Building Defense Alliances Across Cameroon’s Key Commercial and Political Centers
Turkish defence industry leader Raff Military is set to embark on a significant trade mission to Cameroon this July, as part of a comprehensive delegation organised by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and the Ministry of Trade. The strategic visit will span from July 1-10, 2025, covering both Douala and Yaoundé, marking another milestone in Türkiye’s expanding defence partnerships across Central Africa.
Douala: Gateway to Commercial Opportunities
The mission begins in Douala, Cameroon’s economic powerhouse and largest city, with approximately 3.7 million inhabitants. As the country’s commercial capital and principal port, Douala serves as the economic gateway to Central Africa, making it an ideal location for establishing long-term business relationships.
From July 1-6, Raff Military will participate in structured B2B meetings coordinated through TİM’s official trade delegation program. The company will engage with local defence industry stakeholders, government procurement officials, and international defence forces operating in the region. These strategic consultations aim to identify collaboration opportunities that extend beyond traditional supplier relationships.
Douala’s strategic position as a regional logistics hub, handling over 95% of Cameroon’s maritime trade, positions it as a critical entry point for defence solutions across the broader Central African region. The city’s established infrastructure and business networks provide an excellent foundation for sustainable partnerships.
Yaoundé: Political and Strategic Engagement
The mission will continue in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital and political centre, from July 6-10. Home to approximately 4.3 million people, Yaoundé houses the country’s key decision-making institutions and serves as the headquarters for numerous international organisations operating across Central Africa.
In Yaoundé, Raff Military will conduct high-level consultations with international defence forces and government agencies responsible for national security policy. These strategic meetings focus on understanding regional security challenges and exploring how Turkish defence solutions can contribute to peacekeeping and stability operations throughout Central Africa.
CEO Vision for Regional Partnership
“Cameroon represents a strategic entry point into Central Africa’s defence markets,” explains Eray Yükseloğlu, CEO of Raff Military Textile. “We’re approaching this mission with a comprehensive understanding of regional security dynamics and a commitment to developing solutions that address specific local challenges. Our goal extends beyond traditional commercial relationships – we want to establish partnerships that contribute to regional stability and economic development.“
Yükseloğlu emphasises that the company’s approach prioritises technology transfer, local capacity building, and sustainable cooperation models that benefit all stakeholders involved.
Broader African Strategy
This Cameroon mission represents the latest chapter in Raff Military’s systematic expansion across Africa, where the company has already established partnerships in over 45 countries. The Central African region offers unique opportunities for defence cooperation, particularly in peacekeeping support, border security, and capacity building for local forces.
As Turkish defence solutions continue gaining recognition for their technological innovation, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to diverse operational environments, Raff Military’s Cameroon mission underscores Türkiye’s commitment to becoming a trusted partner in Africa’s security and development objectives.
