An Exhibition fair under the appellation COJIF 2026 has been officially opened as part of activities for the celebration of the 41st edition of International Women’s Day in Cameroon.
The official launch was done on March 2, 2026 at the National Museum in Yaoundé. Running from March 2nd to March 6th, 2026, the event was inaugurated by the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Abena Ondoa Marie Thérèse, who performed the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony. The fair, held under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” serves as a centralized hub for celebrating female achievement and advocating for gender equality across all sectors of society.
The exhibition is strategically organized into six specialized clusters, showcasing the diverse contributions of women to national development. These sectors include Health, Environment and Climate Adaptation, Institutions and Finance, Crafts and Cosmetics, Digital Entrepreneurship, and Agri-food Processing.
During a guided tour led by Organizing Committee President Nathalie Nguemba and Trade Fair President Makota Lafortune Isabella, the presence of influential figures—including the UN Women Representative and Senator Françoise Puene underscored the high-level commitment to the cause. A crucial moment of the opening was the collective signing of the “Engagement Wall,” a visual pledge to protect and promote women’s rights in Cameroon.
Beyond the vibrant displays of local gastronomy and digital innovation, COJIF 2026 serves as a capacity-building platform for its participants. Throughout the week, the National Museum will host a series of training sessions and round-table talks designed to equip women with the skills and networking opportunities needed to scale their businesses and social enterprises.
By blending economic exhibition with intellectual exchange, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family is ensuring that the 41st International Women’s Day translates into concrete action and long-term progress for women and girls nationwide.
