Loop SA, Cameroun

The optical glass market in Cameroon is largely dominated by mineral glasses and is insufficiently developed to meet demand. Out of 3 million people who need to wear glasses, fewer than 20% have access to quality lenses, according to the World Health Organization.

Local production of lenses is almost nonexistent, purchasing power is weak and custom duties on imported lenses are very high.

Thanks to the partnership with Essilor, Loop can offer a range of organic lenses at a reasonable price.

The public health benefits –widening access to organic lenses– and the economic benefits –development of local production in a high value-added industry– fully justify such an investment.

Construction of the workshop is under way. Production of the first lenses is expected in June 2010. In 2009,  initial sales and marketing of imported lenses confirmed the strength of the market.