Central Africa advances industrial transformation and market access in new programme

Yaoundé, 17 March 2026 -The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA) is set to accelerate industrial transformation, boost trade, and create jobs across Central Africa by strengthening high-potential value chains and improving access to regional and international markets. Launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the ECCAS Component of ATCMA (ATCMA–ECCAS) will support Central African enterprises—especially SMEs—to increase value addition, meet market requirements, and compete more effectively, including in European markets.

The launch of ATCMA-ECCAS marked the first concrete step towards delivery with the establishment of the Regional Steering Committee (COPIL), which will guide the programme’s strategic direction, and the Operational Monitoring Committee (CSO), responsible for coordination and progress tracking. These governance bodies lay the groundwork for effective and accountable implementation. Three priority value chains—wood, cocoa, and cassava—were identified to drive early action. With strong potential for processing and export growth, these sectors will serve as entry points for scaling up industrial capacity and regional trade.

Funded by the European Union under its Global Gateway strategy, the programme will run from 2025 to 2029 across eleven ECCAS countries. It aims to boost intra-regional and international trade, create jobs—particularly for youth and women—and strengthen the region’s economic resilience.

A key pillar of ATCMA–ECCAS is improving the region’s ability to meet market requirements. In this context, UNIDO will strengthen regional quality infrastructure—including standards, testing, certification, and accreditation— while also enhancing value addition and promoting diversification across priority value chains. “Industrializing value chains is a critical lever to increase local value addition and integrate Central African enterprises into regional and international markets,” said Mr. Raymond Tavares, UNIDO Resident Representative in Cameroon and for Central Africa.

By linking industrial development with trade competitiveness, ATCMA–ECCAS positions Central Africa to better seize opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and beyond.

For more information, please contact Ebe MUSCHIALLI e.muschialli [at] unido.org