“What if Cameroon’s timber were processed in Cameroon before being exported?”
That is the vision behind the Wood Industry Development Support Programme (PAD-BOIS), implemented by MINPMEESA through the establishment of SMEs Wood’s Park—modern industrial parks dedicated to local wood processing.
Lomié, Edéa, Sangmelima and Meyomessi have been selected as the first pilot municipalities to host these innovative industrial hubs, which will:
Promote local wood processing; Support SMEs, Craft Production Units and Social Economy Organizations; Create thousands of direct and indirect jobs; Manufacture furniture, joinery products, wood panels and other high-value products; Improve the competitiveness of Cameroonian enterprises; Reduce imports of wood-derived products; Encourage sustainable and responsible forest management.Each SMEs Wood’s Park will provide:
Shared workshops and industrial sheds; Modern processing equipment; Business incubation and acceleration centres; Coworking spaces; A one-stop business service centre; An independent energy production unit; Technical and financial support for SMEs.Beyond industrial development, this initiative represents a new vision for local economic transformation by creating more value within Cameroon, promoting entrepreneurship, empowering youth and women, and ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s exceptional forest resources.
Through the SMEs Wood’s Park initiative, Cameroon is taking a decisive step from exporting raw materials to producing high-value manufactured goods for domestic, regional and international markets.
Cameroon’s timber must now proudly showcase Cameroonian craftsmanship and industrial excellence.