Lagardère Expands in Central Africa with Inaugural Duty-Free Shops at Douala and Yaounde Airports

By fostering strong partnerships with local suppliers and service providers, Lagardère Travel Retail is actively contributing to the growth of Cameroon's economic ecosystem.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Lagardère Travel Retail, the global leader in travel retail, is making a major stride in Central Africa by opening its first Aelia Duty-Free stores in Cameroon. On April 10, 2025, the international travel retail giant will officially inaugurate its new stores at Douala International Airport and Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport, marking a significant step in its regional expansion.

More than just a commercial venture, this initiative aligns with Lagardère’s long-term vision of fostering economic growth, job creation, and an enhanced travel experience for passengers. By introducing high-quality duty-free shopping in Cameroon, the company reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class service while supporting local frugality.

The official inauguration will take place on April 10, 2025, at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport, in the presence of Dag Rasmussen, Chairman and CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail, Sountou Bousso, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Western Africa, the Minister of Transport, Mr. Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibéhè, Thomas Owona Assoumou, Director General of Cameroon Airports (ADC), along with local authorities and institutional partners.
Jobs and Economic Benefits

The newly designed Aelia Duty-Free stores, which span a total area of 500 square meters, will offer travelers a modern and immersive shopping experience. The retail spaces, located centrally in the passenger terminals, have been developed in collaboration with local Cameroonian interior design firms, ensuring a blend of contemporary aesthetics and local cultural influences.

A standout feature of this project is its emphasis on local craftsmanship. The construction and furnishing of the stores were entirely carried out by Cameroonian artisans, reinforcing Lagardère Travel Retail’s commitment to sustainable and equitable development.

This event will not only mark the official entry of Lagardère Travel Retail into Cameroon but also highlight the country’s growing attractiveness as a hub for international travel and commerce.
Beyond enhancing the airport shopping experience, the expansion brings substantial economic benefits. Thanks to the leadership of Sountou Bousso, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Western Africa, the project has resulted in the creation of over 100 direct jobs and as many indirect jobs across various sectors, including logistics, retail, and craft industries.

By fostering strong partnerships with local suppliers and service providers, Lagardère Travel Retail is actively contributing to the growth of Cameroon’s economic ecosystem. This approach ensures that the benefits of international investment are shared with local communities, creating sustainable employment opportunities and boosting regional development.

About Lagardère Travel Retail

With over 170 years of expertise, Lagardère Travel Retail is the global leader in travel retail, operating in 42 countries with more than 5,000 points of sale across duty-free, food & beverage, and travel essentials segments.

Active in Africa since 2017, the group is already present in Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, The Gambia, Tanzania, Benin, and now Cameroon, with one clear ambition: to deliver unique and enriching experiences to travellers while supporting local economies through sustainable partnerships.