DISTRIBUTION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS : Tradex Expands Its Network in Cameroon with the Inauguration of Its 84th Service Station

(LVDE) – This strategic development by Tradex S.A. in Cameroon, marked by the opening of a new service station on the outskirts of Yaoundé, reflects the company’s commitment to being closer to consumers while consolidating its position as the market leader in the hydrocarbons sector.

The national petroleum distribution company, Tradex S.A., recently inaugurated a new service station in Nkolotou’outou, a fast-growing neighborhood on the outskirts of Yaoundé. This opening, which brings the total number of operational stations to 84, marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy. With over 40% market share, Tradex stands as the undisputed leader in petroleum distribution in Cameroon.

Over the past decade, Tradex has invested nearly 100 billion CFA francs in expanding its network. These investments have not only extended its geographical coverage but also contributed to the creation of around 5,000 jobs, including 2,500 in Cameroon. The inauguration of the Nkolotou’outou station responds to the growing demand for fuel and domestic gas supply services in peri-urban areas, offering motorists, motorbike taxi drivers, and households easy access to gasoline, diesel, and gas cylinders in various sizes.

This new station goes beyond fuel sales. It also offers a range of lubricants and other everyday consumer products, turning the site into a true community service point. Through this initiative, Tradex aims to meet the daily energy needs of the population while bringing its services closer to consumers in areas far from urban centers.

The station’s opening also had a positive social impact : several young people from the neighborhood were recruited to operate the site, reinforcing the local economic dimension of this initiative. By integrating Nkolotou’outou into its network, Tradex aims not only to relieve congestion at downtown stations but also to ensure regular supply in peripheral areas.

Tradex currently manages a network of 107 service stations across four Central African countries : Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea. At Nkolotou’outou, the company is reinforcing its commitment to consumers while consolidating its role as a strategic partner of the State in the energy sector. During the inauguration ceremony, Emmanuel Patrick Mvondo, General Manager of Tradex, emphasized : “Our deployment in rural areas sends a message to Cameroonians : they must understand that Tradex is their service, wherever they are across the national territory.”

This opening comes as Tradex strengthens its institutional legitimacy. In September 2024, the company obtained the renewal of its D1 license, enabling it to continue distribution activities nationwide until 2029. Between 2019 and 2024, Tradex increased its market share from 22.4% to 27% in the retail segment, while building 23 new facilities for large consumers.

The figures speak for themselves : between 2019 and 2024, Tradex invested about 8.2 billion CFA francs in infrastructure, selling nearly 2 million cubic meters of petroleum products over the period. The company’s revenue also showed strong growth, rising from 291.3 billion CFA francs in 2019 to 387.3 billion in 2023, an increase of 32%. Net profit doubled to 14.7 billion CFA francs, a record since the company’s creation.

With these results, Tradex is not only maintaining its position but also aiming to become a regional reference player in Central Africa. The Nkolotou’outou station perfectly illustrates this approach, combining geographical expansion with consumer proximity. By positioning itself as both an energy supplier and a job creator, Tradex is also acting as a facilitator of daily life.

At the inauguration, Nathalie Moudiki, representative of the Board of Directors, reaffirmed this vision: “We will continue with resilience to put all our passion and determination at the service of improving the well-being of the population and ensuring the energy sovereignty of our country.”

It should be recalled that the opening of the Nkolotou’outou station represents another milestone in Tradex’s expansion plan, positioning the company as a key player in Cameroon’s energy supply. By focusing on proximity and diversified services, Tradex reinforces its role as the operational arm of the State in the petroleum sector, while committing to meeting the growing needs of consumers.

Esther Grace