Coming from different parts of the world and united by their desire for a promising common future, Strategic partners of the Commonwealth converged at the Painters’ Hall in the City of London to report on current activities and upcoming projects. The event which took place on 20 March 2023 was presided over by Lord Jonathan Peter Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

The Chair reported on his visit to Africa outlining the exciting prospects for Strategic Partners in some African countries. In turn, Sir Hugo Swire, CWEIC Deputy Chair, updated the Council on discussions that took place at Downing Street on Commonwealth Day. Lord Swire equally threw some light on his meeting with the Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa regarding preparations towards the 2024 Commonwealth Business Forum in the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

Cameroon was duly represented at this high-profile event by Mr. Auguste Mbappe Penda, General Manager of the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNSC), pioneer Cameroonian institution to ascend the ranks of strategic partner of this Commonwealth business network.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Auguste Mbappe Penda gave an account of measures taken towards the setting up of the newly created Commonwealth Hub for Cameroon and Gabon to be hosted at CNSC’s head office building. Chief coordinator of the project, he reassured his audience of his preparedness and that the office space allocated for the hub is fully refurbished and ready for work to commence.