The Initiative, which aims to promote the policy of import substitution, was applauded by the Minister of Communication, René Emmanuel Sadi, the personal representative of the Prime Minister. He was speaking during the launch of the 14th edition of the Government Action Fair, SAGO 2025 yesterday June 30.
At the official opening of the 14th edition of the Government Action Fair, SAGO 2025, in Yaoundé, the Government of Cameroon hailed the creation of a new exhibition space dedicated to promoting locally made products. Dubbed the “Village for Local Consumption,” the space has been described as a strategic step toward fostering economic independence through the promotion and consumption of Made in Cameroon goods. Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the esplanade of the Yaoundé City Council, the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, said the initiative aligns perfectly with the Head of State’s call for import substitution and a shift towards local economic empowerment.
“This village is more than a display—it is a direct response to the President’s appeal for Cameroonians to produce and consume what we make. It is a symbol of economic patriotism,” Minister Sadi stated. The Village for Local Consumption provides a platform where visitors can discover, taste, and buy products crafted by Cameroonian entrepreneurs and cooperatives from agro-industrial goods to artisanal crafts and digital innovations. It reflects the government’s push to boost national production and reduce dependency on imported goods. With over 250 stands present at this year’s fair up from 230 in 2024 the government sees the growing participation as a sign of renewed trust in public initiatives and a shared commitment to economic resilience.
“The enthusiasm seen here today shows that SAGO has matured. It’s no longer just a fair—it’s a hub for dialogue, innovation, and public accountability,” the Minister added. Held under the theme “Public Service and the Imperative of Economic Growth in Cameroon,” SAGO 2025 also offers the public an opportunity to engage with state institutions, learn about ongoing development projects, and monitor how public policies are being implemented. For many visitors, the Village for Local Consumption represents a long-awaited space for showcasing Cameroon’s entrepreneurial talent, and a real chance for small businesses to access broader markets. “We feel seen,” said Clarisse Nsom, a local producer of natural juices. “This platform allows us to connect directly with consumers and show that quality can come from here, from Cameroon.” SAGO 2025 runs for eight days at the Yaoundé City Council and is expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors from across the country.
