(Business in Cameroon) – The Government of Cameroon has allocated FCFA 420 million to support 22 start-ups emerging from public incubation centres, as part of a broader initiative to promote youth entrepreneurship and strengthen the national small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) ecosystem.
The funding, approved on 14 July 2025 by the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), was requested by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA). It targets Junior Enterprises at early growth stages, aiming to enhance production capacity through the acquisition of machinery and equipment.
The initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) and aligns with the National Development Strategy (NDS30). It forms part of the Support Project for Incubatees from Public Incubation Centres, which provides structured, recurring financial assistance to promising start-ups.
According to MINPMEESA, the selection process was overseen by an Interministerial Committee. The Committee convened on 30 and 31 October and 3 November 2025 to evaluate 33 applications submitted by Junior Enterprises from incubation centres housed within state universities and professional schools. Of these, 22 projects were approved for funding.
The evaluation was based on objective criteria, including leadership capacity, business plan quality, growth potential, and level of innovation. Funding levels were determined according to project performance: 100% of investment needs for excellent projects, 62% for good projects, and 54% for acceptable projects. This performance-based model is intended to ensure that the most viable and scalable enterprises receive adequate support.
MINPMEESA revealed that since the establishment of the National Pilot Enterprise Nursery in 2018, the government has invested over FCFA 2 billion in developing incubation infrastructure, training modules, and an entrepreneurial culture. These efforts have led to the creation of a national network of more than 50 accredited incubators, both public and private. It added that the current funding round is not a one-off operation. Regular selection cycles will continue to identify and support high-potential projects from both public and accredited private incubation centres.
The FCFA 420 million allocation is included in MINPMEESA’s 2025 budget. It represents a strategic component of the government’s policy to foster economic diversification, job creation, and industrial development through youth-led innovation.
Mercy Fosoh
