The political capital of Cameroon, Yaoundé, is preparing to become the nerve center of international mining discussions with the holding of the 4th edition of the International Convention of Mines and Exhibitions of Cameroon (CIMEC), under the very high patronage of Paul Biya, president of the Republic. From May 22 to 24, 2024, the city will also host the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), marking a pivotal week for the future of the mining sector in the sub-region .
CIMEC, presented by Fuh Calistus Gentry, Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, aspires to establish Yaoundé as a negotiation hub for the financing of mining projects, taking advantage of its mining potential, the bilingualism of its population and its strategic geographical position. The event aims to highlight Cameroon as a new mining producing country, with four mining projects launched in 2023, and to present opportunities in the Cameroonian mining sector.
At the May 15, 2024 press conference, Minister Gentry highlighted critical discussions ahead, including analysis of the report on minerals critical to the energy transition and the OACPS response to the proposal of the EU regarding the supply of raw materials. A crucial point will be the choice of the place of processing of these raw materials, a decision which could be played out between Europe and the OACPS countries.
Fuh Calistus Gentry launched a vibrant appeal to major players in finance, insurance, law, research, the environment and industry to participate in this major event. It underlines the importance of the mining sector as a catalyst for structural change in the region’s economies and as the basis of an import-substitution strategy for endogenous, inclusive and sustainable development.
As Yaoundé prepares to host these large-scale events, the eyes of the international community are turning to Cameroon, anticipating decisions that could redefine the economic and industrial landscape of the sub-region. With implications extending well beyond Cameroon’s borders, CIMEC and the OACPS Council of Ministers could well mark a turning point for the exploitation of mineral resources in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
