Strengthened Ties Between Cameroon and Israel for SME Development

The Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy, and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, recently held a significant meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Cameroon, Amnon Kalmar. This meeting aimed to enhance collaboration between Cameroon and Israel in the SME sector.

During the meeting, Minister Bassilekin III highlighted the importance of the MASHAV scholarships, especially for community development and microenterprise management training. He also expressed interest in learning from Israel’s experience in using ICT for agro-industrial production and processing. The Programme for Supporting the Development of SMEs (PAD-PME) could serve as a platform for this cooperation.

Moreover, the Minister sought Israel’s support in developing Cameroon’s business incubation ecosystem. Visits to various incubators, including PNPE, are planned. Additionally, the Israeli Embassy could partner in organizing the National Congress on Business Incubation in Cameroon (CONIEC) later this year.

The Minister also invited Ambassador Kalmar to the 8th edition of the International Handicrafts Exhibition of Cameroon (SIARC), scheduled from July 22 to 31, 2024, at the National Museum. Israeli expertise in improving the quality and design of Cameroonian handicrafts was another key point of discussion.

Israel’s economic success is largely driven by its innovative ecosystem, accounting for 9% of jobs, 13% of GDP, and nearly 50% of goods and services flow. Known as the “start-up nation,” Israel has a high ratio of start-ups relative to its population. The country also boasts a rich heritage in handicrafts, hosting significant events like the Jerusalem International Arts and Crafts Fair and the Tel Aviv Biennale of Craft and Design.

Established in 1958, Israel’s MASHAV agency aims to share its development expertise and technologies with other nations, highlighting its commitment to global cooperation and innovation.

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