TRADEX S.A. : Expanding operations in the Far North Region

(LVDE) – On October 8, 2025, a delegation led by Managing Director Emmanuel Patrick Mvondo visited Mora to explore opportunities for establishing a new service station in this strategic area. Through this initiative, the Cameroonian petroleum products distributor aims to strengthen its territorial presence in this part of the country.

In a context where Cameroon’s hydrocarbon market is undergoing profound transformation, Tradex, one of the country’s leading petroleum distributors, is seeking to reinforce its footprint in the Far North Region. On October 8, 2025, a delegation from the company’s top management travelled to Mora, the chief town of the Mayo-Sava Division, to meet with local authorities and assess the feasibility of opening a new service station.

Led by Emmanuel Patrick Mvondo, Managing Director of Tradex, the mission aimed to discuss favorable conditions for establishing the outlet with Chetima Hamidou, the Mayor of Mora. A former high school principal and hydrocarbons expert, the mayor expressed particular interest in the project. The discussions were described as “fruitful” by Tradex, which believes its future growth in the Far North could soon be anchored in this locality.

Since its creation in 1999, Tradex has become a key player in Cameroon’s petroleum sector, operating a network of 83 service stations nationwide. However, its presence in the Far North remains limited, with only three outlets currently located in Maroua and Kaélé. The new initiative aims to fill this gap in a region often affected by fuel shortages due to its distance from major logistical depots.

The establishment of a service station in Mora responds to a dual objective. On one hand, it will improve fuel access in a landlocked zone where residents frequently experience supply disruptions. On the other, Tradex intends to leverage the economic potential of the transport corridor linking Cameroon with Nigeria and Chad, a strategic axis within the Lake Chad Basin.

However, the company faces a challenging competitive environment, notably due to the smuggling of fuel from Nigeria. This illicit fuel, often sold below formal market prices, poses a major challenge for Tradex, which must strike a balance between competitiveness and supply security. To succeed, the company will also need to strengthen consumer proximity and provide quality service to stand out in a constantly evolving market.

Tradex’s ambitions in Mora form part of a broader economic development dynamic for the Far North. By improving access to petroleum products, the company can contribute to revitalizing the region’s economy. The presence of a service station could also generate local jobs and stimulate complementary business activities.

In conclusion, Tradex’s initiative in Mora represents a significant step in its national expansion strategy. As the Far North Region continues to face logistical and economic challenges, the establishment of a new service station could play a key role in improving consumer access to fuel and reinforcing Cameroon’s petroleum distribution network. The success of this project will depend on Tradex’s ability to navigate a complex environment while addressing the needs of local communities.

Raphael Mforlem