Cameroon formalizes EPABA Business Lab to boost rural entrepreneurship

On 17 July 2026, Cameroon’s Ministry of Small and Medium‑Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) and the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry (CAPEF) signed a partnership agreement to formalise the EPABA Business Lab, the incubation unit of the Practical School of Agriculture and Wood of Ambam (EPABA).

The accord tasks MINPMEESA with providing technical support, monitoring, evaluation and ensuring training modules meet national incubation standards, while CAPEF will supply its training infrastructure and technical expertise. Minister Achille Bassilekin III said the pact “will enable EPABA to complete its formalisation process as a recognised incubation structure,” aiming to turn student projects into viable SMEs, create jobs and develop agricultural, forestry and wood‑processing value chains.