Economy

Gov't partners SMEs bank to boost fish, milk production.

R-L: Minister Dr Taïga, BC-PME deputy GM, Amadou Haman, brandishing signed agreements

The government, through the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries, MINEPIA, has partnered with the Cameroonian Bank for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, known by its French abbreviation, BC-PME, and several implementing agencies to boost the domestic production of fish and milk.

The initiative, which is part of the Integrated Agro-Pastoral and Fisheries Import-Substitution Plan, PIISA, aims to significantly reduce reliance on imports.

The partnership agreement and performance contracts were formally signed recently in Yaounde by the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries, Dr Taïga, and BC-PME deputy General Manager, Amadou Haman.

The participating agencies include the Society for the Development and Exploitation of Animal Productions, SODEPA; National Veterinary Laboratory; Mission for the Development of Artisanal and Maritime Fishing, the Livestock Development Fund for the North; Centre for Maritime and Ocean Law; and Maritime Fishing Development Fund.

During the ceremony, Minister Taïga specifically urged the General Manager of SODEPA, Denis Koulagna Koutou, to ensure a plentiful supply of milk across Cameroon.

Minister Taïga called for the full mobilisation of all stakeholders to transform PIISA into a genuine driver of development.

On his part, Koulagna Koutou responded by outlining plans to produce young animals for distribution to breeders and to process milk locally, noting that the partnership with BC-PME will significantly support dairy sector operators.

The Deputy General Manager of BC-PME, Amadou Haman, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting its role in providing adapted financing for the private sector.

About agreement

According to the stakeholders, the collaboration with BC-PME is a strategic financial partnership designed to facilitate access to credit for actors across the milk and fish value chains. The agreement includes provisions to encourage investment in production and processing infrastructure and to strengthen the capacities of entrepreneurs through targeted training and technical support. BC-PME is tasked with developing bankable financial products tailored for these stakeholders, with no fixed floor or ceiling on financing, addressing individual needs.

The performance contracts with the executing agencies emphasise efficient management of allocated funds to support producers. Each agency is committed to optimising resources, modernising practices, and actively contributing to the achievement of set targets.

The PIISA, covering the period 2024-2026, aims for substantial increases in domestic production. Fish production is targeted to rise from 224,000 tons in 2022 to 450,000 tons by 2026. Milk production is expected to increase from 340,000 tons in 2022 to 356,000 tons by 2026.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3485 of Thursday June 26, 2025