Cameroonian businessman says fabricated allegations are part of a broader effort to damage his reputation as his mining and infrastructure profile grows across Central Africa
By Philips Enchi.
Cameroonian entrepreneur Cédric Ketchanga has become the target of what supporters describe as a coordinated smear campaign involving fabricated allegations intended to undermine the reputation of one of Central Africa’s emerging business figures. At 36, Ketchanga is increasingly associated with major mining and infrastructure projects in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, where he works alongside businessman Alexandre Mbiam. His rising profile in the region’s investment and natural resources sectors has drawn attention beyond the business community. Born in Drancy, in the Paris region of France, Ketchanga followed the path of his father, Senator and businessman Célestin Ketchanga, from whom he developed an early interest in entrepreneurship. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from HEC Montréal and the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) between 2010 and 2013 before completing an MBA in Strategic Management and Corporate Finance in 2022.
After specialising in the financing of major development projects at North American universities, Ketchanga established himself in the business communities of Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. He is best known as the Administrative and Financial Director of Bestway Finance Ltd, a company he co-founded with Alexandre Mbiam. Through Bestway Finance, the two entrepreneurs helped structure financing arrangements linked to the development of the Avima, Badondo, and Nabeba iron ore deposits in northeastern Congo, as well as the Mbalam project in Cameroon.
The programme includes mining operations, the construction of a railway line of about 700 kilometres linking the mining sites to the Port of Kribi, a mineral terminal at the port, and a modern steel complex in Kribi that would process a significant share of the extracted iron locally. The investment is expected to contribute significantly to Cameroon’s economy, create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and generate substantial foreign exchange earnings.
Expanding Business Interests.
Ketchanga is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of KC Trade International, which recently expanded into the petroleum products trade in Cameroon, entering one of the country’s most competitive sectors. The company is expected to benefit from the experience of businessman Jules François Famawa, whose company, DSC Marine, transports petroleum products between the Limbe refinery and storage facilities in Douala.His career also includes serving as Vice-President of Ashdown Advisory Group from 2015 to 2021, specialising in the restructuring of maritime and real estate entities; founder of SCI La Loya, a real estate company that developed commercial complexes across the CEMAC region, particularly in Pointe-Noire; and Administrative Director of a mining exploration and exploitation company in the Republic of Congo from 2018 to 2020.Ketchanga has repeatedly stated that his ambition is to contribute to Cameroon’s economic development. In recognition of that commitment, President Paul Biya awarded him the rank of Knight of the Order of Valour on May 20, 2026, for what was described as his contribution to the development of Cameroon and the Central African sub-region.
Allegations Rejected.
Ketchanga’s rise has also attracted controversy. He has recently been linked to allegations of an affair involving a member of the Congolese presidential family, claims that his associates dismiss as entirely fabricated and defamatory. Supporters argue that the allegations are part of a broader campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation, undermining his business standing, and weakening his relationship with influential political circles in the Republic of Congo. They maintain that no evidence has been produced to support the claims. Despite the controversy, Ketchanga has remained active in his international business operations, with associates saying he continues to pursue his projects with the support of his family and professional network.
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