Strengthening Trade & Investment: Day 2 of Ambassador Volkan Öskiper’s Visit to Douala
After a dynamic first day of high-level engagements and diplomatic discussions, H.E. Volkan Öskiper, Turkish Ambassador to Cameroon, continued his mission in Douala with a series of strategic visits to Turkish businesses operating in Cameroon.
The objective was clear:
- Meet with General Managers of key Turkish companies
- Understand their business operations and investment outlook
- Identify challenges and solutions
- Discuss support mechanisms from both the Turkish Embassy and Senator Ekoko Mukete, Honorary Consul of Türkiye in Douala, President of CTBC, and 1st Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Crafts (CCIMA)
Exploring Turkish Business Success in Cameroon
Yenigün A.Ş. – Japoma Stadium: A Model of Infrastructure Excellence
The day began with a visit to Japoma Stadium, an architectural landmark constructed by Yenigün A.Ş., a leading Turkish construction firm. This state-of-the-art 50,000-capacity stadium is one of Cameroon’s most versatile sports and events venues, featuring:
- A 2,000-seat indoor gymnasium
- An Olympic-size swimming pool
- Amphitheaters & media centers
- Press rooms & multipurpose halls
Beyond hosting sports events, Japoma Stadium has become a hub for cultural, religious, and entertainment events, with concerts and festivals drawing over 25,000 attendees. The stadium stands as one of the most remarkable Turkish-built infrastructures in Cameroon, reflecting Türkiye’s engineering expertise and investment in Africa.
Tona Exim SARL – A New Player in Trade & Manufacturing
Next, the delegation visited Tona Exim S.A, one of the newest Turkish investors in Cameroon, located in Yassa, Douala.
A subsidiary of TONA EXIM in Türkiye, the company is the exclusive distributor of Petrol Ofisi products in Cameroon and the West & Central African region. Tona Exim specializes in a wide range of lubricants and industrial oils, including:
- EV Fluids & Motor Oils
- Gearbox & Hydraulic Fluids
- Marine Oils
- Industrial & Cooling Oils
Notably, Tona Exim is not just focused on imports; they are also looking to export goods from Cameroon, beginning with wood and aluminum sheets. Plans are underway to set up a filter manufacturing plant in Cameroon, further expanding Turkish industrial investment in the country.
Erdem Group – Logistics & Warehousing Expansion
At Erdem Group, the delegation toured the Grouperdem logistics hub, where a 27-year concession agreement with Cameroon has allowed them to construct and operate a series of large-scale warehouses using the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
Key highlights of Erdem Group’s warehousing project:
- 5000 sqm warehouse spaces, with 250 sqm (3 storey) reserved for office use
- A total of 10 warehouses commissioned, six of which are already completed
- Collaboration with top global shipping lines operating in Cameroon
Erdem Group expressed satisfaction with Cameroon’s economic environment and confirmed their plans to expand investments, particularly in seamless logistics solutions that facilitate product storage and distribution across Cameroon and the subregion.
MEDCEM – Cement Industry & Production Challenges
A visit to MEDCEM, the first Turkish cement company in Cameroon, provided a deeper look into industrial investments in the country.
Discussions covered:
- Production capacity & cement quality
- Challenges faced by the company in maintaining production flow
- Potential solutions to improve operational efficiency
The Ambassador and his delegation took note of key concerns and pledged to explore ways to support the company in overcoming obstacles, ensuring the continuity and growth of Turkish industrial investment in Cameroon.
Maarif Schools of Cameroon – Investing in Education & Future Generations
The final visit of the day took the delegation to Maarif Schools of Cameroon (Koumassi Campus), part of a network of seven Maarif schools across Douala, Yaoundé, and Ngaoundéré.
Educational Excellence at Maarif Schools:
- Offers Cameroon’s national curriculum at international standards
- Fully equipped science and computer labs
- Multilingual education: English, French, and Turkish
- 100% pass rate in GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels for the past 3 years
Maarif Schools continue to strengthen educational and cultural ties between Türkiye and Cameroon, producing graduates with international exposure and multilingual capabilities.
Closing Remarks & Future Engagements
At the conclusion of the visits, Ambassador Öskiper engaged with the media for an exclusive interview, reflecting on his two-day visit. He shared his key takeaways and vision for strengthening Türkiye-Cameroon relations, particularly in the areas of:
- Expanding bilateral trade and investment
- Supporting industrial and infrastructure development
- Strengthening educational collaboration and cultural exchange
What’s Next? Upcoming Events & Follow-ups
The Ambassador will return to Douala on February 28, 2025, for:
- The Grand Inauguration Ceremony of Tona Exim S.A.
- A CTBC Members’ Business Networking Event
With this visit, stronger trade and investment ties between Türkiye and Cameroon are on the horizon, setting the foundation for a new chapter of economic cooperation.
Enjoy more Images from the Ambassador's Visit on our Gallery