Young Entrepreneurs Drive 42% of New SMEs in Cameroon in 2025
In 2025, young entrepreneurs under 35 years old spearheaded 42% of new Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) established in Cameroon, a notable increase from 36.4% in 2019. This surge in youth entrepreneurship is a key driver of the nation's economic dynamism. Overall, 16,845 new SMEs were registered across the country during the year. The total number of active SMEs in Cameroon has reached 472,208, representing a 6.5% year-on-year growth. The broader formal economic landscape comprises 569,208 economic units, including SMEs, social economy organizations, and artisanal production units. These new enterprises are projected to create approximately 90,000 jobs. Female participation in entrepreneurship is also on the rise, with women founding 33% of the newly created SMEs. The Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy, and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) highlights that these SMEs are increasingly focusing on transformation and manufacturing activities. This shift aligns with national objectives for import substitution and export promotion, underscoring the strategic role of SMEs in wealth and value creation. The MINPMEESA views this trend as a testament to the resilience of the Cameroonian economy and anticipates SMEs will remain crucial for industrialization and structural transformation by 2030.
The increasing proportion of new SMEs founded by individuals under 35 in Cameroon signals a positive demographic shift in the nation's entrepreneurial landscape. This trend, coupled with growing female participation, suggests a broadening base of economic actors contributing to formal sector growth. The reported focus on transformation and manufacturing aligns with national industrialization goals, potentially reducing import dependency and boosting export capacity. From a systemic perspective, supporting this youth-driven innovation through accessible financing, mentorship, and streamlined regulatory frameworks could accelerate structural economic transformation. The long-term challenge will be ensuring these SMEs achieve sustainable scale and contribute significantly to job creation and national value addition, thereby mitigating potential future economic vulnerabilities.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.