Cameroon seeks markets for 135 refugee artisans
UNHCR and MINPMEESA partnership explores wider markets for refugee artisans in the East Region.
Over 135 Central African refugees in Cameroon's East Region have received or are undergoing vocational and business training. The Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) reported this on October 29, under a 2024–2026 partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Training includes cassava processing, soap making, traditional dyeing, tailoring, beadwork, and business management, implemented through the Bertoua Regional Craft Village (VARB).
10 refugees have access to a permanent exhibition and sales outlet to market their products daily. Participating artisans attended the Cameroon International Handicrafts Exhibition (SIARC) in 2024 and 2026, with one craftswoman winning the national Art and Decoration award at the 2026 edition. UNHCR's Bertoua office and the University of Bertoua organised a dialogue on October 26 and 27.
VARB coordinator Alexis Carole Ngassomo Emama Miasse proposed organising artisans by trade to increase production capacity and fulfil orders. UNHCR is exploring ways to help beneficiaries organise production and reach wider commercial markets, including e-commerce training and digital marketing.
Why it mattersRefugee artisans in Cameroon's East Region are gaining vocational skills and access to markets for their crafts.