11.07.2025
From June 30 to July 2, 2025, the first edition of the Central African Cabinetmaking Grand Prix was held at the Congo Industrial Platform in Pointe-Noire (PICP), in an atmosphere that was both competitive and friendly.
This regional competition celebrated craftsmanship excellence and a commitment to sustainable wood.
A competition promoting young talent
Conceived by ATIBT and co-organized with RIFFEAC, this inaugural edition brought together six young carpenters and cabinetmakers under the age of 30 from Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon, selected through the ADEFAC project via national competitions or professional associations. Although candidates from the DRC were expected to take part, they were unable to attend.
The competition began on the morning of June 30, when the participants received the plans to be carried out. They had a few days to design their work, using only FSC-certified wood supplied by Likouala Timber and Mokabi SA. The competition, designed by Mr. Joseph Kamto Fodjo, a trade expert and president of the jury, aimed to evaluate a wide range of techniques as well as the candidates' ability to work in teams.
The winners
After three days of competition, the jury—composed of three professionals from Libreville, Pointe-Noire, and Brazzaville—awarded the following prizes during a festive ceremony on July 2 at the Élais Hotel: Gold Prize: Mr. Marius Nia Youchoum (Cameroon), presented by Mr. Jules Doret Ndongo, Minister of Forests and Wildlife of Cameroon (1,000,000 CFA francs) Silver Prize: Mr. Nianga Poutou Jules Ferry (Congo), presented by Mr. Marcel Nto Sui Allogo, Minister of Water and Forests of Gabon (500,000 CFA francs) Bronze Prize: Mr. Atangana Egelbert (Cameroon), presented by Ms. Inès Mvoukani, Chair of the FSC Standard Development Group in Congo Country Prize: awarded to the Gabonese duo of Mr. Mombo Jean-Pierre and Mr. Mihindou Darlisseremis, presented by Mr. Hervé Maidou, SE of Comifac
All candidates also received professional tools as gifts, such as drill/screwdrivers, routers, and other equipment.
An event supported by numerous partners
The Grand Prize was made possible thanks to the joint involvement of several actors:
Funding: AFD, through the ADEFAC Program (co-managed by RIFFEAC and ATIBT), marking the end of the ADEFAC 1 project European Union, through the MIB-Congo project
Technical and private partners: FSC and PAFCEntreprises: Likouala Timber, Rougier Mokabi, Banque BIC Logistical support: Plateforme Industrielle du Congo (PICP)
The closing ceremony was followed by a lively cocktail reception, with the colorful presence of authentic Congolese sapeurs, who added an artistic and festive touch to this beautiful celebration of craftsmanship.
