Meeting Etiquette
Much of the information in the general etiquette section applies here.
It is important to use a person’s honorific title and surname when conversing. Government officials may be addressed as “Excellency” without using their surname.
Honorific and professional titles in French or English should be used in the appropriate area of the country.
Wait to be invited before moving to a first name basis.
Business cards are given without formal ritual.
Present and receive business cards with the right hand only or with both hands.
Present your card so it is readable to the recipient.Make a point of studying any business card you receive. It is a common practice to comment on some of the information or the card design.
Business Meetings
Meetings are not as private as those in Europe or North America may be used to. The room can actually be shared with other people or people may walk into a meeting half-way through and interrupt. One should not take this as a sign of disrespect or lack of seriousness; once the interruption is over things will get back on track.
Agendas are really part of the Cameroonian business culture. If used they generally act as a starting point for discussions rather than a map.
There is a formal nature to meetings in Cameroon. It is suggested that you not remove your suit jacket unless invited to do so, as this is seen as too casual.
Business communication is relatively formal and follows rules of etiquette and protocol. It is rude to turn your back on someone who is senior to you, even if it is merely to shake hands with someone else.
Cameroonians are expressive communicators who practice conversational overlap - when they think that they know what you are about to say, they will interrupt you to agree, disagree, or change the subject. Many Cameroonians use proverbs when speaking to enhance their communication.
Government offices are officially open from 7.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday. Businesses are open from 7.30am or 8am unt
