUN
(ETI). After having been certified has a banking institution in July 2000, its activities really started on the 1st July 2001.
Andre Froissant
For its corporate clients the bank offers short-term finan-
Managing Director
cing options, mainly based on a discount policy. The bank
Bvd du 20 Mai
developed an activity for commercial credits internally
Yaounde
giving it an edge to answer the needs of its clients.
Tel: +237-980-1031
With a turnover of CFA50 million, Ecobank Cameroon finances many small and middle-sized companies, and has
134
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE a preference for companies belonging to the oil exploration and distribution sector, food-related industries, import and
SOCIETE GENERALE DE BANQUE AU CAMEROUN
export, new technologies of information, outsourcers or providers to institutional companies (multinational, paras-
Michel Miaille
tatal companies and financing organisations).
Managing Director
The financing rates offered (without taxation) are situated
10 rue Joss
between 14% and 17% for the short term and between
B.P. 4042
12% and 15% for the middle term.
Douala Tel: +237-442-7004
FONDS D’EQUIPEMENT ET D’INTERVENTION INTERCOMMUNALE
The Société Général Group has been based in Cameroon since 1947 and the takeover of the CBA (Commercial Bank
Gérard Ondo Ndong
of Africa), which later became the Société Général until
Managing Director
December of 1962. The Société Général de Banque au
B.P. 718
Cameroon (SGBC) was then created with the participation
Yaoundé
of others prestigious partners, representing the private and
Tel: +237-222-2728 / 223-7971
public sectors. The first ones to participate in the project
Fax: +237-223-1759
were the state of Cameroon as well as international banks from Switzerland, Germany, USA and the Société Général.
Fonds d’Equipement et d’Intervention Intercommunale
Société Général has recently bought several holdings and
(FEICOM) is a public administrative office created more
become the majority shareholder in 2002.
than 30 years ago to bring financial and technical support to local communities. It very soon became the principal tool
SGBC brought to Cameroon the best technologies in the
of decentralisation in Cameroon, helping the economic and
world of banking: vocal servers in 1998, electronic money,
social development of the poorest regions.
ATMs (certified by the VISA network in Cameroon) and computer consultation for its clients. SGBC has among
FEICOM committed itself to improve the life conditions of
other things installed an online banking system allowing its
Cameroonian population, participating in a great number
clients to check their accounts online. Taking advantage of
of projects with local communities. A few examples of its
its tight links with Société Général, SGBC enjoys a strong
commitment are the building of wells, the construction of
network of correspondents. Moreover, the group’s agen-
an electrical network and the maintenance of roads and
cies are permanently linked to the network by satellite.
other means of communication in rural areas. SGBC perfectly integrates the economy of Cameroon and is Besides this commitment to social equipment, FEICOM is
not only focused on private accounts – it has a wide range
more and more active in the implementation of resources
of products and services (consumption and car credits, pen-
generating projects to give more autonomy to local com-
sion plans, plans for studying and children, credit cards) –
munities.
but also addresses itself to small and middle-sized companies financing current operations, local or international.
FEICOM financially supports new towns in their investment
SGBC now has 16 agencies in Cameroon.
to acquire better equipment.
135
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: FINANCE SOCIETE NATIONALE D’INVESTISSEMENT DU CAMEROUN Simon Achidi Achu Chairman Place Ahmadou Ahidjo B.P. 423 Yaoundé Tel: +237-222-4422 / 223-3409 / 3499 Fax: +237-222-2001 / 223-1332 Website: www.sni.cm Société Nationale d’Investissement du Cameroun (SNI) is a limited company with a capital of CFA22 billion (more than 33,000 euros). It is a capital risk financial organisation created by the state in December 1964 in order to help the industrial development of the country and to work for the rise of an active and dynamic private sector. SNI is also a portfolio of companies across all the sectors of the economy. Through operational synergies SNI implements projects in many sectors of the economy: industry, food, commerce, services, competitive and profitable financing. SNI participates in the realisation of several studies, financing evaluation and strategic operations for third parties. The company seeks to participate in the capital of companies in buying and selling securities. SNI is also supports, advises and guides investors in their business. SNI’s presence is useful for local or international investors, ready to seek whatever type of productive investment opportunities there are in joint venture.
136
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE
INDUSTRY & TRADE
“Do not step on the dog’s tail, and he will not bite you” Cameroonian proverb
137
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE INTRODUCTION
country’s economic operators, political stability and government efforts in the economic and financial restruc-
The industrial and commercial sectors of the economy
turing of the economy, with the help of international ins-
have not been spared by the economic crisis that hit the
titutions.
country in the 1990s. The crisis brought about the collapse of many companies in the private and public sec-
Since 2004 the country has had serious difficulties parti-
tors.
cularly because it has not completed the heavily indebted poor countries initiative programme, which led to the “off
Despite major structural problems that still persist, over
track” score given by the IMF.
the past five years there has been a progressive revival of industrial and commercial activities characterised by sus-
The economic stability witnessed over the past few years
tained growth. This has been due to the dynamism of the
offers a new basis for the formulation of an industrial and
138
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE commercial policy likely to sustain growth at a moment
The growth of the informal sector has favoured smug-
when foreign and local investors are facing three main
gling, fraud and unfair competition with the formal
structural problems.
sector, as no valuable information can be got from them.
INFORMAL SECTOR
The companies cannot be located, they are not registered in the business register and not affiliated to the social insurance fund. With increasing tax pressures, many small
The industrial and commercial informal sector developed
and medium-sized enterprises opt out of formal registra-
between 1981 and 1991, with the economic crisis marked
tion.
by a sharp drop in industrial production and productive investments, vulnerability and loss of competitivity on the
At the social and health level, the clandestine sale of
part of industries that survived the crisis.
drugs and cosmetics is having a negative effect on the Brasseries du Cameroun has several plants throughout the country
139
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE health of the citizens who usually prefer these products
INDUSTRY
sold on the streets. Cameroon’s industry is the most diversified in the CEMAC The informal sector represents about 50% of the
zone. It includes agro, wood, textile, chemical and buil-
country’s GDP. It employs 70% of the urban labour force
ding industries.
and more than six out of ten households rely on this sector.
Agro Industry The agro industry is one of the most representative bran-
For some years now, the World Bank has shown concern
ches of the industrial sector, for example the brewery
about the dynamism of the informal sector and some
industry (SABC, Castel group, Guinness, UCB, SOFAVINC,
financing has been envisaged with the idea that suppor-
SIAC
ting the informal sector can act as a development factor.
(SOSUCAM, NOSUCA); milk industry (CAMLAIT, NESTLE,
ISENBECK);
mineral
water;
sugar
industry
SOTRAMILK, TOPLAIT, SOTICAM); rubber industry
COMPETITIVENESS
(Hevecam); cotton industry (SODECOTON); oil industry (SOCAPALM, SODECOTON, SCR MAYA, CCO PAMOL); salt industry (SELCAM); bakery industry; and progressively
The problem of competitiveness of products has two dimensions: an economic dimension linked to the appreciation of
a fruit transformation industry.
the euro or CFA vis-à-vis the dollar or naira and a structural
Wood
dimension.
The wood industry in Cameroon is one of the most developed and structured in Africa thanks to the reduction in
The most important factors that reduce competitiveness of
the export of logs. There are about 100 wood factories
the country’s economy are access to financing especially for
nationwide. Most of them are built using second-hand
small and medium-sized enterprises, corruption, administra-
material imported from Europe. They include French com-
tive bottlenecks, insufficient economic infrastructures, poor
panies (BOLLORE, PASQUET); Lebanese companies
management of human resources, a less transparent busi-
(COCAM, SABM, PAUL KHOURY, HAZIM); Italian compa-
ness environment, poor technological mastery, poor deve-
nies (Ecam placage, ALPICAM, Patrice Bois, Vasco Legne);
lopment of services and industries, and difficulties in electric
Belgian companies (Colvenaere); Greek companies
energy supply.
(Karayannis); Dutch companies (WIJMA); Chinese compa-
The Problem of Competition from Nigeria and Asia
nies (Vicwood); and Malaysian and Cameroonian companies.
Fraud, smuggling and imitation are a characteristic of pro-
Textiles
ducts from Asia and Nigeria most of which flood the informal
The high competition from smuggled imported goods and
sector. The reason is that the products are cheaper due to the
problems related to insufficient electricity supply have com-
appreciation of the CFA vis-à-vis the dollar and currencies of
pletely modified the market structure. The main industry of
Asian countries. Cameroonian products and those imported
the sector CICAM is in search of foreign financial partners
from Europe such as textiles, kitchen utensils and biscuits
to renew its production unit and increase profitability.
have much competition from Chinese products.
140
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE Metal and Building Materials
investors due to the low purchasing power of the popula-
This branch brings together industries for the transforma-
tion. Some can be found in Douala and Yaoundé:
tion of aluminium and steel and cement production.
Tsekenis, Arno, Jaco, Sodiacam (exclusive distributors of
Cimencam, a subsidiary of Lafarge, produces annually in
Leader Price Products), Fokou shops, Sosusba, Niki,
Douala and Figuil 1 million tons of cement. Aluminium
Bricolux, Onashi, Babacam and Mahima, Vaspsan, La
alone represents 2% of the GDP, 7% of industrial produc-
grande Quicaillerie, Afrique Construction and Chinese
tion and 5% of foreign earnings. Alucam (47%
shops that sell at cheap rates. The distribution domain is
Alca/Pechinery, 47% state), a group created in 1954, has
mostly in the hands of the informal sector.
developed a network of subsidiaries (Socatral and Alubassa). The lone steel industry, les Acieries du Cameroun, produces 40,000 tons of iron and steel products annually for a market that consumes 60,000 tons.
NEW INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL POLICY
Chemical Products
About 80% of the industries are found around the Littoral
The production of soap and detergents (CCC; SOC, Nosa,
area (Douala, Limbe, Edea). In 2003, the secondary sector
Azur, CCO, SICT, CCIC, SCS, NSO) and beauty products
employed 15% of the active population and contributed
(Gandour, Tacicam) is diversifying whereas the transfor-
30% to the GDP. The value added of the industrial sector
mation of plastic materials for industrial packaging, buil-
can be distributed as follows: drinks and tobacco (20%),
ding materials, gadget (publicity) and household equip-
wood industry (15%), electricity/water/gas (14%), trans-
ment has become highly competitive. Paper and printing
formation of agricultural products (13%), textile (12%),
industries are also developing. The production of foams
building material (8%) and so on.
(Batoula and Scimpos) is undergoing some modernisation. The paint market is being ensured by SMALTO and
The new industrial policy is based on poverty alleviation.
SOCIPEC.
Agro-food industry, textile and leather are the three sec-
Maintenance, Sub-Contracting and Industrial Maintenance
tors that create the highest number of jobs and generate the highest income for the population. Specific strategies for each sector will be elaborated in view of boosting
Industrial supplies come mostly from France, Germany
exportation. Investments will also be encouraged and pro-
and Italy. There are many hardware shops, purchase cen-
moted as well as transfer of technology within the frame-
tres and representatives of foreign products that supply
work of the implementation of the new investment code.
industrial material, spare parts and most industrial equip-
The programme will also give support to the quality con-
ment. Maintenance companies are much more specialised
trol policy, environmental protection, the national use of
in various domains: installation and maintenance of indus-
energy resources and the development of handicraft and
trial equipment and others (SHO Tractafic), air-conditio-
small and medium-sized enterprises.
ning, fire security, maintenance of hydraulic material, installation of electric equipment and so on.
Distribution
In 2005, the situation of industrial activity is preoccupying. According to GICAM, the Cameroon Employers’ Union, 2005 began with the consequences of the IMF
Dominated by small business, the distribution domain in
“off-track” score: reduction in public expenditure, postpo-
Cameroon has not been able to attract international
nement of payment of internal arrears and increase of tax
141
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE pressure on economic operators. The immediate conse-
MAIN COMPANIES
quences have been the fall in the purchasing power of Cameroonians. Industrial activity is slow, all indicators are
ALUCAM-SOCATRAL
falling: production, turnover, salaries, and so on. The commerce and distribution sector is suffocating.
Titi Manyaka Managing Director Tel: +237-342-1193 Fax: +237-342-5220 Established
in
December
1954,
ALUCAM
is
a
Cameroonian company that produces raw aluminium and, through its subsidiary SOCATRAL, manufactured goods.
SIAC Brasserie’s new facilities in Douala
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE Based near the Edea hydroelectric dam, since 1957
rettes are consumed every year in this region, and half of this
Alucam has been transforming imported alumina from
consumption takes place in Cameroon. That’s why BAT
Equatorial Guinea to produce aluminium. It is then con-
CEMAC is proud to fight against smuggling (affecting 25%
verted into household goods and construction materials in
of all the cigarettes sold in the country). The company there-
industrial units. The aluminium transformation company
fore implements its expansion policy in the CEMAC region
of Cameroon and the company Alubassa have an impor-
using the two biggest markets (Cameroon and Gabon) to
tant role in this final process.
extend itself in other countries with CEMAC offices. Among them are Tchad, Congo and Equatorial Guinea; soon there
Alucam’s nominal output is estimated at 87,000 tons per
will be the Republic of Centrafica, Sao Tomé and Pricipe.
year of aluminium ingots and plates. Several years ago Alucam diversified its activities, while retaining its involve-
BAT CEMAC conducts its activities with an ethic of commu-
ment with the aluminium industry. Alucam aims to
nitarian commitment, investing in social action, aiming to
become an important player in the production of finished
contribute to resolve problems the different societies face in
goods, other than corrugated sheets for the construction
their host countries. According to this philosophy, BAT
industry.
CEMAC has been taking outstanding measures in several areas.
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO CEMAC Sustainable development and environmental preservation. Alain Schacher
A few years ago the company started a programme to
Managing Director
handle industrial wastes. This enabled it to cleanse its imme-
Quartier Bastos
diate environment, getting rid of all toxic substances. The
B.P. 94
smokes that are daily released by the company are being fil-
Yaoundé
tered in order to take out all CO2 components; used waters
Tel: +237-221-0875 / 1074
go through a cleansing station before being dispersed. BAT
Fax: +237-220-0400 / 221-3768
CEMAC has been actively supporting a tree plantation pro-
Email: Alain_schacher@bat.com
gramme (more than 120,000 trees planted so far) in a dry area in the northern part of Cameroon for the past three
BAT Cameroon is a subsidiary of the international group
years.
British American Tobacco. It was established in Cameroon in
Supporting academic excellence
1986, after the buyout of local company Juan Bastos, unable
150 scholarships are given to brilliant Cameroonian students.
to face the fierce competition of a new cigarette factory.
Support of structures that have a strong social impact.
From this less than favourable position, BAT progressively
For example, BAT CEMAC has bought an ambulance for a
regained the market share J. Bastos had lost, thanks to
hospital and provided security services with computers.
unprecedented quality standards. BAT Cameroon is now the leader of Cameroon’s market with 70% of the shares.
The ultimate objective of BAT CEMAC is to find a perfect balance between commercial results that conform with its
As part of the expansion strategy, BAT Cameroon is progres-
financial ambitions, and actions of social investment that
sively evolving to become BAT CEMAC, aiming to become
conform with its reputation as a citizen-orientated company.
the leader in the economic market.
It also wishes to be considered a responsible company.
The CEMAC market is considerable: more than 5 billion ciga-
143
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE COMPLEXE CHIMIQUE CAMEROUNAIS
unbleached woven fabric from Garoua to transform it into taints or painted cloth. A third site, in Douala, produces
Mohamadou Bayero Fadil
sponge weave based on the threads of cotton produced
Managing Director
by the factory in Garoua.
Tel: +237-337-2122 Fax: +237-337-1906
The commercial activity of the CICAM is being carried out through its subsidiary NEWCO, bought in 1990 by the
The Cameroon Chemical Complex (C.C.C.) was founded
CNF Group, then CICAM’s first client. The company
in 1944 in Obala, 100 km from Yaoundé. In 1948, the
decided to end all its activities in this sector. NEWCO,
company was transferred to Douala to be closer to the
better known under the commercial brand Laking Textiles,
sources. C.C.C. has an agro-industry image in Cemac
is based on all the territory through a network of whole-
region. The company mainly manufactures and distributes
salers and retail shops.
soap, detergents, glycerine and salt. For this purpose, C.C.C. possesses a modern industrial unit to meet the
CICAM group became an integrated group offering con-
expectations of the market. C.C.C.’s yearly average pro-
sumers a very wide range of textile products and distribu-
duction is 30,000 tons of soap and 42,000 tons of salt. It
ting them even in the most remote markets of the
produces 24 tons of detergent and 4 tons of glycerine
country.
every day.
GROUPE FADOUL COTONNIERE INDUSTRIELLE DU CAMEROUN
Wissam el-Aridi Representative in Cameroon
André Froissard
Tel: +237-342-5535
Managing Director
Fax: +237-342-4264
B.P. 7012 Yaoundé
Founded in 1966 by Michel Zouheir Fadoul, the Fadoul
Tel: +237-340-6215
group is widely represented across the African continent.
Fax: +237-340-7431
It has developed a network of international relations allo-
Email: cicam@camnet.cm
wing it to be a key actor in globalisation. The company’s activities cover all the different industrial and commercial
Established in 1965, Cotonniére Industrielle du Cameroun
sectors and have some interest in the construction
(CICAM) is the result of the cooperation between the
industry and in public works. The company also represents
State of Cameroon, the German Bank for Development
and distributes car equipment (vehicles, spare parts and
(DEG) and the French textile group DMC. It now has two
after sale service), equipment goods (industrial material,
activities: industrial and commercial.
household appliances, office equipment, phones and
The industrial activity of the CICAM is spread over three
computers), international press in several African coun-
sites. The first is in Garoua where two factories of spin-
tries, books and school equipment and food. Forest ope-
ning mil and weaving transform the cotton bought to
ration, wood transformation, civil engineering and cons-
SODECOTON into woven fabric, some of which is
truction (studies, conception, implementation, building
exported to Europe. A second site in Douala receives the
roads and dams, water adduction and metallurgy trans-
146
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE formation) are part of the group’s activities as well.
- promoting the Cameroonian economic zone.
Group Fadoul’s principal companies are Sidem, Mitcam,
GICAM incorporated new specialised services for its mem-
Sacam, PK STF and CWT.
bers:
GROUPEMENT INTERPATRONAL DU CAMEROUN
- the business centre in the HQ of GICAM - the centre of arbitration, which is the perfect tool for member companies
André Siaka
- the business advisory centre, which is a supporting
Chairman
branch for small and middle-sized companies in sectors
Tel: +237-342-3141 / 6499
such as management, norms and quality, and access to
Fax: +237-343-3880
financing.
Email: gicam@legicam.org Website: www.legicam.org
“Cameroon is a country with a genuine potential for investors seeking long-term sustainable growth.
On 12th June 1957 the founding fathers of Cameroon
It is crucial to be part of it now, to be here on time
created an organisation then called “Inter-professional
before the market opens to everyone.”
Gathering for the Study and the Coordination of
André Siaka, CEO of GICAM
Economic Interests”. It aimed at gathering and associating companies in the process of Cameroon’s independence. For more than a quarter of a century, the association
GUICHET UNIQUE DES OPERATIONS DU COMMERCE EXTERIEUR
retained this role and retained this name, but in November 1992 subscribers renamed the organisation
Isidore Biyiha
Groupement Interpatronal du Cameroun (GICAM) and
Managing Director
gave shape to a real union of employers in Cameroon.
B.P.12679 Douala
The organisation now has more than 200 members, 18 of
Tel: + 237-341-0243 / 0244
which are associations and professional unions. GICAM
Fax: + 237-343-6078
has become the main representative of the private sector
Email: gucecontact@guichetunique.org
in talks and partnership with the public sector, backers
Website: www.guichetunique.org
and partners to development. It is the spokesman of companies in Cameroon, independently of their size, country
Le Guichet Unique des Opérations du Commerce Extérieur
of citizenship or capital. Members of the GICAM are
(GUCE; the “Unique Counter for Operations of Foreign
active in all sectors of the economy from agriculture to
Commerce”) was created in July 1999 to simplify and
industry, merchants to services.
reduce the time it took for merchandise to pass through the autonomous port of Douala. It thus aimed to improve
The GICAM has three types of mission:
the economic development of the region as well as Cameroon’s. Private operators and Cameroonian authori-
- services to its members
ties initiated this project.
- representing and defending the companies
Located in the heart of the harbour of Douala, the
147
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE Guichet Unique des opérations du Commerce Extérieur
or companies). It counts among its clients the army (for
gathers in the same building all the different actors in pro-
uniforms and military equipment) and AES Sonel (for pro-
cedures dealing with imports and exports: banks, cus-
tection equipment).
toms, operations of change, Douala’s autonomous port, the national office of cocoa and coffee and a general
SEMIFEX expertise in specialised textiles allowed it to
company of surveillance.
become prominent in the mass promotion sector. The company succeeded in producing promotional objects for
The GUCE’s mission is to:
the presidential campaign of S.E. Paul Biya (2 millions tshirts and 1 million caps).
- guarantee the continuity of all commercial operations - minimise the risks and loss of time, gathering operators
SEMIFEX’s awareness was built on the ever-increasing
in foreign industry in the same place
quality of its products and services as well as the flexibility
- speed up the file process
and adaptability of its productive tool. That’s why
- optimise the advantages of the information and data
SEMIFEX International now has extended its activities
exchange
throughout the African continent and has several
- inform operators about what the procedures and their
European clients.
consequences are.
SIAC – BRASSERIE ISENBECK S.A. To accelerate the process of operations of international commerce, and to improve the competitiveness of the
M. Ronald Baummeyer
Port of Douala, the GUCE is developing a global digital
Managing Director
system for its operations. Computers and electronics will
B.P. 9372 / 12317
allow GUCE to deal with globalisation.
Douala Tel: +237-339-5000 / 2646
SEFIMEX INTERNATIONAL S.A.
Fax: +237-339-5001 / 2647 Email: contact@siac-sa.com
Hervé Eyeffa Managing Director
SIAC BRASSERIE ISENBECK S.A. is the most recent bre-
B.P. 1947
wing company to be established in Cameroon. The com-
Yaoundé
pany is a subsidiary of Warnsteiner, the world-renowned
Tel: +237-223-5507
and important German brewing company. Incorporated in
Fax: +237-222-3210
1999, SIAC BRASSERIE commenced operations in 2000 when the first bottle of Isenbeck Premium beer rolled off
After the success of its first commercial activities with
the bottling line at its brand new brewery in Douala. Only
Ateba Salome & fils in 1984, and to meet the specific
in 2003 did the company start to tackle the Cameroonian
expectations of its clients better, SEMIFEX International
market with a national campaign.
S.A. was created in 1997. This company imposed itself very quickly as an African company that manufactured
Today, SIAC BRASSERIE is about to have a big influence
uniforms, military equipment and individual protection
on the beer market in Cameroon with rapidly growing dis-
equipment (for the army, police and other administrations
tribution. The company, which is producing at full capa-
148
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE city in 2005, is developing its network of wholesalers in
mineral water (through SEMC) and mixed alcohols
order to make Isenbeck beer available throughout
(through CAVINEX).
Cameroon in 2006. In the meantime, the company is assembling a new bottling line which will expand its
A subsidiary of the Brassieres et Glacières International
current capacity considerably. The company will then be
(BGI) of the CASTEL Group, SABC works with renowned
able to meet the growing demand for a traditional pure
partners such as Coca-Cola, Heineken and Carlsberg pro-
beer.
ducing their beverages under licence agreements.
The main competitive advantage of Isenbeck premium
Cameroon’s breweries now have a workforce of almost
beer comes from its brewing process. The brewery is
2,000 people and a turnover exceeding CFA200 billion
firmly rooted in quality and tradition – the beer is brewed
(over 300 million) a year. With four factories (in Douala,
only with water, hops and malt, to meet the German
Yaoundé, Bafoussam and Garoua) and 28 distribution
purity law and brewing traditions.
centres, the company is represented in ten provinces. SABC is the unchallenged leader in its sector, with a
With its new bottling capacity of millions of hectolitres a
market share of over 70% in beers, and more than 80%
year, SIAC BRASSERIE will also be able to export to
in non-alcoholic beverages. Its annual beer production is
neighbouring countries such as Gabon and in Central
3 million hectolitres, and soda production is 1.5 million
Africa in the near future.
hectolitres.
“Adaptation is the key to succeed in the
Like the big companies, SABC, a citizen-orientated com-
Cameroonian economy”
pany, is part of a new “quality” trend going beyond its
Ronald Baummeyer, Managing Director, Siac
products. It has a social and ecological perspective that
Brasserie Isenbeck S.A.
includes strong support of programmes that fight HIV/AIDS, environmental protection and cultural and
SOCIETE ANONYME DES BRASSERIES DU CAMEROUN
sports development. SABC’s products include:
André Siaka
- beers – Castel beer, “33” Export, Mützig, Amstel,
Managing Director
Tuborg, Beaufort
B.P. 4036
- sodas – Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes, Top, Djino
Douala
- mixed alcohol – Whiskyblack, Gin Tonic
Tel: +237-342-9133
- mineral water – Tangui source.
Fax: +237-342-9896 The Société Anonyme des Brasseries du Cameroun (SABC; Cameroon’s breweries), founded in 1948, is nowadays one of the most important companies in the European economy. After specialising in the production and distribution of beer and soda, it later diversified its activity to produce glass bottles (through its subsidiary SOCAVER),
149
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: INDUSTRY & TRADE SOCIETE GRAND MOULIN DU CAMEROUN Bernard Lafontan Managing Director Zone Portuaire B.P. 3509 Douala Tel: +237-343-2376 / 2377 Fax: +237-342-1494 Email: blafontan@sgmc.jlv.com The Société Grand Moulin du Cameroun (SGCM) was created in 1989 by two shareholders (one private shareholder with 55% of the shares and SOMDIAA with 45% of the rest of the shares and already present in numerous African countries). SGMC is located in the harbour area of Douala, idyllically placed since it allows the stock silos to be refilled from the boat. SGMC is Cameroon’s most important flour mill, and crushes 300 tons of wheat daily (90,000 tons per year) and a stock capacity of 15,000 tons. In 2004 SGMC produced almost 70,000 tons of flour for the Cameroonian market. SGMC also provides Cameroon with a third of the country’s flour. In the future SGMC wants to confirm its position as the leading high-quality producer of flour in Cameroon. It will concentrate part of its production on various baking products. “Cameroon offers many investment opportunities in the agro-industrial sector in the short and middleterm”. Bernard Lafontan, General Manager of SGMC
152
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS
“A chattering bird builds no nest” Cameroonian proverb
153
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC WORKS INTRODUCTION
- improving promptness in the contract award procedure capacity building and training of various actors involved.
Cameroon has giant building projects (public and private) following its economic recovery after a period of severe eco-
This reform has been reinforced through:
nomic crisis, which slowed down infrastructural investments and growth. At the end of the crisis five years ago the basic
- the publication of decree number 2000/155 of 30th June
infrastructure that remained, which had been very badly
2000 modifying and completing certain provisions of decree
maintained, was all dilapidated.
number 95/101 of 9th June 1995 on the rules of public contracts, and decree number 2000/156 of 30th June 2000
With the present economic recovery, the rehabilitation and
modifying and completing certain provisions of decree
extension of basic infrastructure in the priority economic and
number 95/102 of 9th June 1995 on the attributions, orga-
social domains (health, education and others) and road
nisation and functioning of contract commissions
infrastructure are the main priority of government action
- the publication of guidelines for the application of the law
within the framework of economic and financial restructu-
relating to public contracts
ring of the country.
- the creation of the public contracts regulatory board - the organisation of various workshops on the programming
In practice, infrastructures affect costs of transaction and
of contracts
production, hence it is considered to be a priority, just like
- the organisation of various training sessions on the use of
education and health.
evaluation criteria of tenders and the qualification criteria of tenderers
The limited capacity of local enterprises whose know-how
- the appointment of alternatives to the presidents of public
has been inactive for a long time is an opportunity to create
contracts commission
a partnership and pave the way for an eventual transfer of
- the elaboration of a tenders’ guide and a decree relating to
technology.
public contracts tax system - institutionalising the presence of independent observers in
The reform of the public contract award system undertaken
public contracts commissions and the recruitment of inde-
by the government has contributed to improving transpa-
pendent auditors to audit contracts already executed
rency and reducing corruption through systematic controls in
the setting up of physical archives system at ARMP and its
the domain.
computerisation
Legislative and Statutory Framework Generally, the reform of the public contract award system is
- the harmonisation of methods and working documents of independent observers.
ROADS
aimed at improving management of public spending and has as objectives:
Government Strategy The government, with the support of its partners, has since
- reduction of corruption through control mechanisms
1996 implemented the transport sectorial programme (PST),
- regulation of the contract award system through the Public
which constitutes the reference framework of necessary
Contracts Regulatory Board (ARMP)
investments for slowing down the deterioration of infrastruc-
- increasing responsibility of the contracting authority
tures and proceeding to rehabilitate them. This programme
154
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC WORKS has among other things led to the setting up of the 1989
of road in the next 15 years, increasing the amount of tarred
Road Fund. This mechanism, which aims at paying private
roads by 75%.
enterprises within a very short period, has brought about better programming of road maintenance as well as a rebirth
Operators and Work Sites
and restructuring of a public works private sector that had
With more than 200 operators who tender for road construc-
been in ruins.
tion works, the market is dominated by big and renowned foreign companies such as SATOM, BOUGUES and RAZEL.
The transport strategy comprises the rehabilitation and main-
Small and medium-sized enterprises lack the required expe-
tenance strategy of rural roads based on two principles of
rience. They have management difficulties and are usually
community participation and decentralisation of responsibili-
unable to recruit qualified personnel because they cannot
ties in favour of the councils.
pay them.
With the support of international aid donors – World Bank,
In 2004 there were 14 giant projects launched costing a total
African Development Bank, Arab-Badea Bank, European
of CFA200 billion. They comprise:
Union, French Development Agency, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Japan and so on – the government can
- construction of the Ayos Bonis road to disenclave the East
carry out a public investment policy resulting in the setting up
Province and regional integration through trade with CTchad
of significant infrastructural projects. The minister in charge
and the Central African Republic; CFA40 billion has been
of public works has a programme to tar more than 3,000 km
mobilised to this effect
Enjoy the ride and the scenery
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC WORKS - construction of the Ambam–Eking road situated on the
cost is estimated at CFA13 billion and it is being financed by
national road no. 2, which has been transformed for several
the French Development Agency
years now through the tarring of the Nsimalen–Mbalmayo
- the tarring of roads in Yaoundé and Douala where work is
and Ebolowa Nkoemvon stretch; the Ambam–Eking road will
currently going on as well as in other cities of less than
enable Cameroon to have an exit road to Gabon and
100,000 inhabitants at the cost of about CFA20 billion.
Equatorial Guinea thanks to the construction of two bridges over the Ntem river
In 2004 road maintenance works covered a total 26,785 km
- the Ngaoundere–Touboro–Moundou road which has been
at the cost of CFA23 billion. They are financed by the road
slightly delayed due to insecurity; the financing is ensured by
fund and executed by Cameroonian small and medium-sized
the European Union
enterprises.
- the Melong–Dschang road which was launched on 16th April 2004; this project is being financed by the African
Other rehabilitation works and opening of rural roads are
Development Bank and the Cameroon government at the
being carried out using the programme’s funds.
cost of about CFA27 billion - the rehabilitation of the bridge over the Wouri river; the
Building being constructed in Yaoundé
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING AND REAL ESTATE
MAETUR is a public establishment with a public and industrial nature, created in 1977 to develop land with a view to promote real estate development.
The government policy in the sector is to promote building and real estate so as to reduce substantially the cost of construction
The Cameroon Land Loan Corporation is a financial establis-
in Cameroon. Specific emphasis is laid on:
hment specialised in real estate. It gives loans to companies
- improving efficiency of the transformation sector of raw mate-
that wish to acquire private or commercial real estate, with
rials, manufacture and importation of cement
various access conditions attached.
- the increased professionalism of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the construction domain
Today the private real estate sector is mostly informal with a
- the launching of giant national housing construction pro-
very low number of real estate agencies.
grammes so as to improve the living conditions of the people and cause building and public works to contribute to the
There is no foreign subsidiary company in the building sector.
growth of the GDP - an increased valorisation of the work force potential that exists in the building and public works sector
MAIN COMPANIES
- the promotion of new forms of financing of infrastructures. Progressively, with the liberalisation of the real estate market,
MISSION D’AMENAGEMENT DES TERRAINS URBAINS ET RURAUX
the improvement of housing conditions is carried out thanks to the launching of public and private projects.
André Mama Fouda Managing Director
Government projects in real estate deal mostly with the exten-
Quartier Hippodrome
sion of some ministries, notably the building of the court of jus-
716 Avenue Winston Churchill
tice, schools (an education project and a Japanese project) and
B.P. 1248
the construction and rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, courts
Yaoundé
of justice and so on.
Tel: +237-222-3113 / 2102 Fax: +237-223-3190
Private projects in the domain are also under way, such as
Email: maetur2@camnet.cm / maetur@gcnet.cm
hotels, villas, private living homes. The Mission d’Aménagement des Terrains Urbains et Ruraux Seriously affected by the economic crisis and a controversial
(MAETUR; Mission for the Planning of Urban and Rural
management, the Cameroon Real Estate Corporation (S.I.C.), a
Territories) is a public company with industrial and commer-
mixed economy company created in 1952 to enable
cial purposes that was established in 1977. MAETUR’s main
Cameroonians with a middle-class income to have access to
objective is to achieve operations of planning and equipment
moderate-cost lodging, is still having difficult in playing its
of areas, and to promote housing and real estate across the
assigned role. Given the high housing demand in the country
country.
(about 500,000), S.I.C has to meet this demand by searching
Its voluntary strategy of massive intervention, backed up by
for technical or financial partners in order to accomplish its mis-
the state, enabled it to improve conditions of living for hun-
sion in collaboration with MAETUR and the Land Loan Estate.
dreds of thousands of Cameroonians. It also contributed to
157
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC WORKS developing urban areas in a harmonious way in specific exten-
MAETUR is a founding member of the international associa-
sion zones such as the southwest of Yaoundé and north of
tion Réseau Habitat et Francophonie (Housing Network and
Douala. MAETUR is in charge of the planning of 100 hectares
Francophone) that groups professionals from the housing
per year. Douala and Yaoundé have been the main beneficia-
industry of 20 countries.
ries of the MAETUR since its creation. Nowadays, other cities are also benefiting: Kribi, Soa, Garoua, Maroua, Bafoussam,
“MAETUR is the perfect partner for anyone who is seeking
Limbe and Buea.
land that can be developed” André Mama Fouda, General Manager of MAETUR
MAETUR has three operational cells: the bureau of studies, the bureau of control and the land operator. The company’s expertise exists in various fields such as architecture, civil engineering, accountancy and land. The personnel is given strong logistical, technical and IT support, in order to help structure the best solution to their clients’ and partners’ needs.
The Cameroonian road network is one of the pillars of the Cameroonian economy
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC WORKS SHO-CAMEROUN TRACTAFRIC
for the company work at the service of Cameroonians in order to bring them social housing corresponding to their
Zone Industrielle de Bassa
financial means.
B.P. 4017 Douala
Today S.I.C. faces a housing shortage as a result of the strong
Tel: +237-337-9083
demographic growth of the large cities. A great programme
Fax: +237-337-3187
of housing was thus launched to try to face this pheno-
Email: info@sho-cameroun.cm
menon and to fight the poverty that could result from this.
Website: www.sho-cameroun.cm
Private investors also have to take part in this great project.
SHO-Cameroun is a subsidiary of TRACTAFRIC S.N.C. (Caterpillar representative). The company has been present in French-speaking Africa since 1935, when it became the commercial office of the “equipment goods” sector of the Société Industrielle et Agricole du Haut Ogoué (SHO; Industrial and Agricultural Company of the Haut Ogoué).
SOCIETE IMMOBILIERE DU CAMEROUN Gilles Roger Belinga Managing Director B.P. 387 Yaoundé Tel: +237-223-0159 / 2490 Fax: +237-222-5119 The Société Immobilière du Cameroun (S.I.C.; Real Estate Company of Cameroon) is one of the principal structures of promotion of the social habitat by the construction of housing. S.I.C. has undergone many changes since its creation in 1952, in particular the reform of 1978, which made it become a mixed investment company (capital held by the Cameroonian state and by private shareholders). It is today the tool of the government policy as regards housing in Cameroon and is always referred to when a housing crisis needs to be solved. Since it was created the S.I.C. has built more than 13,000 houses, mainly in Douala and Yaoundé but also in seven other cities of the country. The 300 collaborators who work
161
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: PUBLIC WORKS
162
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TOURISM
TOURISM
“Even if thin, the elephant remains the king of the forest” Cameroonian proverb
163
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TOURISM INTRODUCTION
SAFARI
Cameroon is a harmonious mixture of dense forest,
It is possible to go on safari in the national parks in the
savannah and vast plains that stretch into the Atlantic
northern part of the country.
Ocean. It is dominated by a chain of mountains with peaks of 4,095 metres. Given its strategic geographical position on the African continent, Cameroon has considerable tourist
MOUNTAINERING
resources that make it “Africa in miniature”. Mountaineering is possible in the mountains of the west According to travelling and tourist professionals, diversity
(Mount Cameroon is 4,070 m high) and the far north
constitutes the dominant characteristic of Cameroon’s tou-
(Mount Mandara).
rism. There are enough hotels and other places of accommodation to satisfy the needs of visitors. There are even
The Mount Cameroon race attracts many people. At a leisu-
hotel establishments of international class, some of which
rely pace, visitors need three days to reach the summit, with
are managed by world-reputed chains of hotels.
the possibility of stopping at various huts on the way.
Travel agencies are playing an appreciable role in encoura-
HUNTING
ging tourism.
SEASIDE TOURISM
There are 47 hunting zones, many of which are in the northern part of the country where one can find a very rare specie of fauna.
The coastal region of Cameroon is ideal for seaside tourism. There are beautiful beaches with coconut trees along the
Waza is a popular place as it has the richest park in the
coast. Londji Beach near Kribi is an ideal holiday area, with
country and possibly the most spectacular in Francophone
the splendour and charm of the equatorial forest, pygmy
Africa. There are almost all species of African fauna there:
country side, the Lobe Falls (which empty directly into the
lions, giraffes, elephants, wild geese and so on. There are
sea) and the huge ocean being important tourist attractions.
other parks in the northern part of the country whose fauna
The city Limbe is 80 km from Douala. It has a British-style
population complements that of Waza, such as the national
landscape and beautiful beaches with black sand and vol-
parks of Kalama, Loue, Boubandjidah, Benoue and Faro.
canic soil (it is near Mount Cameroon).
CULTURAL TOURISM
ECO TOURISM
Cameroon has an extraordinary cultural diversity (more than
There are 14 national parks and natural reserves, two of
200 ethnic groups). This culture is expressed in the manner
which are classified as “patrimony of humanity” and found
of living, tradition, folklore and customs of the people. From
in the equatorial forest. The Korup National Park is 3 million
north to south, there are traditional house styles for each
years old, and together with the Dja constitutes a great tou-
ethic group. Tourists will be attracted by these various tradi-
rist attraction. The Dja reserve in the east of the country con-
tional houses.
tains elephants, pangolins, chimpanzees, gorillas and buffalos.
164
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TOURISM AGROTOURISM
DJEUGA PALACE HOTEL
There is agro tourism in the tea, cocoa, coffee and rubber
Serge Claus
plantations.
Managing Director P.O. Box 2659
MAIN COMPANIES
Yaoundé Tel: +237-222-4646 Fax: +237-222-4700
AKWA PALACE HOTEL
Email: djeugapalace@camnet.cm Website: www.djeuga-palace.com
Guy Laman Duflos Managing Director
The four-star Djeuga Palace Hotel opened in June 2004. It
920 Boulevard de la Liberté
is halfway between the ministries and the commercial
BP 4007
area in the centre of Yaoundé.
Douala Tel: +237-342-2601
With 156 rooms and suites (with air-conditioning), this
Fax: +237-342-7416
hotel is a compound with two restaurants, two bars, a
Email: contact@hotel-akwa-palace.com
swimming-pool, a nightclub, a casino and a business centre. Its three conference rooms can accommodate 400
Located in the heart of Douala, the Akwa Palace Hotel com-
people. Every room is connected to the internet via a wi-
bines the charm of the colonial tradition with modern com-
fi system, enabling clients to have access to the data of
forts. The hotel is close to the vibrant cultural and tourist cen-
the business centre from their room. A brand new totally
tres and is situated in the middle business district of Douala,
equipped fitness room is yet another component of the
the economic capital of Cameroon.
services that the Djeuga Palace Hotel has to offer.
The Akwa Palace is made of two buildings: the “Akwa 1”, a
HILTON YAOUNDÉ
three-star hotel, and the “Akwa 2”, a four-star hotel. The Akwa has or organises:
Roland Muntzer
a fitness centre (the Energy Club)
General Manager
a day spa (fitness clinic)
Boulevard du 20 Mai
a semi Olympic swimming pool
B.P. 11852
a tennis club
Yaoundé
Tiko’s Golf
Tel: +237-23-3646
tours in the western part of Cameroon
Fax: +237-22-3210
day tours in Douala jaunts to Kribi’s seaside resort.
Email: reservations.Yaoundé@hilton.com Website: www.hilton.com Established in 1990, Hilton Yaoundé was the first major international chain hotel to open in the capital. Ideally located in the heart of Yaoundé, next to the prime minister’s office, the
166
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TOURISM Hilton Hotel has more than 255 spacious and comfortable
health centre, a sauna and Turkish bath, an outdoor swimming
rooms. All rooms are fully equipped with individual tempera-
pool as well as squash and tennis courts.
ture control, direct dial telephones, mini-bar, satellite and TV.
It also offers its guests a selection of attractive venues where
Room service and dry cleaning service are also available.
they can dine and relax. These include Chez Pierre restaurant, le Safoutier and O Vive. One special feature of the hotel is the
Hilton Yaoundé has 15 function rooms for conferences which
Panoramic bar from which guests can get a fine view of
can accommodate up to 900 participants.
Yaoundé.
Hilton Yaoundé is endowed with a fully equipped fitness and Typical landscape of West Cameroon
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TOURISM HOTEL MONT FEBE
swimming pool facing the golf course. In the evening, the Bar Abbia, the casino and the Balafon nightclub will welcome
Louis Majore Timba
you with pleasure.
Managing Director B.P. 711
Business and conference facilities that meet very exacting
Yaoundé
standards are available. Four varied rooms accommodating
Tel: +237-221-4002 / 4099
from 20 to 500 people are suitably equipped to provide an
Fax: +237-221-6070
ideal setting for seminars, conferences and receptions.
Website: www.hotelmontfebe.com The Mont Fébé Hotel is situated at an altitude of 950 meters and overlooks Yaoundé. The Mont Febe Hotel has 11 storeys, with 218 comfortable and modern rooms with an exceptional view of the golf course or the mountain. Each room is fully equipped with individual temperature control, direct dial telephones, satellite and TV. A business centre, a laundry service and some shops are also available within the hotel. For leisure activities at Mont Febe Hotel there are two tennis courts, an adjoining 18-hole golf course and a large outdoor
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TOURISM MERCURE YAOUNDÉ CENTRE Jacques Miche General Manager Avenue El Hadj Ahmadou Ahidjo B.P. 14304 Yaoundé Tel: +237-222-2131 Fax: +237-222-2161 Email: H3268@accor-hotels.com Mercure Yaoundé opened in 2000 and today has 95 rooms in the deep city centre of Yaoundé. Located near all the banks, cinemas, shops and restaurants, the Mercure Yaoundé will perfectly suit businessmen passing through Yaoundé for a short stay. The hotel is planning to refurbish all its rooms within the next two years and should offer more services to its clients, such as internet access from each room.
The King of the forest
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION
“Water always finds a way out” Cameroonian proverb
171
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION INTRODUCTION
the different means of transport complement each other and contribute significantly to economic growth and
The economic crisis that hit Cameroon in the 1990s seriously affected the transport and telecommunications
regional integration.
industries. To solve the crises in this sector the government
Road
undertook reforms (not yet completed) in both areas.
Cameroon has about 50,000 km of roads of which 4,300 km are tarred, 17,000 km are classified earth roads and
The transport sector, despite its relative diversity, is suffering
28,000 km are rural roads. The government concentrates
from a serious lack of road (urban, inter-urban and rural)
on maintaining priority road networks defined in terms of
and railway infrastructures. CAMAIR, the lone national air
economic profitability and rural development. Currently
transport company, is on the verge of collapsing. The trans-
there are around 300,000 vehicles in Cameroon, a figure
port sector generates an estimated 15% of the GDP. For
that increases at an average rate of 6% annually. More than
close to five years, it has been contributing more than 50%
90% of vehicles bought are second-hand vehicles, 70% are
to the GDP growth, making it a force to reckon with in the
more than ten years old and there are that are even more
country’s economy.
than 30 years old.
The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 1998
Annually, there are about 5,000 accidents that occur on the
brought in two private operators (Orange and MTN) besides
road network killing 1,500 and injuring 6,000 people. Two-
the existing fixed phone operator CAMTEL.
thirds of these accidents are the result of human error (inattention, excessive speed, overloading and so on); 12%
The privatisation process of CAMAIR and CAMTEL carried
caused by the state of the vehicle; and 6% caused by the
out by the government within the framework of economic
state of the road.
and financial recovery has failed. In 2005, the government intends to accelerate the process so as to disengage itself
The Ministry of Transport is currently finding ways to try to
from these two companies.
reduce road accidents, such as using radars to control speed and conducting alcohol tests.
TRANSPORT
The functional means of urban transport are in order of importance: taxis, motorcycle taxis, buses and mini buses.
In Cameroon there are various means of transport – road,
Generally, the cities of Cameroon are poorly linked because
rail, sea, air – but the contribution of each of them is not the
of the bad state of the roads. The inter-urban transport of
same.
goods and persons is carried out by private operators. There are about 30 official transport companies. The inter-state
Within the country, goods and persons are generally trans-
road transport within CEMAC is free and the development
ported by road and rail; outside the country, air is used for
of an integrated system of sub-regional transport is a prio-
transporting people and sea for transporting goods.
rity for CEMAC countries.
However, most external trade with neighbouring countries (Chad and Central African Republic) travels through
It is planned that by 2010 the six capital cities of CEMAC
Cameroon by rail and road, and through the port of Douala.
countries must be linked by road, rail and sea, extending to
Thus it is important for infrastructures to be developed, as
Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
172
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION Rail
territory. The Douala International Airport opened in 1981
Cameroon has a rail network of about 1,200 km, which is
and can receive planes as large as the B747. It has a runway
the principal means of communication between the south
of 2,850 ? 45 metres and can handle 1.5 million passengers
and the north of the country. The operator CAMRAIL,
and 5,000 tons of freight annually.
whose main shareholders are Boloré (France) and COMAZAR (South Africa), has been managing this sector since 1999 and will continue to do so for 20 years.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The traffic is mostly made up of wood, petroleum products,
The telecommunication sector is being animated by three
aluminium, containers, building materials, fertilisers and
giant
insecticides, cotton, flour and cereals. About 1.5 million
Telecommunication (CAMTEL), which ensures the manage-
persons were transported by rail in 2004.
ment of the fixed telephone network, and the two private
operators:
the
public
company
Cameroon
mobile phone operators, Orange and MTN. Plans are under way to rehabilitate infrastructures of this sector, which have been seriously dilapidated.
Sea Cameroon has a coastline of about 400 km and has three
After four years of operation, the mobile phone operators are now far ahead of their fixed phone competitor, handicapped by the long period of non-investment and unable to satisfy the demands of their customers.
autonomous ports – Douala, Kribi and Limbe. The port of Douala takes about 90% of the traffic and is considered to
The development of the internet is continuing but the
be the main seaport of Central Africa, linking up land-
access cost is still high. The VSAT (Very Small Aperture
locked neighbouring counties such as Chad, the Central
Terminal) solution is gaining ground among companies and
African Republic and Northern Congo.
institutions.
Following the serious economic crisis that hit the port of
Fixed Line
Douala, reforms carried out by the government went on to
The Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) was born
improve its competitiveness with the increased participation
following the merger in 1998 between Intelcam (Cameroon
of the private sector in the management and use of the
International Telecommunication Company), which has as
sector.
mission the management and development of international telecommunications installations, and the Department of
The main industrial and commercial activities of the port
Telecommunications of the Ministry of Posts and
were privatised in 2003–04 to SAGA, SDV, SOCOPAO and
Telecommunication, which had the direct responsibility of
so on.
the national network.
Air
Camtel has 42 telephone stations (15 of which are comple-
The country has seven airports. Three are international:
tely digital) and a capacity of just 160,000 lines, including a
Douala, Yaoundé and Garoua. The management of these
capacity of 10,940 rural lines. International communication
airports is ensured by Aéroport du Cameroun. There are
is ensured thanks to two satellite telecommunication sta-
also public and private aerodromes all over the national
tions in Douala and Yaoundé.
173
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION MAIN COMPANIES
Just one year after its creation, CAMTEL was privatised and consequently all its investments had to be stopped. The privatisation process has dragged on for a long time and the
AEROPORTS DU CAMEROUN
company’s equipment needs upgrading. Denis Lanfroy With the support of the World Bank, the government in
Managing Director
January 2004 launched an invitation to express interest in
B.P. 13615
the recruitment of a consultant whose main mission would
Yaoundé
be to define a new privatisation strategy and advise the
Tel: +237-223-4521
government in this process. The intention was withdrawn in
Fax: +237-223-4520
February 2005 by the Minister of the Economy and Finance.
Mail: adc@iccnet.cm
It was a matter of Cameroon respecting one of the conditions imposed by the IMF in order to reach the completion
At the beginning of the 1990s, the Cameroonian govern-
point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.
ment decided to withdraw itself from the management of
Mobile Telephones
the airports across the territory. The management of the platforms has been conceded to the group Aéroport du
The two mobile telephone networks have witnessed a
Cameroun (ADC), a limited company with a capital of
remarkable development mainly because of the poor func-
CFA177 million. According to the terms and conditions of
tioning of the fixed network. The number of subscribers
this convention, ADC is committed to provide users (airline
was estimated to be 1.4 million in the first quarter of 2004.
companies, operating and owners of aircraft, shippers of
The market is characterised by a high domination of prepaid
freight, and providers of activity) with the best quality of
subscriptions (95% of subscribers) and is being shared out
service.
almost equally between the two operators. A limited company created on 13th December 1993 with a The main cities of the country are connected, but significant
capital of CFA177 million; ADC started its activities on 1st
investments still need to be made in order to cover the
October 1994.
entire national territory. ADC ensures the management of the seven most important International aid donors as well as some local banks have
airport platforms in Cameroon: the international airports of
opted to support the two operators to finance the extension
Douala, Yaoundé-Nsimalen and Garoua, and the airports of
of their respective networks.
Maroua Salak, Ngoundéré, Bertoua and Bamenda.
The CAMTEL privatisation project envisages a third mobile
Between 1st October 1994 and 31st December 1999, the
phone licence. Given the significant investments to be made
management of the company was assured under technical
in order to meet the standards of the first two operators,
aid of ADP (Airport of Paris). From 1st January 2000 to 31st
some observers believe that the coming of a third operator
December 2001, it was assured under the technical aid of
will have little influence on the market if it does not have
Asecna. Since 1st January 2002, Cameroonian executives
the required financial capacity to deploy its network rapidly.
have the management of ADC. The main priorities of the ADP are:
*Previous page photo: CAMTEL head quarters in Yaoundé
176
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION - to provide services to users
The Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications (ART;
- to manage and operate the airport structures
Telecommunications Regulatory Board) was created in 1998
- to maintain and rehabilitate the network
to regulate, control and follow the activities of the owners
- to provide aerial navigation and meteorology
and operators of the telecommunications sector. ART
- to assist airline companies on the ground.
became operational in 1999 and today has three regional offices (in Yaoundé, Douala and Garoua), which provide it
AGENCE DE REGULATION DES TELECOMMUNICATIONS
with a national presence. This public administrative organisation ensures that legisla-
Jean Louis Beh Mengue
tive and regulatory texts relating to telecommunications are
General Manager
adhered to. ART really acts as a referee between the various
B.P. 6132
operators and owners in order to guarantee a healthy and
Yaoundé
fair competition in the sector.
Tel: +237-223-0380 Fax: +237-223-0495
The management of the conflicts, the giving of directions on the officially approved equipment, the establishment of classification plans and consumer protection are also the
Shipping is a major contributing sector to the national economy
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION responsibility
of
the
Agency
of
Regulation
of
AUTORITE PORTUAIRE NATIONALE
Telecommunications. Jean-Marcel Dayas Mounoume Thanks to its autonomy, ART has proved to be very flexible
Managing Director
to the constant changes in the telecommunications sector,
1076 Nouvelle Route Bastos
which has enabled it to take good care of investors’ inte-
B.P. 11538
rests and the rights of the consumers.
Yaoundé Tel: +237-221-0637 Fax: +237-221-0639 Email: apn@camnet.cm
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION The AutoritĂŠ Portuaire Nationale (APN; National Harbour
of the development cover include the elaboration of the
Authority), which was created at the end of 1998, is an
executive plans of installation, in collaboration with the
administrative publicly owned establishment with a legal
autonomous harbour authorities.
personality and financial autonomy. The APN ensures the implementation of the national harbour policy as laid down
As far as regulation and standardisation are concerned, the
by the state. It is given prerogatives of public power.
APN is in charge of developing safety requirements and
According to the texts defining it, the APN is entrusted with
ensuring there is a police force in the harbour. It is also res-
several missions that may be distinguished as missions of
ponsible for establishing standards for the operation of the
planning, regulation and standardisation of the harbour
harbour, the definition of the framework, the modes of
activities, as well as missions of follow-up and control of the
transfer and the conditions of exercise of the harbour acti-
exercise of the harbour activities. The missions of planning
vities. The APN is in charge of enforcing the safety require-
Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in YaoundĂŠ
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION ments for the follow-up and control of the harbour activity
Cameroon Postal Services (CAMPOST) was founded on
and the harbour police force, making sure that the legisla-
23rd April 2004. This public capital company’s sole share-
tion and the environmental protection regulation is main-
holder is the state.
tained and monitoring the performance of the harbour.
CAMPOST’s objective, in the current legislation and set of rules, is to ensure the missions of public postal service given
CAMEROON CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY
by the state. Another part of CAMPOST’s scope is to establish and run the networks and postal services as well as provide financial postal services.
Ignatius Sama Juma Managing Director
The network includes more than 300 postal offices spread
B.P. 6998
around the country, including in the most remote areas.
Yaoundé
Cameroon’s
Tel: +237-230-6626
seconded in its mission by four regional directions.
political
capital-based
headquarters
is
Fax: +237-230-3362 Products offered by CAMPOST are numerous and diverse, The Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) was created
ranging from simple mailboxes to express sending services
on December 1998 and is a public administrative office
or financial products such as electronic mandate or postal
under the supervision of the Transport Ministry.
cheques.
The state entrusted the regulation and supervision of all of Cameroon’s civil aeronautical activities to this public organi-
CAMRAIL
sation. Its objective is, among others, the management and negotiations of aero agreements for the government.
Patrick Claes
Security on aerial platforms, maintenance supervision of air-
Managing Director
crafts flying over Cameroon, as well as the rehabilitation
Gare Centrale de Douala-Bessengue
and construction of airports are all CCAA’s responsibility.
B.P. 766 Douala
The CCAA started its activities as an autonomous entity in
Tel: +237-340-6045 / 7159 / 6119
2000. It is committed to the elaboration of laws creating a
Fax: +237-340-8252
civil aviation in Cameroon. One of the main challenges of the current management is to make Cameroon a safe des-
Until April 1999, the operation of the railroads was under
tination for airline companies.
the supervision of the National Control of the Railroads of Cameroon (REGIFERCAM), an industrial and commercial
CAMEROON POSTAL SERVICES
publicly owned organisation. In spite of the efforts of rectification that were carried out at the end of the 1980s the
Maurice Bayemi
railroad company remained financially overdrawn.
Managing Director Boulevard du 20 Mai
The deterioration of the quality of the service made it
Tel: +237-222-3613
impossible to ensure the carriage of goods in decent condi-
Fax: +237-223-5003
tions and in a reasonable amount of time. This led the Cameroonian government to decide to privatise the rail-
180
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION roads in 1994. This was undertaken according to a formula
ICCNET GROUP
of setting in concession to the profit of a company of Cameroonian private law. The main shareholder is consti-
Clovis Tchokonté, Chief Executive Officer
tuted from the group of BOLLORE-SAGA-SDV and
Immeuble ICCNET Boulevard
COMAZAR, which was designated at the end of one call for
Omnisports, route de Ngousso
international tender. This group was created on 25th June
B.P. 4124
1998 – a limited company under the denomination of
Yaoundé
CAMRAIL.
Tel: + 237-221-2611 / 2723 Fax: + 237-221-2817
The concession allows the carriage of goods and travellers.
Email: info@iccnetgroupe.com / iccnet@iccnet.cm
Its duration is fixed at 20 years, renewable every five years.
Website: www.iccnetgroupe.com
The state remains owner of the railway infrastructures and makes them available to the dealers. This latter will need to
Established in 1997 by its visionary CEO, Clovis Tchonkoté,
ensure its maintenance and renewal. The objective of the
ICCNET (the International Computer Centre Network) is
concession is to ensure the recovery of the railway opera-
Cameroon’s internet main provider. Pioneer in internet ser-
tion in order to satisfy the needs of the customers and to
vices, ICCNET managed to face the rapid growth of new
answer a request stirred by an economic revival. This rectifi-
technologies to position itself as the leader of the market in
cation will involve the implementation of a heavy inves-
Cameroon with almost 35% of the market share. To keep
tment plan to adjust the infrastructures and any travelling
on adapting to this ever-evolving market and to better serve
material.
its rapidly increasing clients, ICCNET specialised in three activities. The three companies heading each activity are
DHL INTERNATIONAL CAMEROON SARL
complementary and totally independent.
Yann Fourdrigniez
ICCNET S.A. handles all that deal with internet connections:
Managing Director
dial-up connections (through the telecommunication net-
244 Boulevard de la Liberté
work), radio waves access (wireless and wi-fi) and access
BP 3582
through VSAT stations.
Tel: +237-342-3636 Fax: +237-342-8626
ICCSOFT S.A. offers internet solutions to web applications.
Email: fourdrigniez@dhl.com
This entity is specialised in developing software and applica-
Website: www.dhl.com
tions on demand. ICCSOFT also offers customised web solutions (conception, development, hosting, listing of websites
With annual revenues of nearly 22 billion in 2003, DHL is
and implementation of corporate mail).
the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, offering innovative and customised solu-
RESYTAL S.A. is focused on networks and telecommunica-
tions from a single source. DHL is today maintaining offices
tions. All the solutions and network architecture (wireless,
in more than 220 countries around the world and Africa is
wi-fi and cable networks) are being build under the super-
one of its growing markets.
vision of REYSTAL. ICCNET’s installations so far are only in Douala and
181
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION Yaoundé since they are the only two cities with internet
ORANGE CAMEROUN S.A.
connections. However, the group’s short-term objective is to widen its activities to the rest of Cameroon in order to
Jean-Paul Gandet
show its commitment as a citizen-orientated company and
Managing Director
to offer these new tools throughout Cameroon.
Rue Franqueville B.P. 1864
MTN CAMEROON
Douala Tel: +237-342-7537
Ron Allard
Fax: +237-342-7430
Managing Director
Website: www.orange.cm
Tel: +237-343-8070 Fax: +237-223-3481
Orange has become essential in the world of the mobile phones with a strong and innovative brand. It is the second
MTN CAMEROON is a telecommunications company cre-
European mobile phone operator, first in France and first in
ated on 15th February 2000, following the acquisition of
the United Kingdom. Orange is present in 22 countries
the country’s second mobile phone licence by the South
throughout the world and registers more than 41 million
African Group M-Cell/MTN, as a result of the privatisation
customers. On 4th June 2002, Cameroon joined the Orange
of CAMTEL Mobile.
group.
MTN Cameroon’s goal is to be the country’s preferred
PORT AUTONOME DE DOUALA
mobile telecommunications company. As a partner for sustainable development, its mission is to offer simple, affor-
Emmanuel Etoundi Oyono
dable and accessible communications services, thus impro-
Managing Director
ving the lives of Cameroonians.
PAD B.P. 4020
MTN Cameroon has already invested more than a CFA110
Douala
billion francs in the development of a first-class network.
Tel: + 237-342-4630
That high-quality network, which comprises over 130 sites,
Fax: + 237-342-6797
now covers the ten provinces of Cameroon. MTN had fewer than 5,000 subscribers at the launch of its
The Port Autonome de Douala (PAD; Port Authority of
commercial activities in September 2000. The company pro-
Douala) is the principal port of Cameroon handling 95% of
vides an array of mobile phone and information transmis-
the whole sea traffic (about 6 tons). Its strategic position in
sion services, the most prominent and encompassing pre-
the Gulf of Guinea, at the junction of the sea routes bet-
paid and post-paid options. MTN Cameroon has more than
ween western and southern Africa, combined with the
300 direct employees and a guiding philosophy based on
increasing capacity of its installations, convert the PAD to an
the following brand values: innovation, can-do spirit, simpli-
ideal harbour platform. Not only will the harbour benefit
city, integrity, friendliness and teamwork.
the development of exchange in Central Africa but for the entire continent. The Port Authority of Douala is spread out over nearly 10 km in the heart of Cameroon’s economic capital. Its insta-
182
MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY: TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION llations are varied to meet all types of vessels and needs: fis-
well as works of aluminothermic welding (operated through
hing cargos, wood transport, containers or fruit-bearing
its subsidiary CSI).
vessels, cereal-bearing vessels, docks for mineral transport or even naval repair. The PAD implemented a complete pro-
With its headquarters in Douala, Sitrafer has nearly 450
gramme of modernisation to face the ever more specific
employees including 260 of whom are permanent. Today
requirements of ship owners, and to improve the effective-
Sitrafer is Camrail’s first partner in Cameroon. Sitrafer is
ness and competitiveness of its installations, including:
carrying out several projects of renewal and rehabilitation of tracks in Cameroon.
- widening surfaces of storages - modernising the container terminal
Cameroon’s International Company of Railway Works has
- deepening and marking out nautical access
partnerships with Sitrafer Tunisia and T.S.O. regarding tech-
- constraining the machines of the more powerful ships
nical support.
- creating fast procedures for treatment of cargo. Situated astride some of the world’s most important cruise
SOCIETE CAMEROUNAISE DE TRANSPORT URBAIN – SOCATUR
and container shipping lines, the Port of Douala is of vital economic importance to Cameroon and its neighbouring
Managing Director
countries. Taking advantage of its unparalleled location at
B.P. 1347
the gateway to West Africa, the Port of Douala not only
Douala
serves parts of the coastal countries around it, but also has
Tel: +237-340-1297
been modernising the port of the landlocked countries of
Fax: +237-340-1299
Central Africa in an ambitious way since December 1998. Major investments have already been made in dredging,
Société Camerounaise de Transport Urbain (SOCATUR) is a
navigation aids, cranes and quay improvement.
limited company with a capital of CFA217 million (21,000 shares of CFA10,000 each). Socatur was created in March
SITRAFER S.A.
2001 and began its activities in November 2001.
Jacques Bimai
Socatur’s main mission is to provide public transport for bus
Managing Director
travellers in Douala
B.P. 2458 Douala Tel: +237-342-1800 Fax: +237-342-1800 The International Company of Railway Works (SITRAFER) has a capital of CFA100 million ( euros 152,000) and was created in December 2001. It is in charge of the maintenance of Cameroon’s railroad network. Track installation on very specific junctions is also a part of its responsibility as
183
LEISURE
LEISURE
“The path leads towards loved ones not thorns” Cameroonian proverb
185
LEISURE INTRODUCTION
Cameroon has the potential to become a privileged destination in Central Africa and Africa as a whole. The friendli-
Cameroon deserves its name as the “gold mine of Africa”. It
ness and hospitability of the local population adds much to
is a fascinating and diverse land, with a wide variety of tou-
its richness.
rist attractions, varied geography and many cultural and ethnic traditions. It caters for various forms of tourism – cultural tourism, ecotourism, safaris, synergetic tourism, seaside tourism… It is often said that Cameroon is the “spirit of
YAOUNDÉ AND THE CENTRE PROVINCE
Africa” or “Africa in miniature” and those familiar with Africa will recognise various countries in the Cameroonian
Yaoundé is the political and administrative capital of
landscapes through the ten provinces: green mountains and
Cameroon. It is often called the “city of the seven hills”.
safaris of Kenya, volcanoes of Rwanda, rainforests of Gabon,
With almost 1 million inhabitants, Yaoundé is smaller and
waterfalls of South Africa, sandy beaches of Mozambique,
less congested than Douala, the biggest city, and a pleasant
rocky and lunar landscape of Mali and Algerian Hoggar.
city to live in. At an altitude of about 1,000 metres, the climate is cooler than in Douala, varying slightly throughout
Cameroon is also home to a unique wildlife and vast areas of
the year, and the rainy season is not as heavy as in other
unspoiled nature, making it the richest country of Central
parts of Cameroon.
Africa; there are seven national parks and numerous reserves. Thanks to its spectacular scenery, abundant fauna
The name Yaoundé is of Ewondo origin; the Ewondo is the
and cultural diversity, visitors will never be disappointed.
main tribe of the region. Yaoundé has an international airport and a railway station, so it is quite easy to get there. It
186
LEISURE only takes less than three hours to reach Yaoundé from
Mont-Fébé
Douala by road and people often make the round trip
Tel: +237-221-4002
several times during the week for business purposes, driving being more reliable than flying. Though it doesn’t offer
Mercure Yaoundé
many tourist attractions, Yaoundé is a nice place to stay
Avenue El Hadj Ahmadou Ahidjo
when on a business trip and an ideal point of departure for
B.P. 14304
tourists exploring the northern part of Cameroon.
Tel: +237-222-2131
Where to stay in Yaoundé
Fax: +237-222-2161 Hotel des Députés
Djeuga Palace Hotel
Quartier du Lac
B.P. 2659
Tel: +237-223-1555
Tel: +237-222-4646-6457
Email: hotel.deputes@iccnet.cm
Fax: +237-222-4700 Email: djeugapalace@camnet.cm
JAG Appartements Apartments rented daily
Hilton Yaoundé
Santa Barbara – Quartier Etoudi
Boulevard du 20 Mai
Tel: +237-221-2258 / 770-7450
B.P. 11 852 Tel: +237-223-3646 Fax: +237-222-3210
View of Yaoundé
187
LEISURE
Welcome to Cameroon!
Groupe D.P.E.
Where to eat in Yaoundé
Avenue Kenedy, Immeuble Kennedy Tel: +237-222-9360 / 986-3229
There is a wide variety of restaurants in Yaoundé. The quality is usually high as the restaurants cater primarily to the expatriate community. Most of the international
Wouldn’t you like to enjoy this view while having a nice dinner?
hotels also have good restaurants. On average, main meals cost CFA8,000–12,000.
National Bois d’Ebene Quartier Elig-Essono Live music Parallèle Rue Ebe Live music
188
LEISURE Tel: +237-220-0289
Sihusa Avenue Kennedy Restaurant–Cabaret
Elysée Matignon
Tel: +237-222-1764
Mini Prix Bastos French specialities Tel: +237-746-7095
La Foret Dense Rue Joseph Mballa Eloumden Bastos
Il Pasticcio
Tel: +237-220-5308
Bastos Tel: +237-220-6591
Le Sintra
Indian
Avenue Kennedy Place de l’Indépendance Tel: +237-222-3388
European
FINI (First International Inn) Bastos Cosy atmosphere, the only restaurant serving Indian food Tel: +237-914-9820
La Salsa Bastos – Next to residency Nigerian
Chinese
Embassy Closed on Mondays
Chez Wou
Tel: 767-4842 / 789-1437
Bastos, near the Nigerian Embassy Tel: +237-220-4679
Le Café de Yaoundé Quartier Hippodrome
La Paillote
Tel: 222 8594
Quartier Elig-Essono
Closed on Mondays
Open every day
Probably the best pasta in Yaoundé
Tel: 220-5154 / 997-7041
Les Cigalons
Lebanese
Tel: +237-223-4125 Opens everyday except on Sundays
Times
Continental restaurant
Carrefour Bastos Open daily except Mondays.
Buena Vista
Tel: 787-8181 / 988-4040
Bastos, descente laboratoire Méka
Nice atmosphere and the best humus!
Tel: +237-980-8155 Le Jardin des Arts Bastos / Consulat Suisse
189
LEISURE Pastry and Bakery
Also an internet café Open
Monday
3–11pm,
Tuesdays
to
Saturdays
9.30am–11.30pm and Sundays 9.30am–4pm.
Calafatas Town Hall – Centre
Terre battue or le Petit Tam Tam Rue Ebe, off Route de Obala Selecte Quartier Etoa Meki
Youpe Sawa
Croissants and French pastry.
Opposite Acropole Bakery
Acropole
Typical Cameroonian shows, with dancers and music
Quartier Poste Centrale
A drink or two in Yaoundé Espresso House Bastos
Waka-Waka + Bastos Le Caveau Club South of Place Ahmadou Ahidjo
Unplugged in Cameroon!
LEISURE Olympic Nightclub Nightclub of the Djeuga Palace hotel Safari Nightclub Near Place de l’Indépendance César Club Capitol Arizona Saloon Place du 20 Mai, opposite Hilton The lake in downtown Yaoundé
Enquiries: Tel: +237-953-7146.
Le Zénith Place du 20 Mai, opposite Hilton Tel: +237-994-8986 / 760-7387
National Museum Near the Ministry Avenue. Contains numerous items related
What to see in Yaoundé
to Cameroonian culture and art – an ideal place for interested to learn more about the Cameroonian tradition.
Zoo de Mvog-Betsi
Open
Quartier Melen. Entrance fees: resident CFA1,000, non-
CFA1,000. Enquiries: +237-222-2311.
resident CFA2,000, cameras CFA3,000. Open 9am–6pm. The zoo of Yaoundé
Monday–Saturday
9am–4pm.
Entrance
fee:
LEISURE
Come and enjoy the swimming pool at Noah Country Club
Monument de la Réunification Situated near the French Embassy. The monument was built in memory of the reunification of the Francophone and Anglophone regions of Cameroon by French architect Salomon, Cameroonian sculptor Gédéon Mpando and Father Engelbert Mveng. It is a symbol of the history of Cameroon. Musée d’Art Camerounais (Cameroon Art Museum) Situated at Mont Fébé in a Benedictine monastery, the museum has a wide collection of art from many regions of Cameroon. Open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 3–6pm. Enquiries: Tel: +237-221-4943.
Want to try your luck at Olympic Casino?
194
*Previous page photo: Reunification monument in Yaoundé
LEISURE Museum Afhemi Situated at Quartier Nsimeyong. This museum contains a collection of regional arts. Open
Tuesday–Sunday
9am–6pm.
Entrance
fee:
Entertainment and Sports in Yaoundé Fitness Centre
CFA3,000. Enquiries: Tel: +237-231-5416. Hilton Hotel Djeuga Palace Hotel
Cathedral of Notre Dame The Cathedral is located near the roundabout of Bd du 20 mai.
Noah Country Club Tel: +237-744-7744 – Quartier Etoudi Managed by the father of Rolland
Mount Fébé
Garros winner Yannick Noah, is the
Mount Fébé (1,000 metres). It is the perfect place to have a nice view of Yaoundé.
ideal place to relax by the swimming-pool or play tennis on one of the five tennis courts, and one can lunch here. Don’t miss the happy hour on Sundays at 5pm! Daily Gorillas in Parc de la Mefou
LEISURE Score Place Ahmadou Ahidjo Pavillon Vert Bastos
Shopping Centres and Markets Most shopping can be done on Kennedy Street or at the Marché Central. The essential Cameroonian market The National Stadium in Yaoundé
scene. Looking for something? Name it and you will find it for sure. From groceries to shoes, from buying to repai-
fee: CFA2,500; monthly subscription also possible. Golf – Mont Fébé
ring, this market has a wide variety of items. This is also the ideal place to develop bargaining skills!
One of the major attractions of the city, this 18-hole golf course serves various
City Sport
tournaments.
Sport items and clothing, near Score supermarket
Casino
CICAM Typical African material
Olympic Casino at Djeuga Palace Hotel
Avenue Kennedy
Casino El Blanco at Hilton Hotel
Marché de l’Indépendance
Swimming pools
This marketplace is mostly known for art and craft. It is the ideal place for traditional African handicrafts.
You will find them at Hilton Hotel, Djeuga Palace Hotel and Noah Country Club.
Tennis Best courts at Hilton Hotel, Djeuga Palace Hotel and Mont Febe Hotel.
Shopping in Yaoundé Supermarkets
Marché de Mfoundi Ideal when looking for fruit.
Places to visit around Yaoundé Ebogo village, Mbalmayo (1 hr 15 min from Yaoundé ) Ebogo village is a perfect destination if you would like to
Mahima
travel by pirogue on the Nyong River. Go in the direction of
B.P. 11655
Mbalmayo, then drive another 10 km, preferably in a 4WD.
Tel: 237-223-9505 / 222-4099
Ebogo village is reachable only by a narrow earth path,
Open Monday–Saturday 8am–8pm; Sunday 8am–1pm
which can get very muddy during the rainy season. Ebogo
196
The Wouri River in Douala
village has some facilities such as a bar and a restaurant. It is possible to order your meal before going on a pirogue; it will be ready for you when you come back since everything
DOUALA & LITTORAL PROVINCE
cooked is fresh. There are different possibilities for the ride
Douala is the economic centre of Cameroon and the lar-
in a pirogue. The charge is CFA2,000–12,000, depending
gest town with more than 1.5 million inhabitants. It is
on the time you want to spend on the water (from 30 mins
divided into 15 several parts, the most important being
to 3 hrs). Ask for the price list to see what the different
Akwa (the economic and commercial area), Bonanjo (the
options are. The place is open all year long.
business and administrative area), Bonapriso and Bali (the
Site Touristique d’Ebogo, Tel: 220-4136; Port: 991-3652,
residential areas, where the majority of expatriates live
720-9736.
since they are considered the safest parts of the town),
Mefou National Park (45 min from Yaoundé)
and Bassa and Bonabéri (the industrial areas). Douala has a very high level of humidity all year long and
The park is home to rescued primates and gorillas. It is
the average temperatures can reach up to 30–32°C.
located on the road to Mbalmayo, in a dense forest. You
During the rainy season, it is not surprising that many
are recommended to use a 4WD to reach the place in case
streets of Douala are flooded. Being very noisy and some-
of rain, but once at the park you will continue on foot.
times polluted, Douala can often be very oppressive and
There is no entrance fee but a donation is expected.
exhausting.
Enquiries: Tel: +237-221-9044 / 969-0181.
The town does not have many tourist attractions and is
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LEISURE mainly a business destination. Nevertheless, Douala is endowed with a high standard of accommodation and high-quality restaurants. It is a lively and vibrant town,
Mount Cameroon, and so on).
Where to stay in Douala
where it is easy to socialise. Nightlife in Douala can prove entertaining, but you are recommended to take precau-
Le Méridien Douala
tions if you are out at night in the town, as there is a high
35 avenue des Cocotiers
crime rate.
B.P. 3232 Tel: +237-343-5000 Fax: +237-342-3507
Douala is a major entry point into Cameroon. There is an international airport easily reachable from the town
Le Sawa
centre and it has the biggest port of the country situated
488 Rue de Verdun
along the Wouri River. The major street is Boulevard de la
Bonanjo
Liberté, in Akwa, where most of the activities take place.
Tel: +237-342-0866
Most hotels are in Akwa and most restaurants in
Fax: +237-342-4441
Bonapriso. Douala is an ideal starting point for many
Email: hotelsawa@camnet.cm
excursions in the south part of Cameroon (to Kribi, Limbé, Enjoy a ride on pirogue on the Nyong River
LEISURE Akwa Palace Hotel
La Falaise Apartments
52 Bd de la LibertĂŠ
Apartments rented daily
Tel: +237-342-2601 Fax: +237-342-0749
Where to eat in Douala
Ibis Douala
Douala has a wide variety of restaurants. Most of them
Rue Pierre Loti
are located in Bonapriso.
B.P. 12086 Tel: +237-342-5800
National
Fax: +237-342-3605 Email: hotel.ibis@camnet.cm
La Marmite Bonanjo
Hotel de la Falaise
Tel: +237-342-2650
Bonanjo Le CarrĂŠ VIP Hotel Majestic
Bonapriso
Akwa
Tel: +237-782-4916
LEISURE Les Mangroves
La Fourchette
Base Navale
Akwa
Tel: +237-342-7017 / 984-5557
Tel: +237-343-2611
European
Le Sorento Bonapriso
Le Sénat Akwa Tel: +237-343-2316
Tel: +237-342-4304
Chinese and Japanese
Le Paradise
Okinawa
Bonapriso
Bonapriso
Tel: +237-343-3155 Asian and Japnese Restaurant Peché Mignon
Tel: +237-342-6910
Bonapriso
What about some sushi in Cameroon?
Tel: +237-343-2541 Oriental Garden Le Boj
Bonapriso
Bonapriso
Tel: +237-342-6938
Tel: +237-933-2324 Le Pékin Le Méditerranée
Bonapriso
Bd de la Liberté, Akwa
Asian and Chinese Restaurant
Tel: +237-342-3069
Tel: +237-343-2836
Greek specialities
Lebanese Aladin Bonapriso Tel: +237-343-2827 Just try the falafel with lebanese bread. Le Pacha Bonapriso Tel: +237-342-1342
Come and have a drink at the Marina!
200
LEISURE Pastry and Bakery
Espace Doual’art Modern African art gallery situated on Place du
Chococho
Gouvernement.
Bonapriso
Tel: +237-342-3259
Best Croisants
Marina Plaisance Situated near Le Meridien Hotel. It is possible to rent jetskis.
Goodies Bonapriso
A drink or two in Douala
Maka Castle This is a German-built castle located north of Douala, near Dibombari.
La Réserve Nightclub – Snack – Pool Bonapriso Blue Note
Entertainment and Sports in Douala Golf
Nightclub – Pool Akwa
Likomba, Golf Club de Tiko Tel: +237-335-1173
Les Saints Pères Nightclub
Golf Practice Douala
Akwa
Tel: +237-992-1290
Orange Metallic
Tennis
Nightclub Bonanjo
What to see in Douala
Bonanjo Tennis Club 64, rue de Verdun
Horse riding
Musée de Douala
Club Hippique, Joss, near Marina
The museum is situated on Place du Gouvernement. It has
Plaisance
a good collection of Cameroonian art, with Bamoun,
Tel: +237-342-0384
Bamiléké and Fulani items. Open Monday to Friday
Also squash and tennis courts
8am–2pm and Saturday 8am–12noon. Entrance fee: CFA1,000.
CLUB PAD Bd de Gaulle, Bonanjo
Catholic Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul
Tel: +237-342-5121
The cathedral is in Akwa, on Bd de la Liberté. Open
Tennis, swimming and basketball
6.15am–6.30pm.
201
LEISURE Casino
Swimming pool
Casino near Sawa Hotel
You will find them at Le Méridien Douala, Akwa Palace
Fitness centres
Hotel and Sawa Hotell ART GALLERIES
Energy Club
Espace Doual’art
Bonapriso
Tel: +237-342-3259
Tel: +237-342-3285 Galeries Continent Fitness Clinic
Tel: +237-342-1407
Bonapriso Tel: +237-342-3459
Galerie Mam Tel: +237-342-2863
LEISURE Shopping in Douala Supermarkets Unlike in Yaoundé, all supermarkets and most shops are closed
Champion Bonapriso
Shopping Centres
between 12.30 and 3pm. City Sport Score
Sport items and clothing
Bonapriso
Situated in Bonapriso and Akwa
Mahima
CICAM
Akwa
Typical African material Boulevard de la Liberté, Akwa
View of Douala
One of the 40 handicraft shops at Marché des Fleurs
Markets Marché des Fleurs – Bonapriso This market is the ideal place for traditional African handicrafts.
of Cameroon. It has numerous tourist sites to visit and is easily reachable coming from inside Cameroon or abroad thanks to the International Airport of Douala.
Djoungo and Rail Lake
Marché Central
Excellent place for birdwatchers, but the lake is also inha-
Also called Lagos Market
bited by crocodiles. A nice stop for those driving to Nkongsamba.
Marché de Kassalafam Fruit and vegetable market
WEEKEND STAYS AND HOLIDAYS
Located at 130 km north of Douala, Nkongsamba is easy to reach by road. It is a nice town to make a stop at on the way to Bafoussam or the West Province.
Littoral Province
Melong and Ekom Nkam waterfalls
The Littoral Province is the economic and industrial zone
Ekom Nkam are beautiful and spectacular waterfalls. On
204
LEISURE the road from Nkongsamba to Melong (direction
Also to be seen in the region are: the Mount Manenguba
Bafoussam), it takes about 20 minutes on the earth road
and the twin crater lakes.
(10 km) from the asphalted road to the falls but you won’t taking. Some scenes of the movie Greystoke were shot
Edea and Douala-Edea Game Reserve
there. Surrounded by the rainforest, you will hear all sorts
Located at 70 km, Edea is the crossroad between Douala,
of birds singing. It is possible to use the stairs to go down
Yaoundé and Kribi. There are not so many places to visit
close to the waterfalls. Don’t forget the insect repellent,
or see near Edea, except the 19th-century German bridge,
as the place is full of annoying flies and mosquitoes.
the Ossa Lake, the Sanaga dam and the Mouanko beach
regret the trip. The waterfalls are astonishing and breath-
The Ekom Nkam Waterfalls
LEISURE racterised by beautiful, white sandy beaches. It is also the second port of Cameroon. The name “Kribi” comes from the word “Kiridi”, which means “small men”, referring to the pygmies that used to inhabit the area. Though the town is quite attractive, most people come to Kribi to get away from the stress of the town and enjoy the calmness of the beaches, which are surrounded by coconut trees. It is also possible to get on a fishing canoe and have a nice ride along the coast. The best time to visit Kribi is from November to March, as it is better to avoid the rainy season. Colonial architecture at Place du Gouvernement
and fishermen village. You are therefore recommended to
How to get there
drive a little further (about one hour) to reach the Douala-
The road from Douala or Yaoundé is very good. It takes
Edea reserve, on the road to Kribi. The road to the reserve
three hours from Yaoundé (270 km) and just over two
is surrounded by hundreds of palm trees.
hours from Douala (160 km). If you are not driving, ask
SOUTH PROVINCE
when buses run at one of the numerous travel agencies.
Where to stay
The South Province is mostly known for its gorgeous bea-
Finding accommodation is not difficult as Kribi is one of
ches. It is easily reachable from either Douala or Yaoundé.
the most famous tourist destinations. It is better to book
Settlements of pygmies can also be found in the rainforest
your room in advance during the dry season. Prices range
near Campo National Park.
from CFA12,000 to CFA32,000 depending on the standard of the rooms.
Kribi Kribi is the most famous beach resort of Cameroon, cha-
Hotel Jully
Palm trees are common in the Cameroonian landscape
LEISURE B.P. 195
Tel: +237-346-1584
Tel: +237-346-1962 Hotel de l’Ocean Hotel Palm Beach Plus
B.P. 142
B.P. 351
Tel: +237-1635
Tel: +237-346-1447 Les Polygones d’Alice Hotel Le Paradis
B.P. 97
B.P. 232
Tel: +237-346-1564
Tel: +237-346-1993 Hotel Coco Beach B.P. 302
Where to eat All the hotels have their own restaurants. There are a few restaurants worth trying in town such as Le Marseillais, Le Feeling like walking on the nice sandy beaches of Kribi?
207
LEISURE Forestier and Fleur Marine. It is also possible to have fresh
area is also worth visiting for its beautiful and quiet bea-
fish and seafood on the beach – a must!
ches (Ebodje, which is known for sea tortoises, Eboundja
Chutes de La Lobé (Lobé Waterfalls) At about 10 km from Kribi (direction Grand Batanga),
and Grand Batanga). The road from Kribi to Campo is scattered with fishing villages, so it is easy to go on a canoe excursion, either on the sea or on the Likodo River.
these falls are unique because they fall directly into the
Campo National Park
Atlantic Ocean. It is possible to sail a canoe from the river
Located in a rainforest, the park has a surface of 260,000
to the pygmies’ village.
hectares and is home to a numerous species of mammals
Rocher du Loup (Wolf Rock)
(hippopotamus, elephants, lions, monkeys and many more), birds and plants. The accommodation is very basic
This rock can be seen on the road between Krib and
and it is compulsory to hire a guide to enter (CFA3,000 a
Campo. As its name suggests, it resembles a wolf. The
day). The entrance fee is CFA5,000 a day.
The Ako’akas Rocks near Ebolowa
Limbé lies by Mount Cameroon
Ebolowa
second favourite weekend destination after Kribi. Limbé is an attractive and lively town; it was founded by British
Located at about 170 km from Kribi and Yaoundé,
missionaries in the 19th century and has since then kept
Ebolowa has few tourist attractions. The surroundings of
its British style. It used to be called Victoria until 1982.
the town provide more choice, such as the Ako’akas
The main attractions of Limbé are the Botanical Garden,
Rocks, 40 km southeast from Ebolowa or Mbilebekon
the Zoological Garden and its beautiful beaches, the
(Ghosts Cave) at about 20 km eastwards.
most famous being Mile 6, Mile 8 and Mile 11. You will have to pay an entrance fee of CFA1,000. You can also
SOUTH WEST PROVINCE
see the remains of the 1999 lava flows near Mile 11.
How to get there
The South West Province is one of the two Anglophone
The road from Douala to Limbé (75 km) is beautiful and
provinces of Cameroon and the houses have a British
very good.
touch. The province is known for its beautiful beaches, tea plantations and crater lakes. This is also where the Mount
Where to stay
Cameroon stands, the highest mountain of the country. The region is one of the rainiest on the planet with 10,000
First International Inn
mm rainfall a year.
B.P. 590 (Bobende)
Limbé
Tel: +237-333-2656
Limbé is located at the foot of Mount Cameroon. It is
Seme New Beach Hotel
characterised by dark brown sandy beaches and is the
B.P. 130 (Mile 11)
211
LEISURE
Dark brown sandy beaches in LimbĂŠ
Tel: +237-333-2769
ting point for excursions on Mount Cameroon. The Palace of Governor Von Puttmaker is a remarkable palace and a
Atlantic Beach Hotel B.P. 63
stunning testimony to the German colonial empire.
Tel: +237-333-2332
Where to stay
Coastal Beach Hotel
Mount Cameroon Ecotourism Organisation
Mile 6
Guesthouse
Tel: +237-333-2927
B.P. 60
Buea
Tel: +237-332-2038
Buea lies by Mount Cameroon. It is the most important
Paramount Hotel
town of the South West Province and used to be the
Tel: +237-332-2074
capital of the German Cameroon. Nowadays it is the star-
212
LEISURE Mountain Hotel
Kumba
Tel: +237-332-2235
Kumba is situated at about 140 km from Douala. The main attractions around the town are Lake Barombi Mbo,
Mount Cameroon
one of the largest crater lakes of Cameroon, with crystal
Mount Cameroon is an active volcano and the highest
clear water, and Mount Kupé (at 45 km), which is heaven
mountain in West Africa (4,095 metres). It was called the
for birdwatchers and home to various mammal and flora
“seat of the Gods” by the Portuguese navigator Fernando
species.
Po. The peak is the point from which the mountain starts, which stretches from the southwest coast to the Mandara
Korup National Park
Mountains in the far north region of Cameroon. Climbing
Korup National Park was created in 1986 and is one of the
Mount Cameroon does not require specific climbing skills
oldest rainforests in Africa. It is located at the border with
but it is compulsory to have a permit (from the local tou-
Nigeria. It has a surface area of more than 126,000 hec-
rist office) and a guide. There are various trails, taking
tares and is populated by a wide variety of primate spe-
from one to six days depending on the trail you choose.
cies, forest elephants, leopards, buffalos, antelopes, birds,
The best time to climb is during the dry season (from
reptiles, and more. The Park is also home to a very rich
November to May).
flora. The best time to visit the Korup National Park is from November to March; it is better not to visit it during
To make an enquiry, contact the Mount Cameroon
the rainy season, as the earth roads to get there are
Ecotourism Organisation (Tel: +237-332-2038) or the
impracticable and usually washed away by rain. There are
Provincial Delegation of Tourism for the South West (Tel:
practically no facilities for receiving tourists, just three
+237-332-2656).
basic campsites inside the Park.
Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in West Africa
213
LEISURE How to get there It is difficult to get to the Park (almost a full day from Douala) but the paths inside are in good condition. The only ways to enter the reserve are from Mundemba (150 km from Kumba) or from Baro (crossing the Bake River). Contact the Korup Information Center (korup@wwf.cm) or the WWF Cameroon headquarters (Tel: +237-2216267) to organise your stay. The Information Centre is located in Mundemba and can provide camping material. Entrance fee: CFA 5,000 a day Other fees: compulsory guide (CFA4,000 a day or CFA1,000 a night).
NORTH WEST PROVINCE The North West Province is the second English-speaking The famous bridge at Korup National Park Lake Barombi Mbo
214
LEISURE province of Cameroon. It is highly reputed for its cultural
Alizane Restaurant
diversity, cultural festivals and traditional art. It offers
Tel: +237-764-7900
various tourist attractions including beautiful landscape,
Dreamland Restaurant
traditional chiefdoms, game reserves, waterfalls and
Tel: +237-336-2326
natural lakes.
Bamenda
Tower Restaurant Tel: +237-336-2102
Bamenda is the biggest town and the capital of the province. The road to get to there is astonishing. The town was founded at the beginning of the 20th century by the
The Handicraft Cooperative Restaurant
Germans and is divided into two distinct areas: the Upper
The Ring Road
(Bafreng-Manton) and the Lower (Manton-Town). The
The Ring Road is a circular route of 370 km that goes
main attractions are the market (on Wednesdays) and the
through the North West Province and promises an unfor-
museum. Bamenda is mostly known as the starting point
gettable experience with unusual and breathtaking lands-
for excursions in the province, namely the Ring Road.
capes. It is strongly recommended to travel during the dry
How to get there
season as the roads can be treacherous in the rainy season. There is no ideal way to start the Ring Road;
It takes three to four hours from YaoundĂŠ and Douala to
clockwise or anti-clockwise, whether you complete it or
reach Bafoussam and then another two hours from
not, the scenery remains beautiful.
Bafoussam to Bamenda.
Where to stay
Bafut Bafut is the first stop if you choose to start the Ring Road clockwise. It is located at about 18 km from Bamenda. It
Ayaba Hotel
is known for its typical architecture, the Tikar chiefdom
Tel: +237-336-1356 or 762-2293
and its market. The Achum festival takes place every year
Fax: +237-336-3075
in December and features traditional rites of secret societies. During the dry season you can see the Menchum
Skyline Hotel Tel/Fax: +237-336-1289
Falls, north of Bafut.
Where to stay
Mondial Hotel Tel: +237-336-1832
Savannah Botanic Garden
Fax: +237-336-2884
Tel: +237-336-3870
Hotel Le Bien
Bafut Guesthouse
Tel: +237-336-1206
Tel: +237-796-8305
Where to eat
Wum
Most hotels have their own restaurants. You can also try
Wum is the next stop. It is located at about 42 km from
the following places:
Bafut. You can see the beautiful crater lake, Lake Wum.
215
Enjoy the landscape of the Ring Road
From Wum you can either continue on the Ring Road to
Kumbo
Nkambé via Weh or take the short cut from Weh to
Kumbo is a large town, mostly known for the Nsos
Fundong and then Fundong back to Bamenda or Mount
chiefdom, the fon’s palace and the cathedral.
Oku.
Where to stay
Where to stay
Morning Star Hotel
Fomo Hotel
Tel: +237-336-2634
Tel: +237-348-1616
Nkambé
Central Inn Hotel
On the road to Nkambé there is plenty to see: Lake Nyos
Tel: +237-348-1015
(beautiful lake but site of a deadly tragedy in 1986 caused by a natural gas eruption), Kimbi River Game
Mount Oku
Reserve (situated at 50 km from Wum) and Misaje
The road from Kumbo to Oku can be in a very bad condi-
village. Nkambé offers various accommodation possibili-
tion in some seasons. Mount Oku is the second highest
ties.
mountain in West Africa (3,011 metres). It is possible to climb it – locals can provide you with a guide for CFA5,000. The mountain is famous for its beautiful vol-
216
LEISURE canic crater lake, Lake Oku.
Hotel Le Manoir B.P. 520
NDOP
+237-344-4909
Ndop is the last stop on the way back to Bamenda. It is about 20 km from Bamenda and characterised by beau-
Motel des Tuileries
tiful meadows. From Ndop you can go to see Bamendjin
B.P. 1504
Lake, near Bambalang.
+237-344-5071
WEST PROVINCE
Where to eat There are many restaurants in Bafoussam, including:
The Western Province is mainly known for its culture, traditions and artefacts. It is the region of the Bamilekes, one
Elysée Café, Fofani Forith and Queen Elizabeth.
of the most important ethnic groups of Cameroon, and
Bandjoun
the inhabitants of the West Province are very welcoming.
Situated at 15 km from Bafoussam, direction Yaoundé,
The region is fertile, the landscape characterised by green
the Bandjoun Chefferie is the most famous of the pro-
mountains, ancient volcanoes and waterfalls. It is ideal for
vince. Unfortunately a fire destroyed it at the beginning
those seeking a combination of great landscapes and cul-
of 2005 and the museum and main hut with original
tural tourism. The ideal period to visit the region is bet-
architecture are being rebuilt. Nevertheless, there are
ween November and March.
many places to visit around Bandjoun, such as the
Bafoussam
Bugang Lake and Mount Kala.
The largest town of the Province and the fourth biggest
Bangangte
town and thus commercial centre of Cameroon,
This attractive, small village at 50 km direction Yaoundé is
Bafoussam is also the cradle of culture of the West
worth visiting for its market and nearby waterfalls.
Province. It is easily reachable by road from Douala (245 km) or Yaoundé (290 km). There is also a domestic airport
Bafang
linking with Douala and Yaoundé. The town is a pleasant
Bafang is host to one of the biggest churches of
place to stop before visiting the whole of the province,
Cameroon. It is surrounded by numerous tourist sites,
especially the neighbourhood of Bafoussam.
such as Col de Bana, from which visitors can have a beau-
Where to stay
tiful view of the region, and various waterfalls (the town is situated not far away from Ekom Nkam Falls).
Résidence Le Saré
Dschang
B.P. 731
Dschang is mostly known for its centre climatique,
Tel: +237-344-2599
which was built in 1942 in order to host the French soldiers during the Second World War. It is a very nice and
Talotel
agreeable centre, which is also a hotel and a restaurant.
B.P. 110
Don’t miss the Mammi Wata Waterfalls, situated at about
+237-344-4185
20 km from Dschang.
217
LEISURE
Relaxing scenery of the West Province
Centre Climatique B.P. 840 Tel: +237-345-1058
Foumban Foumban is very rich in history and culture. It was founded in the 15th century by Nchare Yen (the initiator of the Bamoun kingdom) and is one of the oldest towns in Cameroon. It is predominantly Muslim and home to the Bamoun sultana, whose dynasty has been reigning for more than 600 years. Foumban is also referred to as a capital of art in Africa.
The village of artisans This village is located at 1 km from the town centre, and is a heaven for artefacts lovers.
Former Bandjoun Chefferie
218
LEISURE
Sultan Palace in Foumban
The Royal Palace and the Sultan Museum
Hotel Le Chalet Tel: +237-348-6267
With its unique architecture, the palace is a testimony of the rich tradition of the Bamouns. It is open from
Hotel Hotel Le Prunier Rouge
8.30am to 6pm, entrance fee: CFA2,000 + CFA1,500 for
Tel: +237-348-2352
photography. The Sultan Museum comprises art of the Bamoun culture (jewellery, weapons, musical instruments
DYNASTY OF BAMOUN SULTANS
and so on). For enquiries: Tel: +237-348-2227.
The Museum of Bamoun Arts and Traditions. The Museum is open daily 9am–5pm and there is no entrance fee. For enquiries: Tel: +237-348-2586. Don’t miss the Nguon festival, which takes place in December every two years. It is a tribute to peace and unity among the different traditional chiefs (the Lamidos, the Fos and the Fons).
Where to stay Hotel Le Zenith Tel: +237-348-2352
Ncharé Yen: 1394–1418 Ngouopou: 1418–1461 Monjou: 1461–1498 Mengap: 1498–1519 Ngouh I: 1519–1544 Fifen: 1544–1568 Ngouh II: 1568–1590 Ngapna: 1590–1629 Ngoulouré: 1629–1672 Kouotou: 1672–1757 Mbouombouo: 1757–1814 Gbetnkom: 1814–1817 Mbiekouo: 1817–1818 Ngouhouo: 1818–1863 Ngougouré: 30 minutes
219
LEISURE Nsangou: 1863–1889 Njoya Ibrahim: 1889–1933 El-Hadj Seidou Njimoluh Njoya: 1933–1992 Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya: 1992–
CENTRE PROVINCE The main attraction in the Centre Province is the capital, Yaoundé. The province is well known for its pleasant yearround climate. It is the departure point for different excursions to the country, especially the north. The Nguon Festival gathers thousands of people from all over Cameroon
Mbalmayo
Cameroon to visit because of the poor state of the roads
At about 50 km from Yaoundé, and near the River Nyong,
and lack of accommodation facilities. Yet, visiting this
Mbalmayo is mostly known for timber extraction. The best
region will be unforgettable, especially because the
attraction of the town is the Vimli Rock, at about 8 km
nature and wildlife are untouched. There are different
from the town. At 20 km, it is possible to take a pirogue
forest reserves and national parks to see; the Dja Reserve
down the River Nyong at Ebogo (see “Places to visit
(the most famous) is home to gorilla and forest elephants,
around Yaoundé”).
among other mammal species, and pygmies. Visiting the
Luna Park
region requires time and patience.
Luna Park is a holiday resort, located at about 30 km from
Bertoua
Yaoundé, direction Bamenda. The place has recently been
Located at 350 km from Yaoundé, the town is largest of
reopened and is ideal for a relaxing weekend. Facilities
the province (100,000 inhabitants) and borders the rain-
include a swimming pool, a restaurant and accommoda-
forest. The people living in Bertoua are the Bayas and it is
tion.
probably one of the most authentic towns of Cameroon.
Abouma Cave
How to get there
The Cave is situated on the road to Mvengue, from
It takes about eight hours to drive from Yaoundé to
Mbalmayo.
Bertoua, or one can travel by plane from Yaoundé and
Ngo-Njock-Lipo Waterfall This waterfall can be found on the River Nyong, at about
Douala.
Where to stay
50 km west of Mbalmayo. Hotel Mansa
EAST PROVINCE
B.P. 285 Tel: +237-244-6050
This region is part of the Congo Basin and is characterised
Complexe Hotel
by rainforest. It is probably the most difficult region of
Tel: +237-244-1104
221
LEISURE Phoenix Hotel B.P. 215 Tel: +237-224-2729
Where to eat Most of the hotels have their own restaurant. It is also possible to find local restaurants in the town.
The Dja Reserve Covering 530,000 ha, the Dja Reserve is one of the largest forests in Africa and possesses a very rich fauna and flora. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 due to its abundant biodiversity. The speciality of the Dja Reserve is that it is one of the few remaining gorilla sanctuaries in the world. Many other mammal species can be also seen, such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, guenons, mandrills, buffalos and leopards. It is very dense, and therefore difficult to see ahead of you, but bird watching can prove to be very satisfactory. Pygmies still live in the eastern part of the reserve. The best time to visit the Dja reserve is from December to March. It is not advised to visit it during the rainy season, as the earth roads to get to it are impracticable and usually washed away by the rains. Note also that there are practically no facilities for receiving tourists; the best options The famous “Big Tree� near Mbalmayo
are to sleep in the villages surrounding the reserve or to camp inside the forest. It is compulsory to have a guide
Landscape varies a lot from one region to the other
You just need to cross the bridge to get to the Dja Reserve
tact ECOFAC, Tel: +237-222-4271, Email:
Nki and Boumba-Bek Forest Reserves
ecofac@camnet.cm or the International Conservation of
These two reserves are very close to each other. Boumba-
Natural Resources, in Yaoundé, Tel: +237-220-8888.
Bek is accessible from the road leading to Moloundou
with you to enter the reserve. For any information, con-
How to get there
from Yokadouma, and Kni Reserve has to be accessed by boat from the River Dja. Like the Dja Reserve, the best
As already mentioned, going to the Dja Reserve requires
time to visit is between December and March. A wide
time and patience. Though distances are short, driving 80
variety of birds (more than 280 species) can be seen. The
km might take you four hours, because of the very bad
wildlife in these reserves is very rich and includes ele-
state of the earth roads that lead to the forest. It is there-
phants (more than 5,000), gorillas, buffalos and chimpan-
fore essential to have a 4WD vehicle. There are several
zees. The total surface of Nki Reserve and Boumba-Bek
ways to enter the reserve:
Reserve reaches 600,000 ha. The Nki Reserve has not been totally explored yet and is one of the most remote
- from Samalomo and Messamena (from the north of the Reserve) – probably the best access point
places of the Congo Basin.
- from Bengbis (from the northwest)
Lokébé National Park
- from Lomié (from the east)
This is the most accessible park of the region, bordering
- from Djoum (from the southeast).
the Republic of Congo. It is home to forest elephants,
223
LEISURE gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates.
Where to stay Prices are CFA9,500–30,000.
ADAMAWA PROVINCE
Transcam Hotel B.P. 179
The Adamawa Province is known for cattle rearing. It is
Tel: +237-225-1252 / 951-1797
the ideal region for hunting and has varied landscapes, from forest to savannah, from lakes to waterfalls. It is also
Le Ranch de Ngaoundaba
the starting point for organised tourist excursions in the
B.P. 23
geographical north (Garoua, Maroua and their surroun-
The Ranch is situated at 35 km from downtown
dings).
Ngaoundere. It offers very good standing and well-
Ngaoundere
equipped rooms at affordable prices.
Ngaoundere, a Muslim town and the biggest of the
Hotel du Rail
Adamawa Province, was founded at the beginning of the
B.P. 319
19th century by the Foulbes or Peuls. The town is the
Tel: +237-225-1013 / 985-1505
crossroad between the south and north of the country. Ngaoundere is a lively and pleasant town, which gained
Hotel Relais
importance when the rail track linking the town to
B.P. 47
Yaoundé was finished. Ngaoundere has various markets,
Tel: +237-225-1138
such as the market of the Lamidat, the Little Market. The traditional parts of the town are especially attractive to
Hotel du Lac
visit: small streets and the typical sarés (mud huts with
Tel: +237-225-1823 / 952-8221
cone-shaped thatched roofs). Don’t miss the Lamido’s Palace, near the market. Ngaoundere offers all the neces-
Where to eat
sary services for long or short stays.
Restaurants are gathered around the town centre, inclu-
How to get there There are various ways of getting to Ngaoundere:
ding Au Feu de Bois, Coffee Shop and La Plazza.
Mbalang Lake and Tyson Lake
- by train, from Yaoundé; the trip is made by night train
These crater lakes are very close to Ngaoundere and the
and lasts about 14 hours; return fare: CFA50,000
ideal place for those who wish to relax.
- by plane, from Yaoundé (45 min) or Douala (1 hr, 15 min)
Tello Waterfalls
- by road; it is a long drive (700 km) from the south and
The spectacular Tello Waterfalls are 50 km from
the road network is limited; however, it is possible to drive
Ngaoundere and well worth visiting. It is possible to get
with a 4WD (20 hours), during the dry season, making a
into the cave behind the waterfalls.
few stops on the road to sleep overnight.
Vina Lake and Waterfalls This is another crater lake where you can see crocodiles
224
The Adamawa Province is mostly Muslim
and hippopotamus.
Lancrenon Waterfalls
NORTH PROVINCE
Located at the border with the Centre Africa Republic at
The North Province is a highly recommended place for
Bougoui, these falls are quite far away from Ngaoundere,
safaris. It has various tourist assets such as breath-taking
but it surely offers the best view of the falls from
landscapes, plentiful wildlife and interesting traditions,
Cameroon.
and is therefore well worth visiting. The recommended
Nyem Nyem Caves and Damougaré Caves
time to visit the region is a minimum of 10 to 15 days. Communication can be difficult in this area, so if you wish to book a hotel or a plane, be ready to try a phone
Adamawa Province possesses numerous caves; most of
number several times before being successful. The quic-
them served as shelters for the tribes at the beginning of
kest way to reach the North Province is by plane; if you
the 20th century and are now places of commemoration
travel
where the tribes come each year to celebrate.
Nagoundere and Garoua to Maroua, you will have an
Banyo Banyo is especially known as a great honey-hunting region. Don’t miss the lamidat of Banyo.
by
road
from
Yaoundé,
passing
through
unforgettable experience. The drive from Yaoundé to Maroua is about 20 hrs, and it takes 1 hr 30 min by plane.
Garoua Garoua is a beautiful town and the most important of the North Province. It has about 1,300,000 inhabitants and is an important commercial town, trading especially with
225
LEISURE Nigeria. It was funded in 1809 by Ardo Tayrou, a Peul
How to get there
chief who came from Mali. Thanks to its international air-
There are various ways of getting to Garoua:
port, Garoua is directly linked to Cameroon and Europe,
- by plane, from Yaoundé (1 hr) or from Douala (2 hr)
making tourism in the north easier. Different sorts of tou-
- by road, from Ngaoundéré (275 km) or from Maroua
rism can be enjoyed in Garoua, such as hunting, fishing
(205 km)
and bird watching in the various game reserves surroun-
- by train, from Yaoundé to Ngaoundéré and then by
ding the town.
road.
Places to visit in Garoua
Where to stay
The Great Mosque, the market and the unique river port
Most of the hotels in Garoua have well-equipped rooms
of Cameroon are all worth visiting. Garoua is the ideal
with
place to start excursions in the North and Far North pro-
CFA14,000–45,000 depending on the position and facili-
vinces. Don’t miss the hippopotamus on the river Benoué.
ties of the room.
air
conditioning
and
Some of them are tamed and if you are lucky and sensitive, you can even touch them! Pictures can be taken for
Hotel Relais Saint-Hubert
a few thousand francs. It is possible to go on pirogues on
Rue Yves Plumey, B.P. 445
the Benoué river.
Tel: +237-227-3033 / 997-8720
Listen to the drums and feel the beat!
226
TV.
Prices
are
LEISURE
Wouldn’t you like to stay in one of those typical huts?
European meals and also have the opportunity to relax at Hotel Benoue Rue Yves Plumey, B.P. 291
the open-air bar.
Tel: +237-227-1553 / 998-3334
Lagdo dam
Tourist Motel
Situated 70 km from Garoua, this dam offers a nice view
Bd de l’Indépendance, B.P. 1169
on the artificial lake. The place provides an unusual
Tel: +237-227-3244 / 997-9241
opportunity to participate in sport activities such as trekking, fishing, swimming and water-skiing. A small fishing
Douala Hotel
village overhangs the lake. The Lagon Bleu is the ideal
Route du Stade Omnisport, B.P. 903
place to relax and have a bite to eat: Tel: +237-985-5353.
Tel: +237-227-2784 / 755-7330
Where to eat
Rey-Bouba Rey-Bouba is the most famous traditional “chefferie” of
As usual, the hotels have their own restaurants.
the north. It is located at 170 km from Garoua on the
Otherwise, try the restaurant Chez Lyna, situated at the
road to Bouba Ndjidda Game Reserve. It is difficult to
Camp, Runde Adjia, Tel: +237-999-2793, or the restau-
access but once there you won’t regret it! You will see the
rant Le Noumou, located in Yelloua, Tel: +237-765-
Lamido Palace and various traditional huts, testimonies of
5227. At both places you can enjoy Cameroonian and
the rich history of the chefferie.
227
LEISURE Fali Toro
beautiful reserve of Cameroon where numerous animals
At 45 km from Garoua, Fali Toro is a pleasant and typical
can be seen: lions, giraffes, monkeys, elephants, hippopo-
village where visitors can watch traditional dances.
tamus, various species of birds… It is possible to stay over-
Peske-Bori Peske-Bori is about 80 km from Garoua. There is a rocky landscape and mountains where tribes have retained their
night.
FAR NORTH PROVINCE
authentic culture.
Mount Atlantika
Access to the Far North Province is difficult but it is one of the most beautiful regions of Cameroon and well worth
At 180 km from Garoua, Mount Atlantika is one of a suc-
visiting. This province is characterised by its beautiful
cession of mountains close to the border with Nigeria. The
mountains and a rocky, lunar landscape – it is probably
sight it offers is quite astonishing.
the most spectacular region of Cameroon. The best time
Village Manyana
to visit is during the dry region (from November to May). The particularities of the region are diverse: astonishing
Manyana is a small village where traces of dinosaurs
landscape, great sunsets and traditional villages. The tem-
dating back 115 million years have been found.
peratures are very high (they can reach up to 50°C) in the
Faro Game Reserve
day but quite bearable since the weather is very dry. Nights get very cool. The main roads are reasonably good,
The Faro reserve is situated 200 km from Garoua and is
but you are advised to travel with a 4WD if you wish to
the biggest of the region. It has a surface of more than
get off the tracks. Indeed, even though distances may not
300,000 ha but is still unexploited by tourists. A variety of
seem important between two towns, the bad conditions
animals live in the park, such as lions, elephants, hippopo-
of the earth roads, which are impracticable during the
tamus, roans, rhinoceros, warthogs, and numerous birds
rainy season, can slow you down.
and reptiles. It is possible to stay there overnight but facilities are not well equipped.
Benoue Game Reserve
Maroua Maroua is the most important town in the Far North Province (with about 130,000 inhabitants) and one of
AT 195 km from Garoua, the Benoue Game Reserve is
the most popular places in Cameroon. It is a very lively
one of the oldest protected zones of Cameroon. It was
and colourful town and a great place for amateurs of
created as a game reserve in 1968 in order to protect
African art. It is a good place to stop before going on an
white rhinoceros. It covers 180,000 ha, and has hippopo-
excursion in the Far North Province.
tamus, warthogs, monkeys and other animals. Bird watchers will also be delighted. There are a few camp sites
How to get there
where visitors can stay overnight.
The road is the best way to travel in the north so you can
Bouba Ndjida Game Reserve
see the beautiful and striking landscapes. One can travel by bus or car from Ngaoundere (510 km) or Garoua (205 km). There are regular bus services from the two towns. It
This park is located near the border with Chad, at 140 km
takes about three hours to reach Maroua from Garoua
from Garoua. Covering 220,000 hectares, it is the most
(fare: CFA2,000). The asphalted road is in good condition.
230
LEISURE There are flights from YaoundĂŠ (1 hr, 30 min) and from
Where to eat in Maroua
Douala (2 hr, 30 min); contact CAMAIR Maroua, Tel:
There are many restaurants in Maroua, especially on the
+237-229-1050 / 1515 / 1021.
main avenue. Most of the hotels also have their own res-
Places to visit in Maroua
taurants.
Waza Game Reserve
Places of interest include the market (Mondays), many
Established by the Cameroonian government in 1968,
souvenir shops (selling masks, pottery, paintings, decora-
this reserve offers a great opportunity for viewing a
tive items and jewellery), clothes shops and places that
variety of wildlife species in their natural habitat.
practise traditional medicine. Maroua is known for its lea-
Situated at 120 km from Maroua (1 hr, 45 min), the
therwork.
beauty and size of Waza Game Reserve make it the most popular reserve in Cameroon.
The museum of traditional arms displays a wide variety of
Entrance fees: CFA5,000 for non-residents, CFA3,000 for
typical items such as knifes, arrows and shields. Next to
residents; other fees: camera CFA2,000, car CFA2,000,
the museum there is a tower, which one can climb. There
guide CFA3,500 (compulsory to enter the game reserve).
is a good nice view of Maroua from the top.
Where to stay in Maroua Prices are CFA15,000–20,000.
The reserve covers 170,000 hectares of savannah woodland and is well stocked with giraffes, elephants, lions, kobs (an orange-brown African antelope), hyenas, warthog, bushbucks, antelopes, roans, topis (an antelope with a dark
Hotel Maroua Palace
brown coat) and other animals. The main game viewing
B.P. 381
areas of the reserve are open all year round. The best time to
Tel: +237-229-1424 / 1284 / 3252
visit is between November and May, during the dry reason,
Fax: +237-229-1525
when tourists are likely to see most animals since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around
Hotel Mizao
the watering places. Some parts of the reserve are not acces-
B.P. 179
sible from July to October. The park is inhabited by a variety
Tel:+237 229-1300 / 1304
of birds, including saddle bill storks, goliath herons, ostriches, pelicans, eagles, vultures and marabous. The earlier you start
Relais de la Porte Mayo
your visit in the morning, the more you will see. Though the
B.P. 112
park is reasonably accessible, it is recommended to use a
Tel: +237-229-2692
4WD.
Le Sare
Where to stay and eat
B.P. 11
There are two places to stay: at Campement de Waza and
Tel: +237-229-1194
in the park.
Tcherno Hotel
Campement de Waza, on a hill in front of the reserve.
B.P. 227
Nice bungalows at reasonable prices (CFA14,000 for a
Tel: 229-2251
single room), Tel: +237-765-7717 / 7568 / 229-1007. There is a restaurant at the lodge and a pleasant outdoor
231
The landscape in the Far North Province is rocky
bar. There is also a souvenir shop.
to Rhumsiki, there are only 50 km but the conditions of
The park also offers different types of accommodation at
the road are so bad that it takes nearly two hours to get
its entrance, at very reasonable prices.
to the village of Rhumsiki. It is therefore advisable to
Mora – Col de Koza – Mokolo – Rhumsiki
have a 4WD. The rocky landscape gradually becomes an astonishing lunar scenery. Rhumsiki is a picturesque village of about 5,000 inhabitants, characterised by a
This is probably one of the most beautiful areas in the
striking landscape; it offers a breath-taking view of the
region. Be prepared for a long and tiring trip but it is
Kapsikis. The particularity of the landscape makes it one
definitely worth it! Mora is situated 60 km from Maroua.
of the best tourist attractions of Cameroon. Huge peaks
Places of interest include the market (Sundays). From
of lava erupt at about 1,000 metres from the ground,
Mora, take direction Koza. The road is in pretty bad
which provides a unique lunar scenery. The highest is the
shape but it offers a spectacular view of the landscape,
Pic of Rhumsiki (1,224 metres). The village is also an
especially when you get to the Col de Koza (400
attractive place to visit. You can watch pottery being
metres). You will be surprised by the little huts, made of
made or cotton weaving, visit the market, and look at
stones, argil earth and mil, scattered around the moun-
artefacts and the crab wizard.
tains. Make a stop and take advantage of the quietness of the view at the Cooperation Artisanale of Djingliya before continuing your trip to Rhumsiki. From Mokolo
233
LEISURE
Entrance of Waza Game Reserve
Where to stay and eat in Rhumsiki
also “La pizza”, at the entrance of Rhumsiki, coming from Mokolo, a nice place where you can taste pizza made with local ingredients.
Campement Touristique Tel: +237-229-1646. Comfortable bungalows with view of the peak, swimming pool, bar.
Oudjilla, from Mora, cultures en terrasse. Chefferie d’Oudjilla, more than 200 years old. You can visit the house of the chief (the saré).
Auberge le Petit Paris. Tel: +237-229-5173
Pics de Mindif. On the road to Kaele, about 20 km south of Maroua. This
Auberge Chez Dieudonné. Most of the hotels have their own restaurants. There is
234
rocky landscape is impressive.
LEISURE Alargano
centre between Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria. One of the
Typical village from the far north. It is located at about
characteristics of Kousseri are the millet fields.
two hours southeast from Maroua. Pouss is a one-stop place when visiting the far north. It is
Blangoua
situated next to Maga Lake (northeast from Maroua). The
Blangoua is a small village on the banks of the Chad Lake.
Mousgoum live here, and they have a much celebrated
Driving to Blangoua can be a great and memorable expe-
typical architecture with conical features called the mous-
rience, but you are strongly advised to bring litres of water
goum talek. A nice trip can be made on the Logone river
and gas because the road is very difficult. It is impossible
by pirogue.
to get to Blangoua at all during the rainy season. The neighbourhood of Blangoua is fascinating.
Kousseri Situated next to the Tchad border, it is possible to get from Kousseri to N’Djamena, the Chadian capital, by the bridge over the Logone river. This is an active commercial
Pineapple plantation in south Cameroon
239
THE PREMIER GUIDEBOOK FOR BUSINESS GLOBETROTTERS
All you need to know to do business and have fun
LEISURE
TRAVEL AGENTS Yaoundé
Douala
Afrika Tours Conseils
Africa Travel Management
B.P. 4125
Av du Général de Gaulle
Tel/fax: +237-222-0614
B.P. 2513, Bonanjo Tel: +237-343-8172
Agence Safar Tour
Fax: +237-343-8172
Inside Hilton Tel: +237-222-8703
Cameroun Horizon
Fax: +237-222-8761
B.P. 3237 Tel: +237-342-9424
Cameroon Travel Center
Fax: +237-343-0980
B.P. 6977 Tel: +237-222-6221
Hemisphere Voyages
Fax: +237-222-6705
1181 Bd de la Liberté B.P. 4640
Jully Voyages
Tel: +237-342-4232
B.P. 6064
Fax: +237-342-4213
Tel: +237-222-1448 Fax: +237-222-2717
Trans Africa Tours B.P. 15435 Tel: +237-342-9004 Fax: +237-343-8307
BIBLIOGRAPHY
WEBSITES
Le Petit Futé, 2002 Cameroon, The Bradt Travel Guide, Ben West, 2004
www.cameroon-info.net
Zoom Douala, 2002, 2003
www.cameroonnews.com
Zoom Yaoundé, 2002–2003
www.cameroononline.org
Le Cameroun: Guide Pratique du Voyageur, 2003
www.cameroonzoom.com www.cameroun-plus.com www.camnet.cm/celcom/homepr.htm
241
LEISURE
COMPANY INDEX Agriculture & Forestry Cameroon Development Corporation...................................................................................................page 102 Hevecam...............................................................................................................................................page 103 Hydrochem Cameroun.......................................................................................................................page 103 Maiscam......................................................................................................................................................page 106 Pamol Plantations Limited..........................................................................................................................page 107 Patrice Bois S.A........................................................................................................................................page 108 SOCAPALM Société Camerounaise des Palmeraies...................................................................................page 109 Société de Developpement du Cacao SODECAO....................................................................................page 109 Société des Palmeraies de la Ferme Suisse............................................................................................page 110 Sodecoton....................................................................................................................................................page 110 SPNP-SBM-PHP Compagnie Fruitere...........................................................................................................page 110
Energy & Mining Agence de Régulation du Secteur de L’Electricité..................................................................................page 117 Caisse de Stabilisation des Prix des Hydrocarbures................................................................................page 120 First Oil Cameroon SA..............................................................................................................................page 121 Société Camerounaise des Dépôts Petroliers...........................................................................................page 120 Société Nationale des Eaux du Cameroun...............................................................................................page 121 Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures........................................................................................................page 121 Texaco Cameroun......................................................................................................................................page 122
Finance Afriland First Bank...................................................................................................................................page 127 Agence de Regulation des Marchés Publics..........................................................................................page 127 AGF Cameroun Assourances.....................................................................................................................page 129 Banque des Etats de L’Afrique Centrale.................................................................................................page 129 Cameroon Debt Recovery Company.......................................................................................................page 130 Commercial Bank of Cameroon ...........................................................................................................page 130 Douala Stock Exchange..............................................................................................................................page 133 Douanes Camerounaises............................................................................................................................page 133 Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale..................................................................................................page 134 Credit Lyonnais Cameroun....................................................................................................................page 134 Ecobank Cameroon............................................................................................................................page 134 Fonds D’Equipement et d’Intervention Intercommunale.......................................................................page 135 Société Générale de Banque au Cameroun........................................................................................page 135 Société Nationale d’Investissement du Cameroun................................................................................page 136
242
LEISURE
COMPANY INDEX Industry & Trade Alucam Socatral...............................................................................................................................page 142 British American Tobacco Cemac........................................................................................................page 143 Complexe Chimique Camerounais.........................................................................................................page 146 Cotonniére Industrielle du Cameroun....................................................................................................page 146 Groupe Fadoul........................................................................................................................................page 146 Groupement Interpatronal du Cameroun...........................................................................................page 147 Guichet Unique des Operations du Commerce Exterieur.................................................................page 147 Sefimex International S.A......................................................................................................................page 148 SIAC Brasserie Iseinbeck S.A.................................................................................................................page 148 Société Anonyme des Brasseries du Cameroun. ..............................................................................page 149 Société Grand Moulin du Cameroun..............................................................................................page 142
Public Works Mission D’Aménagement des Terrains Urbains et Ruraux...................................................................page 157 Sho-Cameroun Tractafric...................................................................................................................page 161 Sociét é Immobiliére du Cameroun.....................................................................................................page 161
Tourism Akwa Palace Hotel..................................................................................................................................page 166 Djeuga Palace Hotel...........................................................................................................................page 166 Hilton Yaounde.........................................................................................................................................page 166 Hotel Mont Fébé........................................................................................................................................page 168 Mercure Yaoundé Centre..........................................................................................................................page 169
Transport & Communication Aeroports du Cameroun.........................................................................................................................page 176 Agence de Regulation des Telecommunications.....................................................................................page 177 Autorite Portuaire Nationale................................................................................................................page 178 Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority........................................................................................................page 180 Cameroon Postal Services........................................................................................................................page 180 Camrail......................................................................................................................................................page 180 DHL International Cameroon SARL.........................................................................................................page 181 Iccnet Group.........................................................................................................................................page 181 MTN Cameroon.........................................................................................................................................page 182 Orange Cameroun S.A.............................................................................................................................page 182 Port Autonome de Douala......................................................................................................................page 182 Sitrafer S.A.........................................................................................................................................page 183 Societe Camerounaise de Transport Urbain SOCATUR........................................................................page 183
243
www.winne.com
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