SOMDIA SUBSIDIARIES ACQUISITION : Ecobank Cameroon, financial partner of Cadyst Group

(LVDE) – Ecobank Cameroon has positioned itself as a key player by facilitating Cadyst Group’s acquisition of the milling companies SGMC in Cameroon and SGMP in the Republic of Congo. This strategic move not only strengthens Cadyst’s market position but also represents a significant step toward regional integration.

Ecobank Cameroon, a subsidiary of the pan-African Ecobank Group, recently announced its role as a financial partner in a major transaction. The Cadyst Group, a leading player in Cameroon’s agri-food industry, has finalized the acquisition of Société des Grands Moulins du Cameroun (SGMC) and Société les Grands Moulins du Phare (SGMP) in Congo, with substantial financial backing from the bank. This operation, involving significant investment volumes, expands Cadyst’s footprint in the regional market.

By integrating these two companies, Cadyst Group makes a decisive strategic leap in the milling industry, where it is already active through its subsidiary Cadyst Grain (formerly La Pasta SA). This expansion will not only increase its production capacity but also consolidate its influence in a rapidly growing market. Economists estimate that the demand for cereal-based products, particularly flour, has risen by around 15% in recent years—a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.

Ecobank’s role in this acquisition goes beyond financial support; it also reflects a strong commitment to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By facilitating cross-border transactions of this scale, Ecobank is helping Cameroonian companies position themselves as continental leaders while fostering economic integration across Africa.

The merger creates an agro-industrial hub capable of enhancing food security and stabilizing the supply chain for wheat and flour in Central Africa. In a region often affected by import dependency, this initiative aims to ensure that basic food needs are increasingly met through local production. For both consumers and producers, the increase in local output could translate into more competitive prices and better product availability.

At the same time, this strategic move is expected to have positive ripple effects across the regional economy by stimulating investment. Experts predict that the acquisition could generate up to 1,000 new jobs in both Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, helping to boost employment in regions seeking stronger economic opportunities. Related sectors such as supply, transport, and logistics are also expected to benefit from this new momentum.

Ecobank’s contribution—through innovative financing solutions—underscores its role as a catalyst for economic development in Cameroon. With its ongoing commitment to strengthening infrastructure and supporting local enterprises, the bank continues to position itself as a preferred partner for strategic initiatives driving growth and integration across Africa. Tressy Chouente