News

CWEIC’s Cameroon, Gabon, and Togo Hub partnered with the Ministry of External Relations (MINREX), Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNSC), Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB), and FEICOM to host a high-level seminar on “Building Economic Resilience through Intra-Commonwealth Trade and Investment.”

The event was officially launched by Mrs Anne Oben, Director of the Commonwealth Department at MINREX, representing the Minister Delegate for Cooperation with the Commonwealth. The seminar brought together policymakers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and institutional leaders to explore opportunities for economic growth and cooperation across the Commonwealth.

The seminar featured an impressive line-up of participants, including the High Commissioners of South Africa and India, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission, and Mr Okie Johnson, General Manager of the Hydrocarbons Price Stabilization Fund – CWEIC’s newest Strategic Partner in the region.

Panelists were drawn from a diverse mix of institutions, including CNSC, Dee-Lite Group, the Investment Promotion Agency, SME Promotion Agency, TABWAN Support Network, Greenhouse Ventures, FEICOM, CAMTEL, TRB, and Yango Africa, among others.

Over the course of the seminar, discussions were structured around four sub-themes:

1. 1. Understanding Market and Investment Opportunities in Commonwealth Countries
   2. Opportunities and Challenges for Women and Youth-led Enterprises
   3. Industrialisation Policies in the Face of Global Challenges
   4. Harnessing the Potential of the Digital Economy

These themes provided a platform for robust dialogue on policy reviews, investment potential, and the systemic barriers to achieving shared and inclusive growth within the Commonwealth. Participants engaged in thoughtful exchanges that underscored the vital role of cooperation in driving regional development and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The quality of the discussions and the strong engagement from both panelists and attendees highlighted the relevance and timeliness of the seminar. For many participants, the event served as a pivotal moment for reflection and planning, encouraging further engagement through future forums and collaborative initiatives.

As the seminar concluded on a high note, there was a clear sense of optimism in the room — a shared belief that Commonwealth partnerships hold the key to unlocking long-term, sustainable economic resilience in the region.