(Business in Cameroon) – Small and medium enterprises, SMEs, are increasingly recognised as Cameroon’s frontline defence against global food crises. At a time when the country spends over FCFA 800 billion annually on food imports, rural entrepreneurs are stepping in to transform local harvests into affordable substitutes for rice, wheat and fish staples whose international prices are often volatile. This role was showcased in Bafoussam during the 5th National Networking Day for Rural Enterprises, held from September 10 to 11, where over 200 local businesses displayed products made from cocoa, soy, cassava, maize, coffee and sweet potatoes. By mobilising SMEs, Cameroon aims to shield its population from external shocks while reinforcing self-sufficiency.
Pressure on Cameroon’s food system has intensified in recent years. The war in Ukraine disrupted global wheat supplies, while climate variability has affected rice and maize production across Asia and Africa. Cameroon currently imports more than 800,000 tonnes of rice and 500,000 tonnes of wheat each year, according to government trade data. SMEs are now being tasked with filling part of this gap through import-substitution strategies. At the Bafoussam event, soy-based flour, cassava derivatives, fortified maize meals and cocoa-based snacks were presented as practical alternatives. Workshops focused on how SMEs can secure financing, improve product standards, and build cooperative clusters to boost productivity and ensure consistent supply.
SMEs by the Numbers: 2024 Snapshot
In 2024, Cameroon recorded 443,524 active SMEs, up from 393,175 in 2023, a growth of about 12.8%. Of the total 444,302 active enterprises, nearly 99% are SMEs, underscoring their overwhelming dominance in the economy. Among the new SMEs created in 2024, 21,132 were registered through the Business Creation Formalities Centres, generating an estimated 97,000 jobs. However, sectoral distribution shows that while 77% of SMEs operate in the tertiary sector, only 444 SMEs are engaged in the primary sector covering agriculture, livestock and fisheries, the very sectors most crucial for food security. This imbalance highlights both the opportunity and challenge facing policymakers seeking to reposition SMEs as central actors in national food strategies.
From Local Markets to Continental Advantage
According to economic experts, SMEs have the potential to do more than feed local communities, as they can drive Cameroon’s economic growth by tapping into continental trade opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA. By scaling up production, meeting regional standards, and accessing cross-border markets, these enterprises could increase exports, generate jobs, and strengthen national supply chains. Yet, without adequate support in financing, infrastructure, and capacity-building, Cameroon risks leaving this potential untapped. The challenge is heightened by the country’s looming exit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, which will reduce access to U.S. markets. Strengthening SMEs now is therefore critical as they could not only secure local food supplies but also position Cameroon to benefit from AfCFTA, mitigating the economic impact of AGOA’s departure while boosting national food and economic sovereignty.
Looking Beyond Bafoussam
The Bafoussam showcase reflects a broader African trend of leveraging SMEs to strengthen domestic food systems. Nigeria has relied on small-scale rice processors to reduce dependence on imports, Ghana has expanded domestic cocoa processing, while Kenya has strengthened dairy cooperatives to meet national demand. For Cameroon, the immediate task is to close gaps in financing, logistics and regulatory support, particularly for SMEs in agriculture and fisheries. If successful, these enterprises could serve as the backbone of a resilient food system capable of withstanding global shocks, supplying local markets, and expanding into regional trade under AfCFTA, ensuring that small businesses are not just economic actors, but strategic pillars of national food security.
Mercy Fosoh
