SMEs minister intensifies country’s efforts to partake in AfCFTA.

The minister recently held separate meetings with the Director of the Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, ECA, Jean-Luc Mastaki Namegabe, and the outgoing German Ambassador to Cameroon, Corinna Fricke.

According to information made public by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy, and Handicrafts, both meetings are part of the ongoing efforts to integrate local businesses into broader economic frameworks.

During Minister Bassilekin III’s meeting with Jean-Luc Mastaki Namegabe, two primary areas of cooperation were addressed. The first centered on mobilising SMEs for their participation in special economic zones, a strategic move to foster industrial growth. 

The second crucial aspect was ensuring a more robust and effective participation of these enterprises in the AfCFTA, to enable them access larger markets and contribute significantly to Africa's industrialisation. 

ECA's 2025 roadmap already reflects this commitment, including plans for specialised timber industrial parks in Bertoua, Edea, Kribi, and Douala, alongside initiatives such as capacity-building workshops for local and regional executives on promoting the social economy and facilitating the participation of women entrepreneurs in international trade forums.

Immediately following this, Minister Bassilekin III held an emotional farewell meeting with the outgoing Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cameroon, Corinna Fricke. 

During the audience, Ambassador Fricke expressed her deep appreciation for the productive cooperation and strong personal relationship forged during her tenure, highlighting successful endeavours in attracting German investors and SMEs to Cameroon. 

She emphasised the continuous need to attract private investment and improve value chains, noting the visible impact of various initiatives, including a significant German presence at the Yaounde Business, SME, and Partnership Fair, PROMOTE. 

Looking ahead, Minister Bassilekin III sought Germany's technical assistance for the Programme to Support the Creation and Development of SMEs, Pad-PME, and requested Cameroon's participation in the biennial Germany-Africa Summit. 

Additionally, the minister solicited German expertise for capacity building of SMEs in automotive mechanics and the establishment of a network of businesses in renewable energies. 

According MINPMESSA, Germany's position as a leading agri-food power could also prove invaluable support to Cameroonian dairy production SMEs, helping them enhance capabilities and meet local demand.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3463 of Tuesday June 03, 2025