Cameroonian businessman Célestin Tawamba has expanded his influence in Central Africa by completing the purchase of Grands Moulins du Cameroun and Grands Moulins du Congo, two major flour and feed production units previously owned by the SOMDIA Group.
The acquisition strengthens Cadyst Group, his fast-growing agri-food conglomerate, and deepens its presence in flour processing, animal feed, and consumer food products.
Backed by five banks and additional regional lenders, the deal reflects strong confidence in Tawamba’s track record and his ability to scale businesses in a sector crucial to regional food security.
Tawamba described the acquisition as the start of a new chapter, emphasizing that the employees joining Cadyst are central to the company’s future success. Since launching La Pasta in 2002 with a daily output of just 25 tons, Cadyst has grown into a major player in Central Africa’s food chain.
Its operations now include flour production through Cadyst Grain, pasta and biscuits under the PANZANI brand, retail via Cadyst Retail, and expansions into healthcare, animal feed, and poultry farming through Cadyst Farming. The group employs over 1,300 people and runs five factories in Cameroon, supported by logistics centers across the country.
By adding the SOMDIA assets in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, Cadyst now controls seven industrial sites with more than 1,500 workers.
The newly combined teams are working to harmonize operations, increase production, and improve product availability across the CEMAC region, where reliable food supply remains sensitive.
Industry experts believe the merger will help stabilize prices and improve distribution. For Tawamba, one of Cameroon’s most prominent businessmen, the move aligns with his broader ambition to build a regional food group that produces affordable, accessible products while remaining rooted in local communities.
