ICBEC: The Economic and Cultural Bridge Between India and Cameroon

Mrs. Fomene Eveline, you wear many hats—could you present your background and the structures you lead?

I am first and foremost a businesswoman committed to international trade, specializing in exchange axes between Cameroon and India. Parallel to that, I nurture a deep passion for art as a Cameroonian artist and coordinator of the musical art club of the Batcham arrondissement. On the entrepreneurship side, I lead several entities, notably Global Service, a platform designed to oversee operations such as import-export, homologation procedures, international logistics, as well as the health accompaniment of Cameroonian patients traveling to India for care. I also preside over ICBEC, an organization dedicated to economic cooperation.

What is the genesis of ICBEC and what are its objectives?

The creation of this structure stems directly from a visit organized for Cameroonian SMEs at the invitation of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy and Craftsmanship, during a trade fair. This contact revealed a pressing need: enabling our productive structures to more easily access cutting-edge Indian technologies. Subsequently, during my stays in India, I exchanged with investors who highlighted unsuspected opportunities, notably the nutritional virtues of cassava flour, favorably compared to wheat flour in terms of health.

ICBEC therefore aims to establish a direct bridge between Cameroonian SME promoters and leading Indian investors or partners. Our mission is to accelerate the growth and technological development of our enterprises. To achieve this sustainably, we call on the State to support our approach in order to multiply this impact on the ground.

You mention the promotion of "Made in Cameroon" and the import-substitution dynamic. You recently participated in a major fair in India. What assessment do you draw from this participation and what concrete outlets have you secured?

This fair constituted a powerful launchpad for the entrenchment and dissemination of Cameroonian know-how internationally. The edition particularly emphasized the construction and materials sector. Cameroon presented itself with remarkable wood essences that strongly appealed to the Indian public and professionals, alongside our flagship products—cocoa and coffee—whose consumption continues to grow in this region of the world. Beyond this showcase, we are already actively preparing the next edition, scheduled for June 3 to 6 next year in New Delhi. Our ambition is to erect a Cameroonian pavilion of significant scale, capable of showcasing the full extent of our industrial and artisanal potential.

Is this international engagement already producing perceptible effects on the ground for local entrepreneurs?

Absolutely. The Cameroonian pavilion brought together a delegation of 17 nationals, including entrepreneurs, students, and project carriers from the diaspora. This synergy validates our initial approach: creating direct contacts, without superfluous intermediaries, between Cameroonian exporters and solid Indian suppliers or partners. Feedback confirms that this networking generates emulation and concrete business opportunities.

You are also spearheading a large-scale project to organize a fair in Cameroon, bringing together Indian and local investors. Where does this initiative stand and what are your expectations for its realization?

This is a major project for which the foundations are solidly laid. Despite the usual administrative hurdles, discussions with Indian organizers have culminated, and the dates are now set. This platform aims to gather engineers, students, SMEs, and investors from both nations. Furthermore, we wish to imbue it with a strong cultural dimension through the participation of Indian artists. To transform the trial into a resounding success for our economy, we are seeking increased support from public authorities and national institutions.

Propos recueillis par EWC