A high-powered consortium—comprising Panafritex (the textile arm of Arise), Sodecoton, CNPS, and Marlo Properties Fincorp—is preparing to launch Camtext SA, a major integrated cotton-to-textile industrial project in Cameroon. All technical and administrative groundwork has been finalized, with only financial mobilization pending for the 180 billion XAF (approx. $300 million) investment, according to Business in Cameroon.
Industrial Zone, Training Center, and 15,000 Jobs Planned
The project will establish a fully integrated textile hub in the Dibamba industrial and port zone, featuring spinning, weaving, knitting, and finishing units. The facility is expected to create 12,000 direct jobs.
Complementing the hub, a textile center of excellence will be built in Garoua, which will train technicians and workers while hosting garment manufacturing activities. This second site will create an additional 3,000 jobs, bringing the total employment impact to 15,000.
This dual-location strategy leverages:
- Proximity to Cameroon’s cotton basin
- Sodecoton’s longstanding technical expertise
- Douala’s available energy infrastructure for energy-intensive processes
Camtext SA plans to process 12,000 tons of Sodecoton cotton, significantly reducing raw fiber exports and increasing local value addition.
Rollout from 2026, Full Capacity by 2033
The preparatory phase begins in the first half of 2026, including workforce recruitment and training in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, alongside the launch of the Garoua garment factory.
A four-year ramp-up is planned, with optimal industrial capacity targeted for 2033. Investors anticipate a return on investment within 11 years.
Inspired by Arise Benin’s Industrial Model
Camtext follows the successful blueprint of Arise’s industrial platforms in Benin, designed to compete with Asian manufacturing hubs, especially China.
The project is expected to benefit from:
- Tax exemptions on electricity
- Reduced customs duties
- Corporate tax incentives
Production will rely on a blend of local cotton and synthetic fibers to maintain competitive pricing.
Contrary to rumors, Cicam, the state-owned textile firm, will not close; instead, the government plans a modernization program, viewing Camtext as a complementary addition that strengthens the entire national textile ecosystem.
Strategic Importance for Cameroon’s 2030 Development Vision
The initiative aligns with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30), which aims for:
- 600,000 tons of cotton production annually
- 50% local processing by 2030
Currently, Cameroon processes only 5% of its cotton locally, with the sector weakened by low-priced imports—often entering through contraband—leading to factory closures and widespread job losses.
Priority market segments under Camtext SA include:
- Uniforms for defense, security forces, and public services (using 60% domestic cotton)
- Sportswear production (jerseys, tracksuits, sneakers), targeting at least 50% of domestic demand
The project comes at a challenging time for African cotton producers; the CFA zone recorded an 11.5% decline in 2024/2025 to 2.3 million tons, due to climate variability, pest outbreaks (PR-PICA), and falling prices near 890–900 XAF/kg.
Promoters estimate a net annual result of 3–4 billion XAF once fully operational.
Success Hinges on Energy, Logistics, and Anti-Contraband Measures
For Camtext to cement Cameroon’s position as a major Central African textile hub, several conditions must be met:
- Timely financial closure
- Stable and competitive energy supply
- Efficient logistics along key transport corridors
- Strong enforcement against textile contraband
If achieved, Camtext SA could dramatically reshape Cameroon’s textile economy, create lasting jobs, and restore the country’s position as a competitive regional manufacturing powerhouse.
