Experts review challenges, opportunities of women's entrepreneurship in Cameroon.

It was organised by the Cameroon Economic Policy Institute, CEPI, of the Henri Kouam Foundation.

The panel discussion, moderated by Trade Expert & CEPI Executive Director, Henri Kouam, had as panelists Prof Kelly Mua, finance expert, and L’or Sylvie epse Mafouo, Afriland First Bank Regional Director for Yaoundé South. 

According to L’or-Sylvie women run about 40% of total businesses in Cameroon but only 20% of manufacturing firms. She then noted that women receive limited loans due to well-known factors such as administrative bottlenecks and limited financial literacy which further hinder their progress. 

While urging women to open bank accounts in financial institutions to develop a credit history with these institutions, she echoed CEPI’s research on the need to enforce women’s property rights to make it easier for them to access finance. 

In addition, the Afriland First Bank official pointed out that women entrepreneurs should ensure there is a market for their products. 

On his part, Prof Kelly Mua Kingsley noted that entrepreneurs should have credible business plans, record sales and expenses, and to demonstrate their business has a potential by having a stable customer base. 

The renowned finance engineer, who is also the Board Chair of the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance, averred that businesses should also face outwards as the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, provides a unique opportunity for women-led businesses to export across the continent. 

Meanwhile, Henri Kouam pointed out that state guarantees currently estimated at 200 billion FCFA should be extended to other institutions to ensure greater inclusion.

He also reiterated CEPI’s commitment to boosting entrepreneurship and free market ideas via debates, training, and research initiatives.

To boost access to finance, the panelists provided step-by-step guidance and recommendations such as training on export and import procedures as well as business plans, formalisation of business activity and business-friendly private sector reforms as well as including more banks in the loan guarantee scheme from the Ministry of Finance. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3602 of Wednesday October 22, 2025