Corporate & Commercial
Company formation, governance, commercial contracts and OHADA compliance.
Overview
ALPs advises domestic and international clients on the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters in Cameroon and across the OHADA zone. OHADA Uniform Acts apply directly in all 17 member states and prevail over conflicting national law in business matters. Our team combines command of that framework — in particular the Uniform Act on Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups (AUSCGIE) — with practical experience of Cameroonian company practice and of Cameroon’s bijural legal system, which blends French-derived civil law with common law traditions.
Talk to this teamWhat we advise on
Our team advises across the full spectrum of corporate & commercial, with deep expertise in the following areas.
Company formation and incorporation
Corporate governance and board advisory
Commercial contracts and negotiation
OHADA Uniform Act compliance
Joint ventures and shareholders agreements
Corporate restructuring and reorganisation
Regulatory approvals and licensing
Due diligence and legal audits
How we help
Structuring new ventures
We advise founders, investors and multinationals on the optimal legal structure for new businesses in Cameroon — including the choice of OHADA entity (most commonly the SARL or the société anonyme), shareholder arrangements, statutory auditor requirements and regulatory registrations — from drafting the deeds through to registration in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM).
Governance and compliance
We help boards and management teams meet their obligations under the AUSCGIE and Cameroonian law, including board and shareholder meeting procedures, management clauses, statutory filings and disclosures, and the design of group-wide compliance programmes adapted to the OHADA framework.
Commercial contracts
We draft and negotiate commercial agreements governed by OHADA general commercial law — distribution, agency, supply, service and long-term cooperation agreements — with a focus on enforceability, risk allocation and the OHADA rules on commercial paper, evidence and security that apply directly in Cameroon.
Restructuring and reorganisation
We advise on mergers, partial asset contributions, demergers and group reorganisations under the AUSCGIE, managing the notarial, shareholder-approval and creditor-protection requirements that these operations involve.
Selected experience
Protection of vulnerable groups
Acted in civil litigation proceedings concerning the protection of a child and the rights of vulnerable groups — a case result published on the firm’s professional directory profile.
[CLIENT CONFIRMATION PENDING] Further representative corporate matters
Additional representative corporate matters are being compiled for publication with client approval.
Related industries
Related insights
All insightsOHADA Company Law Reform: Governance Requirements Under the AUSCGIE
The OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies (AUSCGIE) governs companies across all 17 OHADA member states, including Cameroon. We examine the governance requirements it imposes and how OHADA’s continuing reform agenda affects businesses.
2026-08-10
articleCorporate Governance in Cameroon: A Practical Guide for Directors
Directors of companies operating in Cameroon face a complex set of legal obligations under both OHADA law and Cameroonian company law. This guide provides a practical overview of the key governance requirements and best practices for directors.
2026-07-14
Sub-Practice Areas
Company Formation & Incorporation
Structuring and incorporating companies in Cameroon under OHADA law.
Corporate Governance & Board Advisory
Board procedures, director duties and governance compliance under OHADA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies?
The OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups (AUSCGIE) governs the formation, operation and dissolution of companies across all 17 OHADA member states, including Cameroon. It harmonises company types, management and governance rules, shareholder rights, and merger and reorganisation procedures, and applies directly in every member state.
What types of companies can be formed in Cameroon?
Under OHADA law, the principal forms of company available in Cameroon include the société anonyme (SA), société à responsabilité limitée (SARL), société en nom collectif (SNC), société en commandite simple (SCS) and société en commandite par actions (SCA), alongside economic interest groups (GIE) and cooperative societies. The right choice of entity depends on the nature of the business, the number of shareholders, capital requirements and the desired governance structure.
How long does company incorporation take in Cameroon?
Incorporation timelines in Cameroon have improved significantly with the digitisation of the RCCM register and the CFCE (one-stop shop) process. Where the incorporation deeds and founder documentation are complete, registration is typically achieved within two to four weeks, although sector-specific approvals can extend the timeline. ALPs manages the full process from deed drafting to registration.
Speak to our team
Our lawyers are available to discuss your matter in confidence.