Promoting locally made products: SMEs ministry, Association of Interior Architects sign agreement.

The agreement aims to foster growth in the interior architecture and design sector, while also promoting artisanal development in Cameroon.

The MINPMEESA boss, Achille Bassilekin III, signed on behalf of the ministry while the President of the Cameroonian Association of Interior Architects, Léonie Bwemba, signed for her association.

Stakeholders in the domain of craftsmanship and design and the SMEs ministry witnessed the signing ceremony. 

Speaking during the signing, Minister Bassilekin III emphasised that the partnership is part of a broader collaboration with the African Confederation of Interior Architecture.

According to the minister, the agreement is a tangible step towards fulfilling the high directives of President Biya, who advocates Cameroon’s emergence through the development of local production and self-reliance.

“The emergence of our country depends largely on the ability of our population to produce, transform, and most importantly, work independently,” the minister stated.

“The promotion of self-employment is at the core of our economic development strategy. Handicrafts play a key role in the government’s efforts to accelerate the structural transformation of our country while enhancing the capacities of our artisans,” he further explained.

A boost for artisans & local design

According to the minister, the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to supporting artisans and interior architects in Cameroon. 

It is seen as a major stride towards strengthening the artisanal sector, particularly in wood transformation, which is a vital component of the country’s interior architecture and design industry.

“This agreement will allow us to pool our efforts to provide training and promote the transformation of wood, a key sector that we must address in advancing our interior architecture,” the government official added.

The agreement, the SMEs minister said, will provide institutional support to the association’s activities, including access to vital information and resources necessary for the promotion and development of the handicraft industry. 

The ministry, he added, will also collaborate with the association to organise training seminars aimed at building the skills of artisans and interior designers.

Association commits

On their part, the Cameroonian Association of Interior Architects committed to taking a central role in organising training sessions and sharing expertise in the field of design. 

The association is expected to lead initiatives that promote local craftsmanship and enhance the quality of interior architecture in Cameroon.

In her remarks, Léonie Bwemba expressed confidence in the collaboration, highlighting the association’s commitment to elevating the standards of design in Cameroon. 

“This partnership gives us the opportunity to showcase the creative potential of our local artisans and interior architects, while also contributing to the structural transformation of our economy,” she said.

Shared vision for economic growth

According to officials, this partnership aligns with Cameroon’s broader vision of economic development, which emphasizes the importance of empowering local industries. 

By focusing on the artisanal sector, the government aims to create more opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship, while promoting the use of locally sourced materials like wood in interior design.

With this new collaboration, officials say local artisans can look forward to receiving increased support from the government as they strive to enhance their skills, develop their businesses, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3247 of Wednesday October 02, 2024