OREANDA-NEWS. June 18, 2015. Toyota Tsusho Corporation ("Toyota Tsusho") announced today it has signed an agreement for exclusive agency in Cameroon with Makita Africa s.a.r.l.a.u., an overseas subsidiary of electric power tool manufacturer Makita Corporation ("Makita"). Toyota Tsusho has begun the distributorship of Makita products in Cameroon in collaboration with CFAO Equipment Cameroon, a subsidiary of CFAO S.A., a French-listed distribution company 97.4% owned by Toyota Tsusho.

To support the expansion of Makita's business in Africa, Toyota Tsusho will lead the shipping operations for Makita products and parts, while CFAO Equipment Cameroon will spearhead market development and sales. In conjunction with the agreement, a ceremony was held June 11, 2015 (June 12 Japan time) in Cameroon's largest city, Douala, to mark the start of services at the new showroom and service center.

Cameroon's electric power tools markets is currently dominated by European manufacturers. The country's GDP is growing at more than 5% annually and the electric power tools market is expected to expand in the future. Toyota Tsusho and Makita Africa s.a.r.l.a.u., have launched product sales and aftermarket services to tap this potential. Moving forward, the companies will develop product lineups to match market needs and utilize the service center to provide a robust support environment for users requiring product repair. Through this strategy, Toyota Tsusho aims to establish the Makita brand in Cameroon and expand the company's market share.

CFAO possesses a strong network in central and west Africa. To gain a foothold in Cameroon, Toyota Tsusho is building sales and service structures consistent with market attributes as it pursues the growth in sales of Makita products in Africa.