Cameroon and the Central African Republic have launched a $3 million initiative aimed at improving cross-border trade, strengthening regional supply chains and creating economic opportunities for communities in Central Africa.
The project, known as the Project to Support the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (PAMOZ), is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and will run for 24 months with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The initiative was officially launched in Yaoundé on October 6, bringing together government officials from both countries, regional organisations, private-sector representatives, financial institutions, civil society groups and development partners.
Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc-Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and the Central African Republic’s Ambassador-Designate to Cameroon, Jeannette Marcelle Gotchanga, led the launch.
Speaking at the event, Mbarga Atangana said the project demonstrated Cameroon’s commitment to using the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote inclusive economic growth and strengthen regional integration.
He explained that improving the capacity of cross-border traders and creating a more supportive business environment would help unlock opportunities for businesses and local communities.
Over the next two years, PAMOZ will work with government institutions, businesses and border communities to improve trade procedures, develop regional value chains and expand access to economic opportunities. Women, young people, entrepreneurs, traders and transport operators are among the groups expected to benefit from the initiative.
The project is particularly important to the Central African Republic, which relies on neighbouring countries for access to regional and international markets because it is landlocked.
World Bank trade data show that the Central African Republic recorded approximately $984 million in merchandise trade in 2024, including $779 million in imports. Cameroon, one of the subregion’s major trading economies, recorded merchandise exports of about $5 billion and imports of $8.3 billion.
The figures highlight the economic importance of the corridor linking the two countries, where improved transport and border processes could help businesses reach new markets, reduce trade obstacles and strengthen local livelihoods.
Gotchanga described closer cooperation between both countries as essential to removing trade constraints, building stronger economic relationships and supporting sustainable development.
She said PAMOZ represented a significant step towards improving regional connectivity and promoting shared prosperity.
The initiative also supports the wider objectives of the AfCFTA, which seeks to strengthen economic cooperation across Africa. Beyond facilitating the movement of goods, regional integration depends on the ability of people, skills, services and investments to move across borders safely and efficiently.
Representing the AfDB Director General for Central Africa, the bank’s Country Programme Officer for Cameroon, Pierre Ollame Bekale, said regional integration should connect African businesses to broader markets and value chains while creating employment opportunities and encouraging inclusive growth.
He added that enabling people, businesses, skills and investment to move more freely was essential to translating the AfCFTA’s objectives into tangible economic benefits.
For IOM, the project provides an opportunity to connect migration governance with trade facilitation and local economic development.
IOM Chief of Mission in Cameroon, Abdel Rahmane Diop, said safe and well-managed human mobility couldcontribute significantly to trade, economic development and regional integration.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting both governments in using mobility to create opportunities, strengthen resilience and promote shared prosperity.
PAMOZ will also focus on ensuring that women, young people and other groups involved in cross-border economic activities can participate more fully in the opportunities created by the AfCFTA.
Through stronger cooperation, improved trade processes and more inclusive economic participation, the initiative seeks to build a more connected regional economy and improve access to markets and livelihoods for communities in Cameroon and the Central African Republic.
