Cameroon experienced a news-filled day on March 1, 2026, marked by successes in both sports and economics. The Indomitable Lionesses roared on the football field, while the Cameroonian cocoa industry celebrated a significant milestone with the expansion of Samen Industry S.A.
The Cameroon women's national football team delivered an impressive performance by defeating the Super Falcons of Nigeria 1-0 in a friendly match. This victory, achieved with mastery and discipline, demonstrates the potential of Cameroonian women's football. Coach Mike Ndoumou emphasized the importance of youth and the trust placed in the players, stating that "the Lion remains the Lion and always keeps its last claw for decisive moments". Ndoumou was appointed coach of the Lionesses in February 2026, a decision seen as a sign of renewal and ambition for the team.
In parallel with this sporting success, the Cameroonian economic sector was highlighted by the laying of the foundation stone for the Samen Industry S.A cocoa grinding and processing plant in Baré-Bakem. This event, which took place on February 27, 2026, was presided over by the Ministers of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe.
Cameroon now processes more than 80% of its cocoa production locally, a record figure according to the Minister of Commerce. The new Samen Industry S.A plant, with an annual capacity of 32,000 tonnes of beans, is part of the National Development Strategy SND30 and the government's import substitution policy. Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana stressed the need to ensure that the value added created locally benefits producers, the essential link in the chain. He also called on industrialists to open up the capital of their companies to producer cooperatives.
The government plans to bring together industry stakeholders before July 2026 to define a national cocoa policy, aimed at rebalancing the distribution of profits and preserving the quality of Cameroonian cocoa. Cameroon was also rewarded with a gold medal at the Cocoa of Excellence Awards in Amsterdam in February 2026.
On this sad day, Cameroon also mourns the loss of journalist Arnaud Nguefack from Canal 2 International, who died following a malaise in Yaoundé. Nguefack was known for his immersive reporting and coverage of complex subjects, including the hearings related to the assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo.
Cameroon is advancing on several fronts, with the ambition to shine both in sports and economics. The Lionesses' victory and the expansion of the cocoa industry demonstrate a country in motion, despite the challenges and losses.
