Gov’t, UN System deepen cooperation on SMEs, social economy.

The commitment was renewed during an audience the Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, granted the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cameroon, Issa Sanogo. The audience focused on consolidating collaboration in line with national development priorities.

Discussions during centred on the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, UNSDCF, 2022-2026, as well as preparations for the 2027-2031 framework. 

Particular attention was given to youth and women’s economic empowerment, the formalisation of the informal sector, and the role of SMEs, cooperatives and artisans in job creation and inclusive growth.

The minister highlighted the importance of moving beyond short-term support measures towards more structured interventions. 

These include the establishment of tailored financing mechanisms, guarantee funds, equipment support schemes, and improved access to local, regional and international markets for entrepreneurs and artisans.

The United Nations System was also encouraged to continue advocacy efforts aimed at creating a national coalition dedicated to the promotion of entrepreneurship in Cameroon. Such a platform would support coordination among stakeholders involved in SME development and the social economy.

The UN remains a strategic partner in Cameroon’s pursuit of sustainable and inclusive economic development. The cooperation is carried out through the combined actions of several UN agencies, including UNDP, ILO, UNIDO, UN Women, IFAD, WFP and UNHCR.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3698 of Sunday February 08, 2026