Cameroon and EU discuss SME growth and digital transformation

Achille Bassilekin III, Cameroon’s Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, met with Jean-Marc Chataignier, the European Union delegation chief, to discuss private sector cooperation.

The discussions focused on transforming support mechanisms for local SMEs into productive instruments capable of driving growth, modernization, and competitiveness. Key initiatives reviewed included the 2024 Economic Development Support Program (PAD-CV), the Cameroon Digital Acceleration Program, and the Digital Business Boost for Africa initiative launched in 2026.

Additionally, the leaders addressed the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) between Cameroon and the EU, which grant Cameroonian exports duty-free access to the European market, providing significant opportunities for local SMEs.