MADE IN CAMEROON WEEKENDS : The 7th edition postponed for security reasons

(LVDE) – According to the organizing committee, the event—open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and initially scheduled for October 30 to November 2—will now take place from November 27 to 30, 2025, at the Douala Grand Mall, due to post-election security concerns.

The city of Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub, is preparing to host the 7th edition of the “Made in Cameroon Weekends,” now rescheduled for November 27–30, 2025. The date change—originally set for late October—was made following security concerns linked to post-electoral tensions, including incidents of looting and arson affecting local businesses. Jean Pierre Mbanga, President of Legends Association and co-organizer of the event, explained that the decision was taken at the request of exhibitors concerned about their safety.

The event, to be held on the esplanade of the Douala Grand Mall, will focus on the theme : “Boosting Local Entrepreneurship : Made in Cameroon at the Heart of the Import-Substitution Policy.” Organizers expect around 5,000 visitors and nearly 50 exhibitors, a lower turnout compared to previous editions. This decrease is attributed to both security concerns and limited space within the venue.

Over four days, the program will feature a variety of activities, including fashion, food, cosmetics, and crafts exhibitions and sales, as well as conferences, entertainment sessions, and product tastings. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their products to a diverse audience of visitors, representatives from major retail chains, standardization agencies, and professionals from the hospitality and food industries.

Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to promote local craftsmanship and production while encouraging the consumption of homegrown products, in line with the government’s import-substitution policy. Now considered an annual flagship event, it plays a vital role in boosting visibility for “Made in Cameroon” products.

This approach also reflects a broader trend : local products are gaining traction in major retail outlets. Notably, Carrefour now features tens of thousands of Cameroonian product references across its supermarkets. In 2023, Guillaume Tanne, Chief Financial Officer of CFAO Retail Cameroon, revealed that 40% of Carrefour’s sales came from locally made products—up from 30–35% just a few years earlier.

Despite this progress, challenges remain concerning standards, quality, and packaging of local products. The event’s organizers highlight the importance of holding expert-led conferences to raise awareness among SMEs and artisans about quality control and standardization, helping them better align with market requirements.

In summary, although the 7th edition of the “Made in Cameroon Weekends” has been postponed, its core mission—to promote local know-how and support entrepreneurship—remains unchanged. Industry stakeholders hope the event will further strengthen the presence of Cameroonian products on both domestic and international markets, while advancing the import-substitution strategy championed by the State.

Esther Grâce