The Cameroonian government through its trade Minister has announced the immediate suspension of maize imports. This in a move to protect local farmers.

This unusual shift in policy comes after reports surfaced that domestic producers are constantly battling to sell massive stockpiles of harvested maize, even as authorized imports continue to saturate the market.

This scenario represents a stark departure from the historical trend of grain deficits and highlights a critical disconnect between import authorizations and the actual abundance of national production.

​The crisis was addressed during an emergency consultation meeting chaired by the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, on May 13, 2026. The diagnostic revealed a major administrative gap: import permits were issued primarily because the government lacked accurate statistical data regarding the high levels of domestic stocks.

To rectify this, the Ministry of Finance and the Directorate General of Customs have been tasked with halting further entries, while the Ministry of Agriculture – Minader begins an urgent evaluation of the unsold volumes held by local farmers.

​To ensure these surplus stocks are absorbed, the government is mobilizing specialized agencies like the Grain Board (Office Céréalier) and private sector partners to purchase and store the maize. Furthermore, the administration plans to coordinate with the poultry sector—a major consumer of maize—by regulating the import of day-old chicks and hatching eggs. By stimulating demand within the local livestock industry, the government aims to clear the “stranded” stocks and provide immediate financial relief to rural producers.

​Beyond these immediate fixes, Minister Mbarga Atangana emphasized the need for a structural overhaul of the maize value chain. He called for the creation of a robust inter-professional framework to facilitate the flow of information between producers, distributors, and importers.

Such a body would act as an early-warning system, allowing the industry to anticipate market imbalances and prevent future gluts or shortages before they reach a crisis point.

​This intervention is a practical application of Cameroon’s National Development Strategy – SND30, which prioritizes “import-substitution” to build long-term food sovereignty. By prioritizing the “Produce Cameroonian, Consume Cameroonian” ethos, the government aims to reduce reliance on external markets and ensure that the nation’s land and labor are the primary drivers of its economy.

This strategic pivot marks a significant step toward making the country’s food security more resilient and self-sufficient.