SAGO 2026 – 15th Edition
SAGO 2026 – 15th Edition
The Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (ai), Professor FUH CALISTUS Gentry, today delivered a conference presentation as part of the implementation and operationalization of actions undertaken by the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT) in line with the theme of SAGO 2026: “Public–Private Sector Partnership: A driving force for an Emerging Cameroon.”
In his address, the Government representative highlighted a range of key issues, notably achievements recorded in the mining sector, as well as initiatives undertaken in the industrial and technological sectors.
Mining Sector
The Minister underscored the success of the year 2025, noting that under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Cameroon has effectively become a mining nation with the commencement of production in five major mining projects:
The Bipindi–Grand Zambi iron ore mining project;
The Kribi-Lobé iron ore mining project;
The Minim-Martap industrial bauxite mining project;
The Bidzar industrial marble mining project;
The Colomine gold mining project.
With regard to MINMIDT’s priorities for 2026, emphasis is being placed on monitoring projects currently entering the production phase, including the Mbalam, Nkout and Ngovayang iron ore projects, as well as the Mborguéné and Bibemi gold mining projects. Together, these developments structure Cameroon’s mining industry around four major value chains:
Iron;
Bauxite;
Limestone;
Gold.
Furthermore, MINMIDT has recently initiated decisive measures aimed at sanitizing the semi-mechanized artisanal gold mining sector in order to safeguard the interests of the State.
1. Environmental Measures:
The payment of an environmental restoration bond amounting to CFAF 63 million, refundable upon the rehabilitation of mining sites.
2. Fiscal Measures:
Compliance with tax obligations, including:
A 25% simplified mining tax;
A 5% export duty.
3. Legal Measures:
Compliance with the requirement that Cameroonian nationals hold a majority stake in the share capital of legal entities benefiting from semi-mechanized artisanal mining authorizations.
4. Technical Measures:
Compliance with the minimum production threshold of five (5) kilograms of gold per month for each mining site equipped with ten (10) processing units.
5. Technological Measures:
Migration, after six (6) months of operation, to a closed-circuit mineralized gravel processing system.
To date, more than one hundred (100) companies are facing legal proceedings, while twenty-two (22) others are undergoing formalization. Based on the minimum production threshold of five (5) kilograms per month, projected annual output currently stands at 1,320 kilograms of gold, with a minimum expected collection of 380 kilograms by the National Mining Company (SONAMINES).
The benefits of this restructuring initiative are considerable. Should one hundred (100) illegal mining sites be regularized, projected revenues would amount to CFAF 8.64 billion. If two hundred (200) sites comply with the restructuring measures, revenues could reach CFAF 17.28 billion.
Industrial Development
On the industrial front, actions undertaken by MINMIDT have led to the establishment of integrated value chains aimed at strengthening the implementation of the import-substitution policy championed by the President of the Republic.
Notable achievements include:
The development of value chains for the transformation of clay and feldspar into ceramic tiles;
The development of the bauxite–alumina–aluminium value chain;
The development of the limestone–clinker–cement value chain;
The development of the iron ore–iron beneficiation–iron billet value chain;
The development of the timber industry, supported by the operationalization of the Specialized Industrial Economic Zones of Edéa and Bertoua, with backing from development partners;
The development of the textile industry through the ongoing restructuring of CICAM. In addition, preparations for the establishment of a cotton-processing industrial park in Garoua are at an advanced stage and are expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs by 2028;
The expansion of the agro-industrial sector through the local processing of cocoa, sugar, flour and pasta products, alongside continued progress on the Ouassa-Babouté Agro-Industrial Technopole project;
The development of the domestic energy subsector through the establishment of local industrial facilities for the manufacture of gas cylinders, thereby strengthening household energy security.
Technological Development
In the area of technological development, MINMIDT has also launched a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the national innovation ecosystem. These include support to universities and specialized institutions through the provision of laboratory equipment and the establishment of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs).
The Ministry has also revived the National Technology Days (JTN), providing an opportunity for Cameroonian youth to benefit from the innovation financing facility established by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and its partners, notably the African Guarantee Fund (AGF).
Furthermore, MINMIDT’s actions continue to consolidate Cameroon’s leadership position in Africa, not only in the area of Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin—with the Penja Pepper and Oku White Honey already registered, but also in the promotion of export-oriented products capable of competing successfully in international markets, thereby contributing to the improvement of the country’s trade balance.
The conference, which attracted a large audience, concluded on a note of satisfaction and was marked by a family photograph.
