JEICOM 2025: A Springboard for Municipal Autonomy and the Rise of Cameroonian Cocoa

Under the visionary leadership of FEICOM, the event marked a decisive turning point for local development

Yaounde, June 4, 2025 — The third edition of the International Economic Days of Cameroonian Municipalities (JEICOM) ended on a triumphant note, establishing Yaounde as the epicentre of territorial development and economic cooperation. From June 2 to 4, 2025, the Yaounde Conference Centre buzzed with fruitful exchanges, strategic announcements, and ambitious partnerships—all under the esteemed patronage of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul BIYA, represented by the Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute.

An Opening Ceremony Marked by Commitment

The inaugural ceremony, distinguished by remarkable solemnity, brought together a distinguished gathering of personalities: government officials, ambassadors, parliamentarians, mayors, traditional leaders, and representatives of leading financial institutions. In his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the urgency of effective decentralization, emphasizing that "municipalities are now the indispensable pillars of local development." A message that resonated deeply with the hundreds of mayors present, determined to seize the opportunities offered by new legislation.

JEICOM 2025: A Hub of Opportunities

With over 400 exhibitors and 7,000 daily visitors, this edition shattered all records. The trade fair, centred on the theme "From Production Municipalities to Project Maturation and Realization," provided the ideal setting for B2B meetings, technical workshops, and advocacy sessions. The stands of financial institutions like the AfDB and BDEAC were flooded, reflecting municipalities' growing appetite for innovative financing.

Among foreign delegations, those from Morocco, Turkey, and the European Union showed keen interest in Cameroonian projects, paving the way for unprecedented transnational collaborations.

SODECAO: The Star Player of the Event

If one name captured attention during these days, it was the Cocoa Development Corporation (SODECAO). Under the dynamic leadership of its Director General, Eko'o Akoafane Jean Claude, the company emerged as the indispensable partner for municipalities seeking to diversify their revenues through agro-industry.

A Strong Leadership

From day one, SODECAO's DG made an impact by officially launching the "One Municipality, One Cocoa Plantation" initiative on CRTV airwaves. An announcement perceived as a revolution for local governments, now encouraged to integrate cocoa farming into their development strategies.

"Our goal is clear: to make cocoa a growth lever for all Cameroonian municipalities. With modern techniques and tailored support, we can turn this vision into reality," declared Mr. Eko'o Akouafane.

A Coveted Exhibition Stand

SODECAO's stand, a true showcase of national expertise, was one of the most visited at the event. Attendees admired the now-famous pyramid of cocoa pods. But beyond the spectacle, it was the company's know-how that impressed: demonstrations of agro forestry systems, workshops on local processing, and presentations on cocoa's commercial prospects.

Among the distinguished visitors were mayors from across the country, development agency officials, and even agronomy students—all eager to draw inspiration from SODECAO's model. "What this company is doing is exemplary. We’re leaving with concrete ideas for our municipalities," shared the Mayor of Bangangte, visibly impressed.

Partnerships Opening New Horizons

JEICOM 2025 also provided SODECAO with opportunities to forge strategic alliances:

• With the Technical Centre for Municipal Forests: A planned partnership to create 5,000 hectares of agro forestry plots, including a 500-hectare pilot phase. A project poised to boost production while preserving ecosystems.

• With BDEAC: Advanced discussions took place for ambitious funding to expand SODECAO's activities. "We believe in this company's potential and are ready to support it," assured the Head of Project Division at BDEAC.

A Long-Term Vision

When asked about future prospects, SODECAO's DG did not hide his ambitions: "We aim to make SODECAO an African model for agro-industrial development. JEICOM gave us an exceptional platform to share this vision."

Proof of this commitment, the company already plans support missions in several municipalities, along with training 500 young producers by the end of 2025.

A Success Calling for Sustained Momentum

JEICOM 2025 undoubtedly achieved its goals: strengthening municipal capacities, facilitating access to financing, and stimulating partnerships. But beyond numbers and declarations, it is the emergence of players like SODECAO that gives this event its true meaning.

Cameroon has all the assets to become an African leader in sustainable cocoa. SODECAO will be its spearhead," concluded MINDDEVEL, Georges Elanga Obam, during the closing ceremony

By NJK and M. MABOU