Cameroon Prioritizes SMEs in Local Industrial Transformation Drive
Cameroon is intensifying its focus on Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to drive local industrial transformation, aiming to convert raw materials into finished products. This strategic orientation was reaffirmed on June 29, 2026, by Achille Bassilekin III, the Minister of SMEs, Social Economy, and Crafts, during the opening of the 6th edition of MSME Day in Yaoundé. The event convened government officials, financial and technical partners, private sector representatives, and United Nations agencies. Participants emphasized the crucial role of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in advancing the government's import-substitution policy and strengthening local value chains. Minister Bassilekin III reported a rise in the number of MSMEs established in the transformation sector as of December 31, 2025, indicating a gradual economic shift towards higher value-added activities. The government plans to accelerate this momentum by boosting manufacturing, creating sustainable employment, and enhancing the competitiveness of "Made in Cameroon" products. Furthermore, efforts will be made to integrate national businesses into regional and continental value chains. UN partners pledged continued support for women, youth, and individuals with disabilities, focusing on improving their access to technology, markets, and funding.
Cameroon's initiative to bolster MSMEs for industrial transformation aligns with global trends toward localized production and value chain development. By prioritizing domestic manufacturing and the "Made in Cameroon" brand, the government seeks to reduce import dependency and capture greater economic value. The strategy's success will hinge on addressing systemic challenges, including access to finance, technological adoption, and regulatory frameworks that support MSME growth. International partnerships, particularly those focused on inclusivity for women, youth, and disabled individuals, are vital for ensuring equitable development and broad-based economic participation. Looking ahead, integrating these MSMEs into larger regional and continental value chains presents an opportunity for scalability and enhanced competitiveness in the evolving global economic landscape, particularly as automation and digital technologies reshape manufacturing.
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