On May 25, 2026, the Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, granted an audience to H.E. Natalia Sanginiti as part of efforts to strengthen sectoral cooperation between Cameroon and Italy.
At the heart of the discussions were concrete actions aimed at accelerating the development of Cameroonian SMEs, modernizing local craftsmanship, and promoting the social economy. 
In preparation for PROMOTE 2026 in Yaoundé, MINPMEESA encouraged the identification of two Italian companies willing to sponsor startup cohorts within business incubators in Cameroon. 
Regarding SIARC 2026, support from the Italian side was sought to facilitate the participation of Italian artisans specialized in agro-processing, textiles, or wood transformation to lead practical workshops for Cameroonian craftsmen and women.
In the medium and long term, this cooperation aims to:
facilitate access to Italian industrial machinery and equipment; share Italy’s successful “industrial districts” model; promote dual vocational training programs for Cameroonian entrepreneurs; encourage quality standards inspired by the “Made in Italy” label; connect Cameroonian SMEs with Italian and European distribution networks; strengthen social economy units and cooperative management systems.Italy, globally recognized for the excellence of its SMEs and craftsmanship, represents a strategic partner for Cameroon’s economic transformation and industrial development.