Cameroon refugee artisans seek wider markets
Over 135 refugees in East Region receive vocational training and access to sales outlets.
More than 135 Central African refugees in Cameroon's East Region have received or are undergoing vocational and business training. The programme, a partnership between Cameroon's Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) from 2024–2026, offers skills in areas like cassava processing, tailoring, and business management. 10 refugees currently use a permanent exhibition and sales outlet in Bertoua.
The initiative, implemented through the Bertoua Regional Craft Village (VARB), aims to help beneficiaries organise production and reach wider commercial markets. Participating artisans have attended the Cameroon International Handicrafts Exhibition in 2024 and 2026. A refugee craftswoman won the national Art and Decoration award at the 2026 exhibition.
VARB coordinator Alexis Carole Ngassomo Emama Miasse proposed organising artisans by trade to boost production capacity and fulfil orders. UNHCR's Bertoua office and the University of Bertoua organised a dialogue on October 26 and 27 where e-commerce training was also recommended.
Why it mattersRefugees in Cameroon's East Region are gaining new skills and market access for their crafts.