The first ever Interprofessional Aquaculture Exhibition in Cameroon, organised by the Interprofessional Organisation for the Development of Aquaculture in Cameroon (OIDAC) in conjunction with the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA), was the main meeting point for professionals from the aquaculture industry, who came to discuss the theme
‘Import Substitution: the contribution of aquaculture’. Participants reviewed the industry’s potential and difficulties, and set out their expectations through thematic presentations by a panel of national and international experts, the sharing of experiences between players, and exhibitions on the stands.
The Secretariat of State for Defence in charge of Ex-Servicemen and War Victims (SED/CACVG) was invited to SIAC 2024 thanks to the MINEPIA/MINDEF collaboration platform, and took part in the event, not only to ensure its visibility to the general public, but also to present one of the results of its action in favour of Ex-Servicemen and War Victims (ACVGs), namely reconversion in the aquaculture sector.
Operating from the same 100-square-metre stand with the Cameroon Navy, namely the Naval Commando Company (COPALCO), the SED/CACVG showcased its full communications resources to raise awareness of its missions, activities and achievements. Several members of government and celebrities paid a visit to the SED/CACVG stand.
The highlight of these high-profile visits was that of Mr KOUMPA ISSA, Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of Ex-Servicemen and War Victims, at 12 noon on Friday 06 December 2024. His arrival was a huge boost for the mobilised communications team and enhanced the sparkle of the stand.
Since 2022, thanks to Programme 004 of the Ministry of Defence entitled ‘Assistance, Reconversion of Military Personnel and Reintegration of Ex-Servicemen and War Victims’, three batches, each of 500 Ex-Servicemen and War Victims, have emerged from the incubators of the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry (CAPEF). These retired servicemen have been trained in animal and plant production as well as entrepreneurship. Retired Chief Warrant Officer ABENA ALOUGOU François, one of the beneficiaries of this extensive programme of professional reconversion for Ex-Servicemen, led the SED/CACVG stand in demonstrating his know-how in aquaculture.
He owns three fish ponds in Mbalmayo, and was one of the main fish farmers who supplied the SIAC base with plenty of fish, thanks to his supplies of African catfish (also known as sheatfish). The retired Chief Warrant Officer ABENA sold more than 200 kilograms of fish at the exhibition, which proved very popular with consumers. It was a great opportunity for this former soldier, now converted to fish farmer, to make a good profit during the festive season. Furthermore, he took advantage of his time at SIAC 2024 to build up his contacts through B2B meetings with strategic partners such as suppliers, customers and even peers.
Retired Chief Warrant Officer ABENA used to shuttle between Yaoundé and Mbalmayo to satisfy an increasingly large and diverse clientele. The fish tank, prominently displayed in front of the SED/CACVG stand, was a source of attraction and admiration for many visitors.
