Cameroon proposes SME financing plan in Qatar
Minister Achille Bassilekin III presented three proposals to boost small businesses at the World Investment Forum.
Cameroon presented three proposals to attract international investment and improve financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, from October 25 to 27, 2026. Minister Achille Bassilekin III of the Ministry of SMEs, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) put forward the plans on October 30.
The proposals aim to expand the Empretec entrepreneurship programme to all 10 regions of Cameroon, incorporating digital technologies and artificial intelligence. They also seek to connect Cameroonian entrepreneurs with international mentoring and investment platforms, such as the Global Empretec Fellowship, and promote tailored guarantee, refinancing, and co-financing mechanisms for SMEs in key sectors.
These initiatives address the ongoing constraint of limited access to financing for Cameroonian enterprises. The Minister highlighted that over 99% of Cameroon's economic fabric consists of SMEs, which generate more than 74% of decent jobs.
Why it mattersCameroonian SMEs, which form the backbone of the national economy and employment, will benefit from improved access to financing and global networks.