28/03/2026
Cameroonian excellence goes regional: The Kadji Group invests in a state-of-the-art factory in Abia State, Nigeria.
A source of national pride and a symbol of Cameroonian excellence, inspired by the legacy of its founding patriarch, the late Fu'a Toula Kadji Defosso — his values and above all his vision — the Kadji Group, a Cameroonian industrial conglomerate, is stepping up its expansion both at home and across the continent, driven by one unshakeable belief: Africa's future will be built by Africans.
Through Ultimum Limited, our brewing arm is deepening its footprint across the region. Building on the success of the Union Camerounaise de Brasseries (UCB) — which since 1972 has stood as the first 100% Cameroonian and African brewery in Central Africa — we are now taking a landmark step forward by investing in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
Ultimum Limited, the Kadji Group subsidiary responsible for producing and distributing the Group's beverage brands in Nigeria, officially launched the first PET production line at its Aba facility on March 25, 2026. This line is dedicated to producing Razzl, KIQ, and more. A historic milestone — for the Group, and for Cameroon.
Why Nigeria?
Beyond being a neighbouring, friendly, and brotherly nation, Nigeria is Cameroon's top economic and trading partner on the continent. With over 220 million inhabitants and consumers, it represents a massive market of exceptional potential, one that is increasingly open to African entrepreneurs. The gradual rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreements, reshaping the contours of a more dynamic and integrated Africa, only amplifies this opportunity further.
Aba: A Strategic Choice
Aba is far more than just a city — it is the economic heartbeat of Abia State, a commercial and industrial hub whose influence stretches across Central and West Africa. Its skilled workforce, strong production capacity, and extensive trade networks make it a critical gateway for the distribution of goods throughout the region.
Its dense industrial fabric spans pharmaceuticals, cement, textiles, footwear, cosmetics, leather processing, metalwork, agri-food, and of course, the beverages industry. Every major national player in Nigeria's drinks sector has a production unit in Aba.
At the center of this energy sits the Ariaria International Market — with over 37,000 shops and stalls, it ranks among the largest open-air markets in West Africa, earning it the nickname "the China of Africa" for its industrial and commercial dynamism. This wholesale regional market draws traders from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Liberia, Togo, Benin, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Our decision to establish ourselves in Aba was also shaped by our encounters with a forward-thinking local government, led by Governor Dr. Alex Otti. Far beyond rhetoric, he has put in place the concrete conditions for investors to come, grow, and thrive in Abia State — through structural projects and dedicated support.
An Investment That Strengthens Cameroon-Nigeria Ties
By acquiring a former Guinness Nigeria facility in Aba and pouring tens of billions of CFA francs into transforming it into a world-class factory, the Kadji Group is making a powerful statement: deepening the bonds between Cameroon and Nigeria, and energizing trade across the entire sub-region.
This investment is yet another expression of our deep belief in our country, in Africa, and our unwavering commitment to remaining a leading force in value creation and growth at a continental scale.
A Virtuous Ecosystem — Environmental, Social and Human Impact
The impact of this project goes well beyond economic metrics. Today, over 100,000 customers across Africa already support their families daily through the sale of our Group's products and services. From day one, operating within a catchment area of over 30 million people, the Ultimum Limited factory will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs — for Nigerians and Cameroonians alike.
