Visionary Reports

The new mandate, set to last until 2028, promises to be innovative.

The newly appointed president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Crafts (CCIMA), Christophe Eken, has been installed in his functions. The new president, an old hand, is taking up the 5th mandate with renewed determination.The installation ceremony, presided over by the Minister of Mines, Industries, and Technological Development, Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry, served as an opportune moment for a call for more work to keep the sector afloat. In his installation speech, the minister reminded the new president that, at a time when Cameroon’s mines and industrial sector is expanding rapidly, it is high time CCIMA puts up its best efforts to ensure the private sector meets the changing times.

He said that, as an old hand in the house, the new president should be aware of the challenges ahead and not forget to organize workshops and capacity-building sessions to upgrade the skills of stakeholders and bolster their businesses. Minister Gentry urged the new president to continue CCIMA’s role as a consultative and representative body for businesses within the sector, ensuring economic interests and development.The minister also requested CCIMA to reorient the sector and put in place policies that take into consideration import substitution measures. He said it was high time they took up the vantage position to improve the mines and industry sector.Christophe Eken is an engineer and a business magnate who has held several positions within CCIMA until the presidential decree of May 19, which renewed his mandate for the 5th time. At press time, CCIMA was holding a session to elect other members into the different arms of the structure.

By GINA ESONG