New agro-industrial plant in Bangou targets African markets under AfCFTA

The agro-food processing facility in Bangou, located within the Hauts-Plateaux Department of the West Region, was formally inaugurated by the Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana.

Developed by META INVEST, the company behind the Denky brand, this industrial unit was launched in the presence of Gabriel Mbairobe, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. The ceremony drew a significant crowd, including administrative officials, business leaders, and local residents eager to witness the milestone.

Constructed on a three-hectare plot provided by the State of Cameroon, the factory focuses on processing corn, potatoes, and regional fruits. With an annual output capacity of 5,200 tons, it will produce five major consumer goods. The promoter, Lisette Claudia Tame Soumedjong, intends to distribute these products across all 360 districts of Cameroon, as well as to neighboring countries and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The project is expected to generate over 100 direct jobs and approximately 450 indirect roles.

Lisette Claudia Tame Soumedjong, Managing Director of META INVEST, brings significant experience to this venture. This inauguration follows her previous successful projects, including a cocoa processing plant in Mbankomo near Yaoundé, launched in early 2025 under the Africa Processing Company, and another facility in Dimako, East Region, opened later that same year.

The Minister of Commerce noted that this project aligns with the national strategy for structural economic transformation. This policy, championed by President Paul Biya, emphasizes the industrialization of Cameroon through the local processing of agricultural raw materials to increase their market value. This new unit supports both import-substitution efforts and strategic regional development.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the strategic role of this industrial tool within the AfCFTA framework. With a population of 1.3 billion, Africa represents a massive single market. The Bangou facility positions Cameroonian products to reach consumers across the continent and beyond. The initiative by META INVEST is viewed as a catalyst for regional agricultural growth, youth employment, and the promotion of the “Made in Cameroon” brand.