At audience in Yaounde: SMEs minister, EU envoy discuss support for local businesses.

The meeting gave the minister an opportunity to welcome the diplomat and reaffirm cooperation in support of SMEs, the social economy and handicrafts. 

Discussions covered the competitiveness of Cameroonian businesses and productive transformation. Both officials also examined how to develop the handicraft sector and improve access to finance for enterprises.

The ministry revealed that the EU has supported several initiatives in Cameroon over the years. These include the Subcontracting and Partnership Exchange, known as BSTP, Business Creation Formality Centres and the e-Regulation project. 

Other initiatives listed were PMEAA, DACC and PASAPE. The ministry also cited the Cameroon Digital Acceleration Programme and Digital Business Boost for Africa, PAD-CV, among newer programmes.

According to the ministry, the discussions addressed how cooperation through such initiatives could support businesses in the areas raised during the meeting. 

It said minister Bassilekin III noted that the aim of such projects, is to turn cooperation instruments into drivers of productive transformation and value creation for Cameroonian SMEs. 

Speaking to reporters after the audience, Boskovic reaffirmed her commitment to working with Cameroonian authorities on ongoing and future projects. She also pointed to the history of cooperation between the two sides.

“The European Union and Cameroon have not only a lot of potential, but also a history of partnership,” she said.

The ministry concluded that both officials placed entrepreneurship, innovation and competitiveness among the areas for continued cooperation between Cameroon and the EU.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3913 of Friday September 18, 2026