Cameroon Ministry Boosts Craftsmanship Through Inclusion and Skills Training

Cameroon's Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MINPMEESA) is actively promoting inclusivity and skill development within the artisanal sector. From August 25 to 27, 2026, the ministry, through its Directorate of Handicrafts, organized a series of intensive training workshops in Limbe, located in the Fako department of the South-West region.

The first day, August 25, centered on inclusion, with 40 individuals with disabilities receiving training in marketable skills such as pearlwork and detergent manufacturing. This initiative aims to foster direct economic empowerment by equipping participants with immediately applicable, income-generating abilities.

On August 26 and 27, the focus shifted to professionalizing the wood sector. Artisans and related professionals participated in theoretical and practical sessions covering drying and finishing techniques, crucial steps often found to be weak points that degrade the final product's quality. Another key aspect involved guiding these artisans on structuring their businesses into cooperatives and networks, essential for accessing larger orders and financing.

These complementary actions reflect a unified strategy: transforming craftsmanship into an inclusive, well-organized sector that generates wealth. This approach aligns with the national policy of valuing human capital and formalizing the informal economy, aiming to create a more robust and equitable economic landscape.