Overview

While Cameroon's manufacturing base is still developing, local procurement of some key operational support equipment and program materials for humanitarian operations is possible. Here's a breakdown of availability at the manufacturing/production and wholesale levels.

Basic Commodities

• Shelter: Locally produced tents might be limited, but basic fabrics and poles for constructing temporary shelters could be available from wholesale fabric suppliers.
• Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH): Production of water tanks (plastic or metal) might be present at some manufacturing facilities. Additionally, basic plumbing supplies like pipes and fittings could be procured from wholesalers.
• Office Supplies: Basic office furniture like desks and chairs can be found from local manufacturers and wholesalers. However, options for specialized furniture or IT equipment might be limited.

Challenges and Considerations

• Quality: The quality of locally produced goods such as bucket, galloons, ladders, empty bags, etc. do meet international humanitarian standards.
• Scaling Up: Local production capacity may struggle to meet a sudden surge in demand during large-scale emergencies.
• Imports Remain Necessary: For specialized equipment like high-performance water pumps, computer hardware, and most medical supplies, reliance on imports from established global suppliers will likely be necessary.

Trading Partners

• Imports: Main import partners for humanitarian supplies include European countries like France and Germany, as well as neighboring African nations like Nigeria and South Africa.
• Exports: While Cameroon exports some manufactured goods like basic furniture and textiles, these are unlikely to be a significant source of humanitarian supplies for international organizations.
• However,

Overall, procurement opportunities exist in Cameroon for some essential commodities. However, humanitarian organizations should maintain a balance between supporting local production and relying on established international suppliers to ensure access to the full range of high-quality equipment and materials required for effective humanitarian programming.

For information on contact details of additional suppliers in Cameroon, please see the following link: 4.10 Cameroon Supplier Contact List