The CEO

Interview with President of the CCIMC with Diaspora Magazine

Published

5 years ago

August 25, 2021

Diaspora Magazine: Can we have an idea about what the missions of the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce are?

Hon. Christophe Eken: I will first of all like to thank Diaspora Magazine for this great initiative to open the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts (CCIMC) to the public to know much about what we offer in terms of trade promotion.

The CCIMC is close to a one hundred years old. We shall be celebrating its centenary in 2021. Since its creation, the Chamber has kept to its missions which are predominantly oriented toward helping stakeholders, be they national or international, to develop their businesses. In effect, the CCIMC is a consultative and representative body in the areas of trade, industry, mines and crafts. We therefore have the arduous task of developing important activities centred on the promotion of industrial and commercial activities. That is effectively what we have stood for and are doing. In the area of economic promotion for example, the Chamber conducts periodic statistical surveys, organize seminars to upgrade skills, provide credible information to business persons and support firms, especially start-ups to gain access to markets, organise trade missions and other promotional events to encourage efforts at business creation sustenance and poverty alleviation. In a nutshell, the CCIMC provides what it takes for both the public and private sectors to build Cameroon’s economy. These essentially are the missions conferred on our institution with one of our most valued partners being Nigeria.

You talk of Nigeria being a very important trading partner with Cameroon. What would be your assessment of trade relations between both countries this far?

It is important to mention that Cameroon and Nigeria share a common border of nearly 1,700km, enjoy strong historical and cultural ties and very strategic economic relations since independence. Both governments are aware of these opportunities and there is high-level commitment to moving forward and taking advantage of the new atmosphere of cooperation amid the ever changing, competing and challenging world economic order. It is interesting to note that majority of the over three million Nigerians living in Cameroon own and run businesses especially Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which have significantly contributed to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In terms of cross border trade, Nigeria exports more than 213.000 metric tons of non-oil products to Cameroon valued at about CFA 367.735 billion FRS annually. About 40 percent of this amount accrues from products made in Nigeria.

On the other hand, Cameroon exports about 160.000 metric tons of mostly agricultural goods annually to Nigeria valued at about CFA 108,083 billion FRS. Almost 65 percent of that amount is generated from products made in Cameroon. These figure on cross border trade between Cameroon and Nigeria may be far higher given huge quantities of goods that pass through large swaths of the porous borders. We are however comforted that with improved ties between both countries, the situation is greatly improving. Nigeria’s strategic and leadership positions in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and ours in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC) are comforting pointers to huge economic fallouts for our peoples. The CCIMC is putting in its modest contribution to develop profitable business partnerships and source out new markets and opportunities. We have been organising systematic business meetings with our Nigerian counterparts to try to boost mutual trade. We are optimistic things will improve.

Does the CCIMC end at the level of Business Meetings or are there other instruments to galvanise trade between Cameroon and Nigeria?

Hon. Christophe Eken: Of course, we have all options on the table. You must not forget that international business today is driven by agreements to ensure the respect of norms and quality. Cameroon is party to several of such trade agreements. At the bilateral level, the government of Cameroon in 2015 signed a trade agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The agreement required both parties to take all necessary measures to promote trade, and strengthen economic cooperation in accordance with the domestic laws in force in each county. On the heels of that agreement, that is, in 2013, the government of Cameroon came out with a number of incentives to attract foreign investments. Apart from the agreement I just made mention of, there is the Cameroon-Nigeria Joint Commission that holds periodically to review trade ties between both countries.

Based on these instruments, the CCIMC keeps working closely with its Nigerian counterparts to make sure both sides are provided with opportunities and information on the creation and management of businesses. I would like to precise that such partnership agreements are monitored, managed and implemented at the level of the various trade Chambers which are an integral part of the international system.

Do not also forget that these bilateral agreements work within the ambits of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the African Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). Both platforms militate toward the free flow of goods with respect to agreed standards. In this light therefore, the Norms and Quality Agency (NAFDAC) in Nigeria and the Standards and Quality Agency (ANOR) in Cameroon are inseparable bed partners who must work together in order to get products from both countries approved for consumption. Such controls would improve the standards of small scale businesses in both countries.

DM: What makes you feel Cameroon and Nigeria can be good partners in economic development?

Hon. Christophe Eken: Cameroon has extensive fertile land with just about 25 percent being exploited and Nigeria has a huge market of over a hundred and fifty million people. These are all indications that both countries can spark off a trade revolution which can, to the best of my assessment, come through an agricultural revolution. The CCIMC has created the Pilot Incubation Centre (PIC) to transform cassava. In the long term, the project will extend to other agricultural products that would be able to penetrate the Nigerian market. We have had the opportunity to meet with several Nigerian companies in Cameroon with a huge interest in agro-industrial transformation even though other sectors such as cement production, banking, hydro carbons, automobile spare parts, etc., are firmly on the ground. These are signs that relations between Cameroon and Nigeria are excellent.

However, while we pride ourselves with the excellent trade relations Cameroon and Nigeria enjoy today, a lot needs to be done. Governments on both sides must ensure only best policies are put in place to boost mutual economic ties and facilitate investment. The widening gap between the private and public sectors must be bridged and good communication (road and telephone) networks established between both nations. There must also be a proper policing of the porous borders to avoid contraband and piracy which are all impediments to SMEs on both sides.

In a nutshell, both Cameroon and Nigerian stand to gain from each other if only the appropriate instruments and policies are laid out to raise the standards and quality of bilateral relations.

Business

Naija Diaspora Celebrates UBA Regional Director

Published

6 months ago

December 3, 2025

Naija Diaspora

Joseph ABENA, Regional Director of United Bank for Africa, covering five Central African countries, celebrated in November 2025 a remarkable milestone — three years of leadership, impact, and professional excellence at United Bank for Africa (UBA) Cameroon.

This achievement reflects not just the passage of time, but a journey defined by strategic vision, measurable results, and meaningful contributions to the banking sector in Cameroon and beyond.

Since assuming his role, Joseph ABENA has overseen a period of impressive growth and recognition for UBA Cameroon. Under his leadership, the bank has reached over 60 million people through strategic media campaigns, achieved monthly digital engagement exceeding 20%, and amassed more than 3 million views on branded video content across social media.

His strategic direction has helped UBA Cameroon consistently rank among the top two strongest banking brands, secure the No. 1 spot in spontaneous awareness and youth affinity, and be recognized as the most profitable UBA subsidiary in Africa after Nigeria. The bank has also been celebrated as Bank of the Year 2023 – Cameroon by the Financial Times London and named Best Bank in Central Africa by Visa in 2025.

Beyond these corporate achievements, Joseph ABENA’s personal contributions have been equally outstanding. He has achieved three successive internal promotions, culminating in his current role as Regional Director. He represents UBA at the highest levels, engaging with Prime Ministers, Presidents, and key government officials across Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC, and the BEAC.

He has mentored over ten interns, many of whom are now accomplished professionals, and facilitated more than 50 academic seminars at international universities in Cameroon. His dedication has earned him two major professional distinctions, including the Africa Leader Award 2024, and has seen him featured in over 40 local and international media outlets.

Naija Diaspora Magazine takes this occasion to congratulate Joseph ABENA on his three-year milestone and to celebrate his leadership, vision, and impact in the banking sector. We also look forward to further collaboration and partnership with UBA Cameroon, as we continue to amplify stories of progress, entrepreneurship, and African excellence together.

Joseph ABENA’s journey is a testament to resilience, humility, and the transformative power of committed leadership, inspiring not just his teams and colleagues but all Nigerians and Africans striving for excellence in their fields. Here’s to many more years of success, innovation, and meaningful impact!

Congratulations, Joseph ABENA, on three years of remarkable service.

Events

Day UBA Cameroon, Acha Eye Hospital Bring Clear Vision to Communities

Published

9 months ago

September 18, 2025

Naija Diaspora

Since the beginning of January 2025, over 600 individuals have received invaluable assistance through complimentary eye consultations and screenings across three prominent cities in Cameroon: Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda.

This initiative is a key component of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Cameroon’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, executed in collaboration with the reputable Acha Eye Hospital. For the current year, the pan-African financial institution has ambitious plans to conduct upwards of 1,500 free eye consultations. “If we maintain this momentum, we are set to surpass the original targets established at the year’s outset,” remarked the bank’s representatives.

UBA’s commitment to addressing eye health challenges stems from the critical importance of early detection in preventing eye diseases. A significant number of conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts, progress silently, often manifesting symptoms only when they have reached advanced, less treatable stages. Early diagnosis through regular check-ups can be fundamental in averting irreversible vision loss, as emphasized by the bank.

An essential aspect of this initiative is the focus on enhancing access to essential eye care services. In many underserved communities, the costs associated with eye care can be prohibitively expensive, or essential services may simply be nonexistent. By offering these free consultations, UBA is actively dismantling both financial and logistical barriers, thereby facilitating wider access to crucial eye examinations.

Moreover, the initiative places a strong emphasis on raising public awareness and educating communities about the vital role of routine eye exams in safeguarding overall visual health. Educational campaigns aim to highlight the significance of preventive care, encouraging individuals to prioritize their eye health. One of the initiative’s primary objectives is to address prevalent vision issues. Numerous individuals struggle with undiagnosed refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). The consultations serve to identify these issues and present straightforward solutions, like prescription glasses, ultimately enhancing quality of life.

Community empowerment is also a key pillar of this program. UBA recognizes that good vision is fundamental to learning, productive work, and executing daily activities. By promoting eye health, this initiative bolsters productivity, enhances educational outcomes, and contributes to the overall well-being of the community.

The focus on preventive care additionally alleviates pressure on the healthcare system, as early intervention reduces the occurrence of advanced cases that would necessitate complex and costly treatments. In essence, this initiative not only directly enriches individuals’ lives but also aligns with broader public health objectives.

The program’s value is underscored by its aim to detect eye conditions in their early stages and facilitate timely interventions. “Most of our patients don’t present serious conditions; they primarily have refractive errors, which can frequently be remedied with a simple pair of glasses. This is why we incorporate refraction tests during our awareness campaigns to identify those in need of glasses,” explains Aweh Tchounda Fandio, the Outreach Coordinator at Acha Eye Hospital in Yaoundé. He further emphasizes, “At the conclusion of each campaign day, we ensure that no case of glaucoma or other suspicious signs goes undetected, as blindness resulting from glaucoma is irreversible. However, early detection can help prevent this.”

UBA’s role in this collaboration extends beyond mere financial support; the bank contributes significantly by providing logistical assistance to the medical teams from Acha Eye Hospital throughout the consultation campaigns. UBA facilitates reception areas within its branches for public access and plays a supportive role in outreach efforts led by the field teams from Acha Eye Hospital, who actively engage with residents in targeted neighbourhoods to share information about the free consultations available.

In terms of eligibility, UBA emphasizes inclusivity: anyone seeking eye care is encouraged to participate. “Thus far, we see promising progress. Together with the teams from Acha Eye Hospital, we aim to amplify our awareness initiatives ahead of each campaign to ensure a greater number of people are informed and can make use of this invaluable free service,” the management of the bank states.

The eye examinations conducted during the consultations include comprehensive assessments of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, aimed at identifying diseases that could result in blindness or hinder patients’ ability to perform their daily activities.

Business

Celebrating 25 Years of MTN in Cameroon

Published

9 months ago

September 18, 2025

Naija Diaspora

Wanda Matandela: Steering MTN Cameroon into a Bold New Era

As MTN Cameroon commemorates 25 extraordinary years of service, growth, and meaningful impact in the telecommunications sector, the entrance of Wanda Matandela as the new Chief Executive Officer marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. His appointment heralds a new era for the telecom powerhouse—one characterized by transformative innovation and a deeper commitment to engaging with local communities.

Wanda Matandela arrives with an impressive repertoire of professional expertise, underpinned by a remarkable combination of humility, strategic insight, and a sincere dedication to enhancing the lives of individuals. With over two decades of illustrious leadership experience spanning telecommunications, financial services, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), he possesses a profound understanding of the dynamic landscape of Africa’s rapidly changing markets. His ascent from Chief Enterprise Business Officer to Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa—and his involvement in board positions throughout countries like Rwanda—exemplifies a career marked by notable achievements, significant contributions, and a clear vision for the region’s future.

During his initial interactions with the MTN Cameroon team and various stakeholders, Mr. Matandela outlined his strategic priorities, which are firmly anchored in the principles of service excellence, customer-centricity, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. He unveiled an ambitious capital investment plan of CFA62 billion for the year 2025, representing the initial phase of a groundbreaking modernization initiative valued at CFA187 billion. This extensive project is poised to fundamentally enhance MTN’s service reach and customer experience across Cameroon.

Moreover, what sets Mr. Matandela apart is his authentic connection with people. He actively participates in grassroots town hall meetings, taking the time to engage with community members and understand their needs and aspirations. Additionally, he embraces local culture, relishing traditional dishes such as Achu alongside his team. By doing so, Wanda Matandela is not just positioning himself as a strategic leader, but as a relatable and compassionate figure, exemplifying that his approach to leadership goes beyond business—it is heartfelt and genuine.

“I want us to be leaders, not just in market share, but in how we serve, how we partner, and how we uplift the communities around us,” he stated during his welcome address in Douala.

Naija Diaspora Magazine, proudly salute MTN Cameroon’s 25-year milestone—a journey of connecting millions, powering digital inclusion, and stimulating economic growth.

The publication also extends it heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Wanda Matandela on his appointment. As a pan-African media platform dedicated to celebrating excellence, diaspora stories, and sustainable development across the continent, we are enthusiastic about the possibilities his leadership brings.

The international magazine management reaffirm it readiness to collaborate with MTN Cameroon in this new era, particularly in advancing conversations around:

Digital inclusion and education
Diaspora business empowerment
Tech for development
Community-based storytelling and youth engagement

“We believe we can elevate voices and showcase the powerful synergies between Nigeria, Cameroon, and the wider African community in building a digitally empowered future,” said the publisher, Ismaila Adegbola.

He continued: “As Cameroon steps confidently into the next phase of its digital transformation, we are optimistic that MTN—under Mr. Matandela’s leadership—will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s telecommunications and technology landscape.”

Quick Facts: Wanda Matandela, CEO, MTN Cameroon

Fact Detail

Full Name Wanda Matandela

Country of Origin South Africa

Marital Status Married

Appointment as CEO Effective 1 March 2025

MTN Tenure Joined MTN in 2018 as Chief Enterprise Business Officer

Previous Role Chief Commercial Operations Officer, MTN South Africa

Industry Experience 20+ years across telecoms, FMCG, and financial services

Education BCom (Walter Sisulu Univ.), Master’s in Information Systems (Wits), MBA (Stellenbosch), Leadership Cert. (IMD, Switzerland)

Board Memberships Supersonic (Pty) Ltd, MTN Rwanda PLC

Key Focus Areas Service excellence, customer-centricity, infrastructure investment (CFA 62 billion capex in 2025)