The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development in Cameroon commenced execution of its national mining and infrastructure program, unlocking significant commercial operations across the Mbalam iron ore deposit, Kribi-Lobé, and the Minim Martap bauxite corridor. Supported by the updated Mining Code and the modernized Public-Private Partnership Framework, foreign industrial groups, logistics operators, and equipment suppliers are entering Central Africa. For international parent groups and cross-border investors, establishing a compliant local operating entity is essential to participating in major industrial supply chains and securing statutory government permits.
Understanding Company Formation Options Under OHADA Rules
Under the uniform commercial law governing Central Africa (OHADA), international businesses establishing a long-term presence in Cameroon must choose between incorporating a local limited liability company (SARL) or registering a local branch office. While a foreign branch office allows initial operational entry, local corporate law requires branch structures held by non-OHADA parent companies to be converted into a local subsidiary after two years.
Incorporating a local SARL provides permanent legal status, direct access to public tenders, and full protection under the 2026 Investment Incentives Framework. Foreign investors must maintain a registered legal office address in Cameroon, appoint local corporate officers, and execute statutory articles of association before a local notary public.
Licensing Requirements and Statutory Joint Ventures
Operating in heavy industry, transport logistics, and mining services requires specific administrative clearances beyond routine commercial registration. Foreign contractors entering major projects must register with the tax authority to obtain a Tax Identification Number and clear sector-specific regulatory approvals.
Where major infrastructural concessions are executed, international enterprises frequently establish joint-venture vehicles with state-backed corporations or qualified local partners. Ensuring that shareholder agreements and corporate governance clauses strictly comply with both regional OHADA corporate law and domestic investment legislation protects foreign capital and ensures long-term operational stability.
Key Differences in Setup Options
Incorporating a local limited liability company (SARL) provides foreign corporate groups with unlimited operational duration, independent local liability protection, and full eligibility for national investment tax exemptions. Conversely, operating through a temporary branch office limits operational longevity, subjects the foreign parent company to direct local legal liability, and requires mandatory administrative conversions for ongoing projects.
Guiding Global Expansion
As Central Africa expands its primary industrial infrastructure and transport corridors, establishing a structured corporate framework safeguards your commercial assets and ensures full legal compliance.
Explore our Global Company Formation Capabilities or reach out directly to our advisory team:
JUDr., LL.B, LL.M
Founder of Benson Formations and Vasil Group – specialist in cross-border Tax & Business Structuring.
Email: office@bensonformations.com
Phone: +44 203 974 1244
Benson Formations 25+ years, 60+ Jurisdictions, a boutique consultancy, company formation and corporate services firm focused on helping modern entrepreneurs set up and run their onshore and offshore companies. Benson Formations is the corporate services branch of Vasil Group, which delivers legal, accounting, advisory and corporate services.
