Visionary Reports

The 3rd edition of the International Corporate Forum (ICF) officially kicked off in Douala on December 19, 2025. This year’s gathering marks a significant expansion for the platform, welcoming delegates from across West Africa and the Gulf regions to discuss the future of responsible business in Africa.The two-day summit (December 19–20) focuses on a timely theme: “Strategic collaboration between SMEs and large corporations towards building sustainable value chains and responsible growth.”Opening the forum, Linda Tatabod Elimbi Elokan, Executive Director of Roots and Suits Empower and the vision bearer of ICF, delivered a powerful keynote address. She emphasized that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is no longer a peripheral activity but a core business necessity.”Your presence here confirms the shared conviction that responsible business is no longer optional,” Elokan stated. “The future of a growing Africa will be shaped by collaboration, inclusion, and sustainability.”She highlighted the structural gap in the current economy, noting that while SMEs are the “backbone” of African economies, they are often disconnected from formal financing and markets. “The solution lies in strategic partnerships that go beyond philanthropy or compliance,” Elokan urged. “We must build shared value that aligns business performance with social development goals.”However,the forum has attracted major industry players seeking to lead by example. Emmanuel Wankue, representing Boissons du Cameroun, expressed the company’s ambition to be a sub-regional leader in CSR.”For Boissons du Cameroun, we had no choice but to take part in a forum like this,” Wankue said. “The ‘red thread’ of this year’s theme how we contribute to the emergence of SMEs is vital. We will be sharing how our local partners are a primary target in achieving our CSR commitments.”

Similarly, Cho Robert Moka representing the Investment Promotion Agency (API), emphasized the link between responsibility and economic attractiveness. As official sponsors, API is focusing on how quality investments and foreign direct investment (FDI) can bolster local production. “We come in as facilitators, bringing incentives to accompany investors from the starting point to the realization of their projects in Cameroon,” Moka explained.The government’s stance was represented by Nicoline Ebune speaking on behalf of the Governor of the Littoral Region. She underscored the strategic importance of Douala as Cameroon’s economic gateway.”Small and medium-sized enterprises bring the backbone, while large corporations bring expertise and market access. When they work together, they create jobs and stimulate innovation,” Ebune noted.She reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to supporting the cause through regional delegations for SMEs and Industry, stating, “This forum offers a valuable opportunity to move from awareness to action, aligning with our national development objectives for inclusive and sustainable growth.”Moreover,since its inception in 2023, the ICF has grown into a cross-sector marketplace of ideas, involving stakeholders from energy, agri-business, biotech, finance, and logistics. The 2025 edition aims to provide practical models for: Integrating SMEs into global supply chains. Turning environmental and social governance into a competitive advantages.Equipping SMEs with the skills to partner with multinationals.As Linda Elokan concluded in her opening remarks: “The future is now. The value chains of tomorrow will not be built alone; they will be built together.”