On 25 November 2024, the General Manager of the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNSC), Mr. Auguste Mbappe Penda, granted audience to the President of the National Association of Banana Plantain Sector Actors in Cameroon (FBPC), Mr. Samuel Tony Obam Bikoue, who was accompanied by Mr. Gérard Marie Messina, Technical Advisor No. 2 at the Ministry of Transport.

The meeting held in Douala sought to lay down the basis for collaboration between the CNSC and FBPC for the 3rd edition of the International Banana-Plantain Festival, scheduled to run from 5 to 8 December 2024 in Douala and from 12 to 15 December 2024 in Yaoundé.

Following discussions, both parties agreed to sign a collaboration agreement at the event’s official launch, hoping to draw on the CNSC’s expertise to provide technical and administrative support to producers and potential exporters of this product.

Other adjustments made to the festival’s programme include lunch at the Douala Maritime Museum on 6 December 2024, and a visit to the CNSC Dibamba Trucker Accommodation Centre on 8 December 2024.

CNSC's General Manager, Mr. Auguste Mbappe Penda, reassured FBPC’s President of his commitment to supporting this sector which is a key component of Cameroon's 2020-2030 National Development Strategy and the implementation of the import-substitution policy of the country.