At farewell audience in Yaounde: SMEs minister, EU envoy explore new support for local businesses.

According to information published by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, MINPMEESA, the meeting was part of the diplomat’s farewell consultations with members of government as he prepares to end his stay in Cameroon. 

The ministry said the audience was an opportunity for both sides to review cooperation between Cameroon and the European Union in support of SMEs, social economy enterprises and the handicrafts sector.

During the meeting, Minister Bassilekin III is said to have expressed appreciation for the EU’s support to government initiatives targeting SMEs. The ministry said discussions covered programmes aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, development and access of local businesses to economic opportunities.

Among the initiatives reviewed, the ministry said, was the Economic Development Support Programme through the Promotion of Value Chains and Private Initiative, PAD-CV. MINPMEESA added that the Cameroon Digital Acceleration Programme and Digital Business Boost for Africa were also highlighted.

According to MINPMEESA, the minister expressed the hope that the recently introduced programmes would serve as instruments for productive transformation among SMEs, social economy enterprises and artisans.

The ministry also cited earlier EU-backed initiatives, including the Subcontracting and Partnership Exchange, BSTP, and Enterprise Creation Formalities Centres, CFCE. Cooperation, the ministry added, has also covered the e-regulation project through Mybusiness.cm and other programmes supporting SME competitiveness and development.

New cooperation areas explored

On its part, the European Union Delegation in Cameroon said discussions also focused on the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement, EPA, and the results of EU-backed private sector programmes. These, the EU said, include the Support Mechanism for the Competitiveness of Cameroon, DACC, and PAD-CV.

According to the EU Delegation, the two sides also explored possible new areas of cooperation, notably potential support for the government’s Prototype Fund, known as Fonds PROTO. The EU furthered that discussions equally covered increased support for local wood processing as well as the development of cotton, hides and leather value chains.

The EU Delegation said Ambassador Châtaigner highlighted the dynamism and creativity of Cameroonian entrepreneurs. He also underscored the importance of a predictable business environment that supports investment and private sector development.

The meeting further reviewed opportunities available to Cameroonian businesses under the Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU. MINPMEESA said the agreement provides duty-free access for Cameroonian exports to the European market.

The ministry said it intends to continue strengthening cooperation with the EU in support of more competitive, innovative and productive local enterprises, with greater access to international markets.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3885 of Friday August 21, 2026