Made in Cameroon: SOPECAM awards innovative enterprises promoting brands.

It held in Yaounde on Thursday, December 11, 2025. 

The ceremony, organised by SOPECAM through its economic weekly, Cameroon Business Today, CBT, took place under the high patronage of the Prime Minister, Head of Government.

The annual event, officials said, aims to boost the visibility of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, SMEs, involved in the local transformation of Cameroonian products. 

They also said it provided them with direct financial support to expand their activities. 

This year’s edition brought together senior government officials, business leaders and key actors from Cameroon’s local economy, marking the 5th consecutive year of the initiative.

The ceremony was chaired on behalf of the Prime Minister by the Deputy Secretary General at the Prime Minister’s Office, Prof Nguihe Kante Pascal. 

He highlighted the consistency of the initiative despite economic challenges and stressed that the awards recognise small production units and SMEs that often operate outside the spotlight.

He described the wining enterprises as prove that innovation, creativity and resilience remain active drivers of the national economy. 

The 10 nominated enterprises, he noted, were selected for their ability to transform local raw materials into competitive products and services, despite limited access to financing and persistent market constraints. 

Prof Nguihe added that the financial prizes were designed to help the winners scale up production, improve marketing and strengthen their contribution to economic growth.

Zoom on CBT Champions 

Five out of ten finalist enterprises emerged as laureates of the 2025 CBT Champions of Made in Cameroon awards. 

Silas Construction, promoted by Serge Gouate Silas, won first place in the gold category and received 5 million FCFA. Limitless Agribusiness, led by Ngah Berlin, secured second place in the silver category with a prize of 3.5 million FCFA.

Ets Bob Fertiliser, promoted by Lionel Fatchou, came third in the bronze category and received 2 million FCFA. 

Alia Café, run by Boum Jeanne Epse Ngantcheu, won the jury’s special prize and took home 1.5 million FCFA. 

The fifth award for best innovation went to Kemit Ecology, promoted by Muller Tankeu, with a prize of 1 million FCFA.

Enter SOPECAM General Manager

SOPECAM General Manager, GM, Marie-Claire Nnana said the fifth edition confirmed the central role of SMEs and small industries in Cameroon’s economic transformation. 

She disclosed that 157 enterprises from across the country entered the competition, with ten finalists selected and five ultimately rewarded.

“None of the finalists failed to impress the jury,” Nnana said, adding that many projects stood out for their strong ecological focus. 

She highlighted that local solutions, including environmentally friendly energy and production methods, address real social and health challenges faced by communities. 

Marie-Claire Nnana also praised the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Development Economics, IRED, at the University of Yaounde II, for leading the jury and ensuring a rigorous and transparent evaluation process.

She stressed that the awards go beyond prize money, offering media exposure and long-term support.

“These entrepreneurs competing today will be tomorrow’s drivers of the economic transformation we are striving for,” Nnana said, while calling on financial partners to invest more in local production rather than import-based activities.

Laureates express gratitude

Third-place winner, Lionel Fatchou, of Ets Bob Fertiliser, described the award as recognition for years of work in organic fertilisers and biological plant treatments.

“This prize rewards a lot of effort,” Fatchou said, adding that the funds would be used to acquire fermentation equipment and strengthen marketing across Cameroon.

Ngah Berlin of Limitless Agribusiness said his company focuses on transforming local fruits and plants into alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to reduce reliance on imported wines. 

He stated that the 3.5 million FCFA prize would support equipment renewal, production processes and commercial branding.

“The key advice to young people is to start. Ideas only matter when you act on them,” he said.

Alia Café promoter, Boum Jeanne, said the award confirmed that her team’s work is recognised.

“It proves our work is visible and appreciated,” Boum said, calling on consumers to prioritise Cameroonian coffee. She said the prize money would help secure raw materials and sustain production.

About 2025 edition

According to jury president, Ngwa Tabi, the 2025 edition was marked by major methodological improvements. 

He said the SMEs database was almost entirely updated in collaboration with public institutions, allowing obsolete data to be removed and new enterprises integrated. 

Field teams covered urban, peri-urban and rural areas to capture both quantitative data and the lived realities of entrepreneurs. 

According to him, the evaluation process focused on technical performance, innovation, value creation, governance and socio-economic impact. 

Ngwa Tabi also noted a broader sectoral spread among candidates, including construction, renewable energy, agro-processing, natural medicine, equipment design and agri-business, reflecting the diversity of Cameroon’s entrepreneurial landscape.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3656 of Monday December 15, 2025