Visionary Reports

Economic operators in the city of Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, recently participated in a one-day workshop organized by the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI).

The forum focused on comprehensive risk management solutions, including trade credit and political risk insurance.The Douala event was chaired by Mr. Aboubakary Haman Tchoutio, the Secretary General at the Littoral Regional Governor’s office, who encouraged participants to leverage the platform to mitigate various business risks.Professor Kelly Mua Kingsley, Board Chair of ATIDI, emphasized the significance of the Douala meeting, stating, “Today marks a pivotal moment for Cameroon’s sustainable investment and trade finance journey, reinforcing its position as a key economic hub in Central Africa. Since our engagement in 2021, Cameroon has demonstrated a strong commitment to regional integration and private sector development—core principles of ATIDI’s mission.”Professor Kingsley elaborated on ATIDI’s role: “As a pan-African multilateral organization, ATIDI is dedicated to providing political and credit risk insurance that reduces trade and investment risks. This enables private capital to flow confidently into Africa, a continent rich with opportunities. To date, we have facilitated transactions exceeding USD 88 billion across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, banking, transport, and agribusiness. Within the CEMAC region alone, our support for projects valued at over XAF 3 trillion (approximately US$4.6 billion) has significantly contributed to economic diversification and cross-border investment.”ATIDI extended an invitation to all stakeholders: “We urge government entities, private sector players, and financial institutions to join us in this transformative endeavor. Partnering with ATIDI offers several key benefits;Our political risk and credit insurance products safeguard your investments against unforeseen political and economic disruptions, fostering more confident investment strategies,We facilitate access to credit and investment opportunities that can drive growth in critical sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, aligning with Cameroon’s Vision 2035 and broader sub-regional development frameworks, ATIDI is committed to fostering robust public-private partnerships that combine public resources with private sector innovation, ensuring sustainable development and economic resilience,By collaborating with ATIDI, stakeholders can leverage our extensive network and expertise, unlocking new market and investment opportunities within the CEMAC region and beyond.”

However,Dr. Anthony Ehimare, Chief Risk Officer of ATIDI, underscored the importance of proactive risk management for African businesses. “Here in Douala today, our focus is on the private sector, as we recognize that your leadership, innovation, and investment are the driving forces behind this great country’s growth and transformation.”Dr. Ehimare explained ATIDI’s purpose: “Africa is a continent brimming with opportunities. However, both real and perceived risks often deter capital inflow and impede progress. ATIDI was established to address this reality. We act as a catalyst for Africa’s economic development by providing risk mitigation tools that strengthen our economies and strategic assets within regional and global trade markets.”He cited a conversation with the Managing Director of Ecobank, noting the bank’s expanding new sector as an indicator of Cameroon’s growth potential. “Our solution is to offer a wide array of products designed to reduce risk and support economic growth. This includes political risk insurance (also known as investment insurance), credit risk insurance, surety bonds, and specialized products like RLSF (a renewable energy product) and POSA (an SME product developed with international partners). We understand the risks faced by private sector businesses in financing, cross-border transactions, and long-term investments. ATIDI stands ready to partner with you in managing these risks, allowing you to concentrate on your core activities: growing businesses, creating jobs, and building partnerships for prosperity.”Highlighting ATIDI’s impact, Dr. Ehimare stated, “To date, ATIDI has supported over $88 billion in trade and investment across our member states, including Cameroon. We have contributed to projects that provide essential services, connect communities, power industries, and, most importantly, generate jobs and long-term economic value.”Meanwhile,regarding ATIDI’s presence in Cameroon, he noted, “Cameroon has been a valuable shareholder since 2021. In the CEMAC region, including Cameroon, ATIDI has facilitated transactions valued at over XAF 1 trillion (approximately US$1.4 billion) across key sectors. Our presence here signifies a strategic investment in the market and reflects our confidence in its future. We are here to listen, to collaborate, and to co-create solutions tailored to the needs of Cameroonian enterprises, from large corporations to emerging SMEs.”Dr. Ehimare concluded with appreciation: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Cameroon and all our partners who have made this country launch possible. We are particularly thankful to our private sector colleagues for this opportunity to engage with you today. As we begin this new chapter, we invite you to collaborate with us. Let us work together to unlock Cameroon’s potential, de-risk opportunities, and drive sustainable economic transformation.”He then introduced Mr. Kojo Atai, who further detailed ATIDI’s operations, strategy, and country-level engagement, emphasizing the promising opportunities for Cameroon. Dr. Ehimare concluded by thanking the attendees on behalf of ATIDI’s CEO, Chairman, and the entire team, expressing anticipation for a meaningful dialogue and partnership.The workshop concluded with the hopeful expectation that participants would actively engage with ATIDI to mitigate business risks and foster robust investment opportunities across the continent.

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