By DOH JAMES SONKEY
Representing the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute at the official inauguration ceremony of the first Carrefour Market in the nation’s capital last October 9, 2019 at the Ekie neighborhood, the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr Taiga said the market will help satisfy increasing needs of consumers.
The Cameroon supermarket dubbed Carrefour Market Ekie is the second to be opened in the country by CFAO Retail Cameroun after the first one went operational in Douala two years ago.
The inauguration was witnessed by members of the diplomatic corps including the Ambassadors of Ivory Coast and Japan, religious and traditional rulers, as well as the Ministers of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona and Employment and Vocational Training, Issa Tchiroma Bakary.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of CFAO Retail in Cameroon, Luc Demez, thanked the administrative and traditional authorities as well as inhabitants of Ekie for the support given the group since the project kicked off.
In a chat with reporters, he stressed that “the enterprise is for everyone. We have from the lowest prices to more luxurious products, satisfying the needs of all classes of people. We have a wide range of products and we promote all products made in Cameroon.”
On his part, CFAO Retail Managing Director, Jean Christophe-Brindeau noted that the inauguration of Carrefour Market Ekie marks a historic day in the existence of the organization because it brings to eight the number of markets in Africa.”
Minister Taiga explained to reporters that “the supermarket will go a long way to boost Small and Medium Size Enterprises notably in the agro-pastoral sector. What is remarkable is that they work with our producers and it is something we encourage and expect more with our local products. Economically, it will enable stakeholders at the base such as producers of agricultural products to take part.”
The event was marked by the pouring of libation by traditional rulers of the area who prayed for the structure and the land it was built on. Covering a total surface area of 7,215m2, Carrefour Market Ekie, among other specificities, has 12 checkout lanes, a hundred parking spaces and close to 10,000 listed products. With over 250 distribution agreements with local producers and suppliers, the enterprise says the Yaounde and Douala branches currently employ over 350 personnel, most of whom it trained.
Speaking at a press conference shortly before the inauguration ceremony, CFAO Retail Cameroon’s Managing Director, Luc Demez explained that Ekie was chosen to host the structure partly as a result of the welcoming nature of its people as well as its proximity to the heart of the capital city. He said Carrefour Market will provide high quality services and products at affordable prices for everyone.
On how constant products will be available at the supermarket, he reassured that “We have partnerships with different producers of pork, beef, chicken and other meaty products. This approach involves bringing consumers a modern consumption offering at competitive prices and in line with the expectations and demands of middle class customers in Cameroon who are no longer willing to compromise.”
In a joint venture since 2003, CFAO Retail and Carrefour have implemented a food industry initiative through Adialea operating in Ivory Coast, Senegal and Cameroon.