The Urgent Need to Improve the Business Climate in Cameroon
By Dr Jean Cédric KOUAM (Download the full report) Introduction In defining its new National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30), the Cameroonian government set its ambition of achieving double-digit economic growth by 2030. To achieve this, one of the main strategies put in place is to go after markets with high development potential. Among the major markets to be explored, ‘the Nigerian market occupies a prominent place’. This market indeed has several assets in terms of SMEs in the field of industrial production. According to the government, the development of trade with Nigeria has the particularity that it will cover [...]
The Impact of Access to credit on Women’s Entrepreneurship
By Dr. Vera Fuein Kum INTRODUCTION This article explores how access to credit and financial resources can help women start and grow their businesses. Anchored within the paradigm of women's entrepreneurship empowerment and social development, we will first examine from the literature some cases of access to credit in women’s entrepreneurship. A brief analysis of the significance of financial accessibility for female entrepreneurship development follows this. Finally, we will suggest some recommendations that can help decision-makers better formulate more inclusive policies to ensure equitability between males and females regarding credit accessibility for women. EVIDENCE OF ACCESS TO CREDIT FOR [...]
Entrepreneurship, Youths, and Women Economic Inclusion in Cameroon
The economic exclusion of youth and women is characterized by poverty and unemployment due to their limited participation in the development of a society.
The Anglophone Crisis and its effect on Small Business Operations: The Case of Buea
By Dr. Pippie Hugues (Download Policy Brief) Introduction Cameroon's Anglophone crisis, which originated from legal and educational grievances in 2016, has become one of Africa's most recent battles for liberation. This crisis has quickly transformed into a secessionist political conflict, posing a significant threat to the country's unity. If it's not given much attention, it could result in more consequences than it currently does. (1). The English-speaking population in Cameroon, constituting 20 percent of the total population is experiencing a sense of discrimination,which led to the outburst of the crisis. Their discontent became evident towards the close of 2016, [...]
The Role of Mentorship and Networking in Supporting Women and Youth Entrepreneurs
By Chefor Ngwenyi Meungwe (Download Policy Brief) Introduction: Mentorship and networking are indispensable components of entrepreneurial success, particularly for women and youth entrepreneurs who face unique challenges in the business world. Research has consistently shown that mentorship and networking can significantly impact the growth and sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures (Gartner, 1988; Shane, 2003). By providing guidance, support, and connections, these mechanisms can help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, build confidence, and develop essential skills. Moreover, mentorship and networking can help entrepreneurs navigate the complex and often treacherous landscape of entrepreneurship, where access to resources, knowledge, and networks can be limited. In the [...]
Facilitating Business creation in Cameroon
By Nsengue Laurent Brice, Dr. Bin Joachem meh & Kum Desmond Meh (Download Policy Brief) Introduction According to the Survey on Informal Enterprises in Cameroon (OIL, 2017), about 10% of self-employed entrepreneurs registered their businesses with the trade regime and 31% have a tax card, 2% are affiliated with the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS). Similarly, about 84% of SMEs have already declared taxes since their creation against about 16% that have never done so according to the same survey. These figures are indicative of the difficulties of business registration in Cameroon's entrepreneurial ecosystem, which is mostly made up of [...]
The role of Business planning on the sustainability, competitiveness and development of SMEs in Cameroon
By Nsengue Laurent Brice (Download Policy Brief) Introduction While Henry Mintzberg sees planning as a strategy of analysis and synthesis, which often leads to business failure,,(Drucker, 2005) sees strategic planning as a continuous process of making business decisions and quantifying the results of those decisions against forecasts. Although strategic planning is often neglected by many entrepreneurs today, it is essential to the success of a business because poor managerial choices due to the absence of strategic planning have an impact on the management, organization, efficiency, and profits of the business, knowing that while studies show that the personal values [...]
Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Addressing the Impact of Gender-Based Violence on Women’s Economic Participation
By Chefor Ngwenyi Meungwe (Download Policy Brief) Introduction: For societies to thrive, every citizen must have equal rights, be able to safely exercise their own voice, and live free from intimidation, harassment, discrimination and violence. Preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) around the world is a matter of human rights, justice, equity, and equality. Gender based violence encompasses a spectrum of harmful behaviors, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, specifically targeted at individuals based on their gender (Vyas et al 2023). Despite substantial progress in acknowledging and addressing this issue, Gender-based violence (GBV) persists as a significant barrier to [...]
Education and Economic Freedom Among Youths and Women in Cameroon
By Chefor Ngwenyi Meungwe (Download full policy brief) Introduction Cameroon, like many other countries, faces the critical challenge of ensuring education and economic empowerment for its youths and women. The intersection of education and economic freedom is crucial for promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities in Cameroon, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to promote education and economic freedom among youths and women. Education is a fundamental right that plays a vital role in shaping the future of individuals, communities, and nations (Brookfield 2013). It is essential for acquiring skills, knowledge, and [...]
National Status of the Student – Entrepreneur in Cameroon: Impact on Youth Economic Empowerment
By Vanessa Aboudi & Guy Beaudry Jengu Jengu Introduction On 6th February 2023, Cameroon officially launched the National Status of the Student–Entrepreneur (SNEE). The program was initiated by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) to encourage the development and institutionalization of the entrepreneurial culture in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean (1). This initiative is an ideal opportunity for young Cameroonians, most of whom are in a difficult economic situation. Even though youth represent more than half of Cameroon’s population (INS 2019), they hardly have access to decent jobs. In 2021 for instance, the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated the unemployment rate of youth within the [...]
