An economic forum in Yaounde has opened a new chapter in trade relations between Cameroon and Thailand, with both sides identifying Cameroon as a strategic entry point into the wider Central African market. The maiden Thailand Cameroon Business Matching Forum 2026, held on February 18 under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts of Cameroon, brought together leading businesses and policymakers to explore partnerships across multiple sectors.
The event gathered 11 Thai economic operators on a prospecting mission to Cameroon. The delegation was led by Kanokpun Phattraprinsiri, Director of the Thailand Trade Centre in Abuja, which oversees trade promotion across 21 African countries. Their participation signals Thailand’s intention to deepen commercial engagement not only with Cameroon but with the broader Central African subregion.
Priority sectors highlighted during the forum included agriculture, agro industry, automotive lubricants, security systems, food and beverages, and energy saving technologies. Thai companies showcased a range of products and solutions tailored to emerging market needs. These included agricultural machinery designed to boost productivity, tea based beverages, processed snacks and biscuits, cosmetics, industrial and automotive lubricants, locks and security equipment, and air conditioning systems for both residential and commercial use.
Cameroon’s appeal lies in its geographic and economic positioning. Often described as Africa in miniature because of its diverse resources and ecosystems, the country serves as a commercial bridge between West and Central Africa. It is a member of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, which provides access to a regional market of over 50 million consumers using a common currency. For Thai exporters and investors, establishing a foothold in Cameroon could facilitate expansion into neighboring markets such as Chad, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of Congo.
Organisers emphasized that the forum was not an isolated initiative but part of broader diplomatic and economic engagements between the two governments. Earlier state level discussions laid the groundwork for stronger institutional collaboration, with trade and investment identified as pillars of bilateral cooperation. The business matching event translated those policy conversations into direct company to company interactions, allowing firms to explore distribution agreements, joint ventures, and technology transfer opportunities.
To build investor confidence, participants were briefed on arbitration and conciliation mechanisms available in Cameroon for the amicable settlement of commercial disputes. This step reflects a growing recognition that transparent dispute resolution frameworks are critical to attracting foreign direct investment. By clarifying legal protections and recourse mechanisms, Cameroonian authorities aim to reassure prospective Thai partners that their investments will operate within a predictable regulatory environment.
Agriculture and agro industry featured prominently in discussions, reflecting Cameroon’s ambition to transform its agricultural potential into higher value exports. Thai expertise in agro processing, irrigation systems, and food manufacturing could complement local production of cocoa, coffee, palm oil, cassava, and other staples. Collaboration in energy saving technologies also aligns with Cameroon’s efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve energy efficiency amid rising urban demand.
For Thailand, expanding into Central Africa diversifies export destinations and strengthens South South economic ties at a time of shifting global trade patterns. Thai manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond traditional markets in Asia and Europe to tap into Africa’s youthful population and growing consumer base. Cameroon’s relative political stability and port access through Douala enhance its attractiveness as a logistics hub.
The forum concluded with expressions of mutual commitment to translate discussions into concrete partnerships. While memoranda of understanding and supply agreements may take time to materialise, both sides framed the meeting as a foundation for sustained economic engagement.
As global supply chains continue to evolve, initiatives such as the Thailand Cameroon Business Matching Forum illustrate how emerging economies are forging direct links to unlock new growth corridors. If follow through matches ambition, Cameroon could strengthen its role as a commercial gateway to Central Africa, while Thai firms gain early mover advantage in a region with significant untapped potential.
