Ministers and other attendees pose for a group photo (COURTESY)

Cameroon’s capital Yaoundé came alive on 16 and 17 July as it hosted a major international gathering for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. The event brought together over 1,000 industry professionals and 50 exhibitors from more than 30 countries including China to address the future of cleaner and more inclusive energy. 

The aim was to promote innovative, sustainable energy solutions for liquefied gas in Central Africa. Experts discussed important topics such as clean cooking, LNG storage and distribution, and the empowerment of women in the energy sector.  

The conference took place under the patronage of Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, represented by Minister of Water and Energy Gaston Eloundou Essomba, with coordination from Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa. It provided a unique platform for networking, sharing innovations and showcasing the latest advances in products and services. 

A highlight of the event was the signing of an agreement with the global women’s network WINLPG. Alison Abbott, WINLPG co-founder and communications director of the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA), attended the event. On this occasion, the WLGA officially opened the national WINLPG office in Cameroon. 

Gas for women 

Founded by the WLGA in 2015, the WINLPG network is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. With 14 national offices and around 4,000 members, the network strives to expand women’s presence in the LNG industry, especially by educating young girls about the benefits of this energy source. By hosting the international LNG fair, Cameroon joins other African nations with a WINLPG national office, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Morocco. 

Ondoa welcomed the innovative initiative, materialised by the signing of the historic agreement between her ministry and WINLPG. “I must stress the importance of involving women in the LNG value chain - as users, ambassadors, and professionals,” she said. 

For his part, Essomba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to speeding up the transition to clean cooking, aiming to ensure LNG access for all households: “The use of LNG is growing in Cameroon at an annual rate of around 7 percent, driven by major investments and a clear determination to make clean energy accessible nationwide.” 

Cameroon’s Minister of Water and Energy Gaston Eloundou Essomba (centre) with Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa (right) and Alison Abbott, WINLPG co-founder and WLGA communications director (COURTESY) 

A common flame 

The LNG conference highlighted the growing footprint of Chinese companies in the African market. Among them was Hangzhou Tianlong Steel Cylinder. The company manufactures and sells gas cylinders. A sales manager of the company surnamed Chen travelled from China to attend the conference. “Our goal here in Yaoundé is not only to showcase our brand, but also to expand our presence in Cameroon and across Central Africa,” Chen told ChinAfrica.  

Chen was not alone behind the counter: alongside her stood Laure Essoua, sales manager of Tianlong Cylinder’s Cameroonian subsidiary in Douala. The professional collaboration between the two women highlighted the growing business ties between Chinese and African partners. “The Chinese-Cameroonian partnership, and more broadly the Chinese-African partnership, are founded on mutual respect and the win-win principle,” explained Essoua, who has worked with Tianlong for three years.  

Zhangshan Steel Cylinder, another gas cylinder manufacturer from China, was also present at the event. Lynne Zhong, a young sales manager of the company, told ChinAfrica, “We are delighted to seize the opportunities offered by the Cameroonian and African markets. Our business relationships with African partners are excellent. We have operated on the continent for over 10 years,” she stressed.