West Region: Trade minister inaugurates agro-processing plant in Bangou.

According to the ministry, the new industrial unit is dedicated to the transformation of locally produced agricultural resources. 

The ministry disclosed that the facility is built on a three-hectare site granted by the State and will process maize, potatoes and fruits grown in the region.

The facility is said to have an annual processing capacity of 5,200 tonnes and will produce five consumer products. 

Its promoter, Lisette Claudia Tame Soumedjong, plans to market the products throughout the country’s 360 subdivisions, as well as in neighbouring countries and across the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, market.

The company estimates that the project will create more than 100 direct jobs and nearly 450 indirect jobs. 

The facility is expected to support agricultural production in the West Region by providing an outlet for local farmers and processors.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Mbarga Atangana said the project forms part of efforts to increase local transformation of agricultural raw materials.

“This operation, like the previous ones, is in line with the policy of structural transformation of our economy prescribed by the Head of State, President Paul Biya. It is based on the industrialisation of the country through, among other measures, the local processing of our raw materials, particularly agricultural products, with a view to enhancing their value,” the minister said.

He added that the new factory contributes to policies aimed at import substitution and balanced territorial development through the establishment of industrial activities in production areas. 

He further highlighted opportunities linked to AfCFTA, with a market that offers access to more than 1.3 billion consumers across the continent.

“Thanks to this factory, products from Bangou will now be able to reach consumers throughout Africa and beyond. The AfCFTA provides access to a vast market and opens new prospects for locally processed products,” the minister said.

The member of government said the project is expected to generate opportunities through the development of regional agricultural production, employment creation for young people, training in new professions and the promotion of locally manufactured products.

The ministry revealed that the Bangou factory is the latest industrial investment led by Lisette Claudia Tame Soumedjong. 

It follows the inauguration of a cocoa-processing plant in Mbankomo on 15 January 2025 under Africa Processing Company and another processing facility in Dimako in the East Region on 28 November 2025.

Authorities also indicated that the initiative will support the promotion of the Made in Cameroon label while creating new market opportunities for processed agricultural products produced in Bangou.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3834 of Wednesday July 01, 2026