Economy

Centre Region: SMEs minister inaugurates special artisanal village in Ndikiniméki.

by Mercy Fosoh
26 May 2025 19:04
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Front view of the special artisanal village

Artisans from the Mbam and Inoubou Division in the Centre Region as well as those from afield, now have a dedicated hub in Ndikiniméki.
A special artisanal village, inaugurated recently by the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy, and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, will serve as a vibrant meeting point for the supply and demand of artisanal products.

According to the minister, artisans will be able to receive training in digital marketing, learn new production and sales techniques, improve their access to financing, and develop strategies to promote their products. The inauguration also provided a platform for artisans to voice their concerns.

Representing the artisans at the ceremony was Odette Ombokani, who stressed the need to transition from artisanal production to large-scale manufacturing.

Among the requests were more subsidies for artisans, better access to equipment, and continuous monitoring to provide concrete solutions to daily difficulties.

She also revealed that beyond supporting production, exhibition, and commercialisation, there are plans to structure artisans by sector to accelerate the shift towards scaled production.

It emerged from the inauguration that the new 2,000 m² facility, built with funding of 336 million FCFA, boasts 16 shops, two conference rooms that can be converted into event halls, and other living spaces that seamlessly blend traditional and modern craftsmanship.

Traditional art is well-represented by wood sculptors from Ndikiniméki and Kon-Yambetta, offering traditional furniture, statuettes, and masks that can enhance any interior.

Potters from Ombessa specialise in ceramics, crafting jars, pots, and various utensils, while basket weavers demonstrate their dexterity by creating raffia baskets and mats.

Agri-food products are a highlight, featuring locally made liqueurs, teas, and herbal infusions, with a special emphasis on organic white and black pepper from Ndikiniméki.

Cosmetics are also well-represented with a range of local soaps and oils, alongside diverse pearl jewelry designs.

According to Achille Bassilekin III, this new infrastructure in Ndikiniméki marks the third special artisanal village and the 13th overall artisanal village in the country, opening doors to numerous opportunities.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3452 of Thursday May 22, 2025