Cameroon: World Bank to finance 1,000 young start-up entrepreneurs

A total of 1,000 young entrepreneurs in six Cameroonian cities will receive support to strengthen businesses in their early stages through a government program backed by the World Bank.

The beneficiaries, aged 18 to 35, will be selected during the second round of the Business Plan Competition under the Adaptive Social Protection and Economic Inclusion Project. The participating cities are Yaoundé, Douala, Buea, Bamenda, Maroua and Garoua.

The competition targets formal and informal businesses that have existed for one to three years. Applicants must show significant growth potential and the ability to create jobs in sectors identified as promising and prioritized by the government.

The program has a total budget of 5.5 billion CFA francs. Selected businesses will receive financial assistance, entrepreneurial training, coaching sessions and follow-up after funding, with the stated aim of strengthening their competitiveness and long-term viability. The government also wants the initiative to support lasting job creation, encourage innovation and contribute to economic growth.

Candidates can submit applications online between September 7 and October 17, 2026, through the program’s application portal.