19/06/2026
AmCham, U.S. Embassy Leverage U.S. Programs to Enhance Trade Relations at Promote 2026
On June 16, 2026 at the Promote Fair in Yaoundé, AmCham, alongside key partners SHEKINA INVEST, NORELLA SERVICES, and FEDEX, showcased the strengths of the U.S.-Cameroon partnership at a collective booth. The influx of investors and inquiries underscored the need to formally celebrate this collaboration. Presided over by John G. Robinson, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i., a joint conference was convened at the fair under the theme “U.S. Agencies Supporting Cameroon.”
AmCham President Laure E. Djoukam highlighted the organization’s pivotal role in fostering a conducive business environment through proactive engagement with policymakers. This approach has effectively addressed member concerns and influenced policy improvements, with over 75% of AmCham's recommendations incorporated into past years’ finance laws. Djoukam concluded: “We welcome the shift from aid to trade, as it benefits our mutual interests.”
In his keynote remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Robinson acknowledged AmCham’s relentlessness in upholding and leveraging diplomatic cooperation and trade development as a key channel for economic growth. As an appropriate transition to the next speaker, Robinson said: “We explore the full range of US programs designed to support our growth ambitions. Together, we can build a stronger and more dynamic partnership”.
In her keynote presentation, Christy Machak, Chief of Political and Economic Section, highlighted U. S. agencies’ achievements in enhancing trade and investment in Cameroon and Africa, aiming to strengthen economic ties and support a thriving business environment. According to Machak, some U.S. organizations that should still be leveraged for bilateral commercial relations growth include:
• DFC, which finances development through loans and equity;
• USTDA, which promotes infrastructure projects and provides critical support through feasibility studies and technical assistance.
• Afreximbank, which assists exports by offering essential financing solutions, including working capital guarantees and export credit insurance
Additionally, the SBA and YALI play a vital role in supporting local entrepreneurs and nurturing future leaders, thereby promoting economic growth.
As the final keynote speaker, Basil Ajuo, CEO of Minnesota Africans United (MAU), presented practical strategies designed to benefit both American and Cameroonian entrepreneurs in optimizing their growth. Following his predecessors, Ajuo expressed sincere gratitude to AmCham Cameroon and its President for their unwavering dedication and exceptional resilience in promoting shared prosperity and celebrating the success stories and achievements facilitated through trade support agencies.
The event was concluded by an official tour by the Chargé d’Affaires a.i., who visited the Promote 2026 exhibition booth showcasing prominent U.S.-Cameroon multinationals and SMEs, as well as the AmCham booth.
