2024-03-09 09:24:31
The curtain has fallen on the 9th edition of the Yaoundé International Business, SME and Partnership Exhibition, Promote 2024. Despite the enthusiastic declarations of the organizers, many observers and participants draw a much more mixed assessment of the event , far from the promises of economic recovery announced.
Participation below expectations ????
If the official figures show 1042 stands and the presence of 21 foreign countries, the reality on the ground seems to have been quite different. Several exhibitors interviewed by 237online.com expressed their disappointment with the attendance and quality of visitors. “ We had high hopes coming here, but it is clear that the public was not there”deplores a Cameroonian entrepreneur on condition of anonymity.
Inconclusive business meetings ????❌
A major novelty of this edition, the 400 business meetings (B2B and B2C) were to encourage commercial exchanges and partnerships. But here again, the results are far from meeting expectations. “We participated in several of these meetings, but they often proved to be not very productive, due to a lack of truly interested and decision-making interlocutors”regrets a foreign exhibitor.
Unequal thematic pavilions ????????
Supposed to offer a showcase for the country’s different economic sectors, the 15 thematic pavilions stood out above all for their inequality. While some, such as those dedicated to agriculture or energy, have done well, others have remained desperately empty, due to a lack of exhibitors or visitors. An observation which questions the relevance of this format and the real representativeness of the sectors highlighted.
An economic impact to put into perspective ????????
Despite the organizers’ triumphant declarations on the positive impact of Promote 2024 on the Cameroonian economy, the concrete benefits remain difficult to assess. Although a few contracts were signed on the sidelines of the event, many exhibitors left with the feeling of a missed opportunity. “ We had bet a lot on this show to relaunch our activity, but the results were not there.“, confides a local business leader.
Partner support, a tree that hides the forest? ????????
While the organizers welcome the support provided by major partners and sponsors, some do not hesitate to see it as a display effect, far from the realities on the ground. “It’s all well and good to have big names as partners, but that’s not everything”analyzes an economic expert. “What matters is the reality of the exchanges and the business opportunities generated, and from this point of view, the account is not there.”
When we take stock, it is clear that Promote 2024 has not kept all of its promises. Despite a well-established organization and significant resources, the show struggles to convince of its real usefulness for the Cameroonian economic fabric. An observation which should push companies to question the relevance of their participation in future editions, and organizers to fundamentally rethink the format and objectives of the event. Because without real added value and tangible benefits, Promote risks losing its aura and credibility.
While the 10th edition has already been announced for February 2026, it is time to open a real debate on the future of this essential meeting of the Cameroonian economy. A debate in which 237online.com, your benchmark economic media, will take its full part, with the aim of bringing out constructive proposals for a Promote truly serving businesses and the country’s growth.