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CICAM Textile Mill Garoua

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Industrial site
—°5
CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)

Weather…

The CICAM textile mill in Garoua is the industrial centerpiece of cotton processing in Northern Cameroon. Founded in 1965 as Cotonnière Industrielle du Cameroun, the plant leverages its location near the region's vast cotton fields to manufacture textiles for both domestic and regional markets. The Garoua facility specializes in spinning, weaving, and fabric finishing. It is renowned for producing the distinctive printed fabrics used extensively in traditional attire across West and Central Africa. The factory serves as a vital link in the value chain that connects local cotton farmers to the final consumer product. Despite facing economic pressure from global competition, CICAM remains a strategic employer in the North Region. The industrial complex comprises expansive workshops housing mechanical looms and dyeing vats. Recent initiatives have focused on modernizing equipment and improving the quality of locally produced fabrics to enhance market competitiveness and preserve Cameroon's textile heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C273032323028262526272827
Rain mm00238981371862421666221

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The CICAM textile mill in Garoua is the heart of Cameroon's textile industry, processing local cotton into fabrics and clothing. It provides thousands of jobs and supplies the entire Central African market.
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Visiting
The mill premises are not open to the public, but the exterior is visible from the street. Occasionally guided tours are offered for organized groups, which should be arranged in advance.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the main road in front of the factory entrance in Garoua. From the nearby bridge over the Benue River you can overlook the entire plant area.
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Local products
Colorful cotton fabrics and traditional garments are sold on the surrounding markets. Seasonal textile discounts often occur after the cotton harvest in December.
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Active season
Production runs year-round, but peak activity follows the cotton harvest from December to February. The largest volumes of fabric are produced and shipped during this period.
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Nearby
Combine the visit with exploring the city of Garoua and its lively market. The nearby Benue National Park also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Geography

Coordinates
9.30000, 13.40000

Facts

  • CICAM was established in 1965
  • Located in Garoua, North Region of Cameroon
  • Specializes in spinning and weaving operations
  • Utilizes locally grown cotton as raw material
  • Produces traditional 'Pagne' fabrics
  • The country's only major integrated textile complex

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sainte-Thérèse Cathedral of GarouaSainte-Thérèse Cathedral of Garoua<1 km · SExplore →
Garoua Cattle MarketGaroua Cattle Market2 km · EExplore →
Pitoa Slave Market SitePitoa Slave Market Site17 km · NEExplore →
CIMENCAM Cement Plant FiguilCIMENCAM Cement Plant Figuil80 km · NEExplore →
FiguilFiguil81 km · NEExplore →
Benue RiverBenue River89 km · SExplore →
BinderBinder91 km · NExplore →
Léré Fishing CenterLéré Fishing Center91 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (5)

Artisant;Centre Artisanal

Craft center in Garoua where local artisans produce and sell handmade goods.

Centre Culturel De Lopere

Cultural center in Garoua's Lopere district, hosting events and community gatherings.

Carrefour matakam

Intersection in Garoua, named after the Matakam ethnic group, a major traffic hub.

I love Garoua city

Monument in Garoua expressing residents' affection for their city.

Foyer Culturel Bamendjou

Bamendjou cultural center in Garoua, a venue for community cultural activities.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does CICAM produce in Garoua?
Cotton textiles, especially printed fabrics for traditional African clothing.
Why is the factory in Garoua?
Garoua is located in the center of the cotton-growing region in northern Cameroon.
Can you visit the textile factory?
Entry is usually only possible for business partners or by arrangement.
Where can you buy CICAM fabrics?
At the large market in Garoua and in specialty shops throughout the country.
Is the factory important for the region?
Yes, it is the most important industrial employer in northern Cameroon.
CICAM Textile Mill Garoua: where is it located?
CICAM Textile Mill Garoua is located in Cameroon.
CICAM Textile Mill Garoua: what is there to see?
Highlights include Artisant;Centre Artisanal, Centre Culturel De Lopere, Carrefour matakam.
CICAM Textile Mill Garoua: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
CICAM Textile Mill Garoua: why is it worth visiting?
The CICAM textile mill in Garoua is the industrial centerpiece of cotton processing in Northern Cameroon.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Guider — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Guider
Guider is a vibrant city in the drier north, serving as a trade hub for local farmers.
Garoua — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Garoua
Garoua is a major city in northern Cameroon, located on the Benue River and a center for the textile industry.
Figuil — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Figuil
Figuil is a vibrant city in the drier north, serving as a trade hub for local farmers.
Tcholliré — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Tcholliré
Tcholliré is a vibrant city in the drier north, serving as a trade hub for local farmers.
Poli — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Poli
Poli is a vibrant city in the drier north, serving as a trade hub for local farmers.

History & landmarks

Sainte-Thérèse Cathedral of Garoua — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Sainte-Thérèse Cathedral of Garoua
This striking cathedral in northern Cameroon is a significant Christian center in a predominantly Muslim region.
Roumdé Adjia Stadium — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Roumdé Adjia Stadium
The Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua is a key sporting venue in northern Cameroon, hosting major national and regional football matches.
Bénoué National Park — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Bénoué National Park
Bénoué National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in northern Cameroon.
Bouba Njida National Park — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Bouba Njida National Park
Established in 1968, Bouba Njida National Park in northern Cameroon is a major wildlife reserve.

Nature

Benue River — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Benue River
The largest tributary of the Niger, flowing through northern Cameroon.

More places

Garoua Lamidat — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Garoua Lamidat
The Lamidat of Garoua is a prestigious traditional chiefdom in northern Cameroon, with a palace that reflects the region's Islamic heritage.
Garoua Cattle Market — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Garoua Cattle Market
The cattle market in Garoua is one of the largest in the Sahel, serving as a critical hub for the trade of livestock from across the region.
Garoua River Fishing — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Garoua River Fishing
River fishing on the Benue near Garoua is a vital traditional activity that sustains the local economy and provides a staple food source.
Pitoa Slave Market Site — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Pitoa Slave Market Site
Pitoa was historically a major site for the internal slave trade in northern Cameroon, now serving as a place of historical reflection.
CIMENCAM Cement Plant Figuil — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
CIMENCAM Cement Plant Figuil
The Cimencam factory in Figuil is the primary cement producer for northern Cameroon, utilizing local limestone deposits for production.
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Bouba-Ndjidda Plateau
Mount Bouba is a significant relief feature in the northern plains, rising above the surrounding savanna landscape.
Palace of Rey Bouba — CICAM Textile Mill Garoua (Cameroon)
Palace of Rey Bouba
A large traditional palace in northern Cameroon and the seat of the Rey Bouba lamidat.