Puissance 237, led by Dr. Guy Gweth, current president of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), aims to equip Cameroon with a continental power strategy. In this context, human capital and national skills play a vital role. Dr. Jacob Kotcho, with his exceptional track record in service of regional integration in Central Africa, represents a major asset in this regard. His expertise in international trade and his commitment to regional development align perfectly with the Puissance 237 dynamic.
A seasoned official of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) for over seven years, Dr. Jacob Kotcho was appointed Director of the Common Market, one of the institution’s strategic pillars, in October 2021. This appointment recognises his specialised expertise in international trade agreement negotiations, and the design, implementation and evaluation of trade policies and tools. His involvement in negotiating major agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and Central Africa, and the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), demonstrates his influence and ability to work towards the continent’s economic integration.
His career within ECCAS, where he has held the position of Head of Trade, Customs and Industry since March 2020, gives him in-depth knowledge of the institution’s workings and the challenges it faces. This experience, combined with his education at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé (Ucac), makes him a rigorous manager and a strong advocate for social transformation.
Dr. Kotcho’s commitment is not limited to his institutional work. His involvement in coordinating projects such as the Programme to Support the Improvement of the Competitiveness of the Cameroonian Economy on behalf of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Cameroon demonstrates his desire to act concretely for his country’s economic development. His expertise in international trade policy and international trade law, honed over a decade of experience in the Central African trade integration process, is a valuable asset for Cameroon.
Furthermore, his role in creating several Cameroonian and sub-regional civil society associations and platforms, including the Citizens’ Association for the Defence of Collective Interests (ACDIC) alongside the late Bernard Njonga, and the Platform of Non-State Actors of Central Africa (PANEAC), highlights his commitment to civil society and his desire to promote inclusive and participatory development.
How does Dr. Jacob Kotcho’s profile contribute to the Puissance 237 vision? The White Paper, initiated by Dr. Guy Gweth, emphasises the need to strengthen Cameroon’s position in regional and international trade to achieve continental power. Dr. Kotcho’s expertise in trade agreement negotiation, his understanding of the challenges of regional integration and his commitment to economic development make him a key player in realising this ambition.
More specifically, Dr. Kotcho could play a decisive role in the following areas:
- Strategic advice on trade policy: His expertise could be used to advise the Cameroonian government on strategies to adopt in regional and international trade negotiations, ensuring that the country’s interests are defended.
- Strengthening the trade capacities of Cameroonian economic actors: He could help build the capacity of Cameroonian businesses to take advantage of the opportunities offered by trade agreements, helping them adapt to international standards and access regional and international markets.
- Promoting regional integration in Central Africa: His role within ECCAS allows him to influence regional policies and promote stronger economic integration, which benefits the entire sub-region and, consequently, Cameroon.
- Contribution to economic diplomacy: His network and credibility in regional and international economic and political circles could be used to promote Cameroon’s economic interests and strengthen its influence on the continental stage.
In total, Dr. Jacob Kotcho, through his career, expertise and commitment, represents a valuable resource for Cameroon in its quest for continental power. His profile is perfectly aligned with the ambitions of Puissance 237, and his role in promoting regional integration and economic development is undeniable. His commitment to the development of Central Africa is a major asset for the realisation of this ambitious vision.
The Editorial Team