The fourth edition of the Economic Actors and Local Development Fair best known by the acronym SAEDEL officially kicked off on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Kribi ceremonial ground.
This year’s theme, “Urban planning, real estate and sustainability: catalyst for local development,” underscores a strategic focus on integrating infrastructure with economic progress.
The opening ceremony, presided over by the Governor of the South region, Félix Nguele Nguele, brought together a prestigious assembly of government officials, mayors, and industry leaders to discuss the future of territorial development in the seaside city.
Governor Nguele Nguele delivered a powerful mandate to local elected officials, urging them to view SAEDEL not merely as an event, but as the premier showcase for the South Region’s immense economic potential. He emphasized that while central government provides the initial spark, mayors and parliamentarians must be the primary drivers of local economic activity.
The Governor’s vision is to transform every municipality into a thriving economic hub, moving beyond political mandates to focus on making each entity a “melting pot” where business and production can flourish.
Infrastructure and regional attractiveness were central to the Governor’s address, highlighting Kribi’s evolution into the “economic heart of Cameroon.” With two functional dams providing a reliable electricity supply and an expanding road network opening up once-remote areas, the South Region is positioning itself as a prime destination for industrial investment.
The Governor noted that with continued improvements in water access and social structures, the peaceful South region is on the verge of becoming a true “Eldorado” for all Cameroonians.
The organizational success of the fair was widely praised, with Kribi Mayor Guy Emmanuel Sabikanda noting that the vision of creating a collaborative space for development stakeholders is now a reality.
SAEDEL Director Patrice Assiga Eyene further described the event as a structured framework for networking between public actors and economic operators. This synergy was immediately evident during the opening, as the Rural Electrification Agency – AER presented technical and financial solutions to assist municipalities in expanding energy access to rural communities.
As the forum continues through April 25, 2026, it will transition into a series of conferences aimed at identifying concrete, region-specific solutions. Following the Governor’s call for increased participation, Augustin Tamba, President of the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon – CVUC, pledged a strong turnout for the upcoming sessions.
The overall goal of SAEDEL 2026 remains to ensure that the recommendations produced during the fair lead to tangible implementation, reinforcing the coherence of development actions across the region’s territories.
