Presided over by the Ministers of Youth and SMEs, a handover ceremony marking the transfer of 300 junior enterprises to the Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (APME) for expert guidance and large scale development.
In a move to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Cameroonian government has officially transferred 300 junior enterprises to the Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (APME) for advanced development support. The handover ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, and the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Crafts, Achille Bassilekin III.
This initiative is a key part of the national strategy to transform innovative youth projects into sustainable companies, thereby diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on imports. The government sees the viability of these youth-led projects as a major catalyst for economic growth.
Commitment to Enhanced Support
The APME has committed to providing robust, expert guidance to ensure the success of these startups. “The work of supporting these young structures will continue with us,” said Jean Marie Louis Badga, Director General of the APME.
He emphasized that the agency possesses an “efficient support system,” including a roster of over 250 experts across various fields, designed to guide the entrepreneurs toward large-scale development. This assurance was reinforced by Minister Achille Bassilekin III, who pledged to mobilize all necessary support instruments to ensure “this vintage of entrepreneurs is a total success.”
Acknowledging Foundational Efforts
Minister Mounouna Foutsou credited the success of the junior enterprises to the entrepreneurs’ hard work and the personalized support from his ministry (MINJEC). He noted that this effort is further strengthened by the government’s Special Triennial Plan for Young People.
Addressing the entrepreneurs, Minister Foutsou hailed them as the “Indomitable Lions of Entrepreneurship 2025.” He expressed confidence in their potential, urging them to leverage their “Fighting Spirit” as they enter what he called the “Entrepreneurship Champions League” led by the APME.
The ultimate goal, he stated, is to see them among Cameroon’s top business leaders.
