At the National Workshop on Import Substitution, the Ministry of SMEs and the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNCC) reaffirmed their commitment to promoting “Made in Cameroon.” For two days, nearly 250 economic stakeholders, decision-makers, and experts debated strategies to accelerate this economic transition, which is essential to the country’s industrial sovereignty.
Cameroon has taken a new step in its quest for economic self-sufficiency with the organization of a National Workshop dedicated to the import-substitution policy. Chaired by Achille BASSILEKIN III, Minister of SMEsESA, this event brought together a wide range of economic and institutional stakeholders, including the Director General of the CNCC, Auguste MBAPPE PENDA, as well as representatives of LANACOME, APME, and MINTRANSPORT. This workshop is part of the dynamic driven by the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30), which places particular emphasis on promoting local industry to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the national economy.
A strategic framework to boost local production
According to the Director General of the CNSC, import substitution is a major lever for economic transformation. He noted that various strategies and programs are already in place to promote the integration of SMEs into production chains. “It is our responsibility to create a favorable environment where our SMEs can thrive and optimally contribute to this national strategy,” he said.
The main objective of the workshop was to raise awareness among local stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of this policy. These included: Building the capacity of SMEs on import-substitution strategies; Informing about opportunities related to local production; Encouraging networking between SMEs, large companies and financial institutions; Promoting the “Made in Cameroon” label through appropriate marketing strategies; Providing information on sources of financing and access to local raw materials.
Fruitful discussions and key recommendations
During these two days of discussions, several formats were offered to participants: plenary lectures, roundtable discussions, practical workshops, and exhibitions. Discussions focused on challenges and solutions to accelerate the growth of local production. Recommendations included:
The adoption of incentive measures to encourage investment in local industries; Improving access to financing for SMEs; Establishing a platform to monitor and support stakeholders involved in import substitution; Promoting Cameroonian products on regional and international markets.
Multi-sectoral mobilization for lasting impact
The workshop brought together participants from various public administrations (MINEPIA, MINPMEESA, MINEPAT, MINADER, MINFI, MINCOMMERCE), financial institutions (BDEAC, AfCFTA), as well as representatives from the private sector and civil society. This mobilization reflects the growing interest in the effective implementation of this economic strategy.
By promoting local products and reducing dependence on imports, Cameroon aims to strengthen its economic sovereignty and create new job opportunities. The momentum generated during this workshop should translate into concrete actions to promote industrial development and the competitiveness of Cameroonian businesses.
