Strengthening Entrepreneurship in Cameroon: Workshop for Business Incubation Leaders

A recent workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of leaders in business incubation and encouraging senior citizens to start businesses is set to boost Cameroon’s industrial fabric, projected to reach 36.8% by 2030. This initiative aligns with the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30), which guides the second phase of Cameroon Vision 2035.

The workshop’s goal was to equip key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with tools to improve management and performance, foster new business creation, and encourage seniors to venture into entrepreneurship. Specifically, it aimed to map out business incubation structures, present the regulatory framework for incubation activities, and provide models for sustainable operation and training modules.

Targeted at administrations, incubation leaders, approved management centres, SME groups, seniors, development partners, and financial institutions, the two-day workshop gathered over 160 participants. It focused on three main areas:

1. Capacity Building for Incubation Leaders: This component aimed to equip leaders with effective management skills for their enterprises.
2. Promoting Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: The workshop targeted approved management centres, SME groups, and other support structures, encouraging them to create more incubation centres.
3. Encouraging Seniors to Start Businesses: This segment aimed to inspire seniors, including veterans and retirees, to start income-generating activities by presenting incentives for their new professional ventures.

The workshop also provided a platform for financial institutions and development partners to demonstrate their commitment to supporting business creation in Cameroon. Innovative projects from various support structures were showcased, highlighting creativity in sectors vital to the Cameroonian economy.

Discussions and brainstorming sessions helped participants understand the critical role of incubation structures in economic development. The workshop underscored the importance of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem for achieving Cameroon’s development goals.