A conference-debate on the issues and challenges facing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises was held on 27 June 2023 at the Chamber of Commerce of Yaounde. Chaired by the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, the aim of this conference-debate was to see how to have permanent energy.
The celebration of the 3rd edition of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day provides an opportunity to continue examining the contribution of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to the major concerns of both the national and international communities. For Cameroon, which is definitely on the road to industrialisation, the issue of access to energy is crucial. “Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises account for nearly 60% of businesses worldwide, but they also contribute nearly 40% of global GDP. This means that we have to take care of these players, support them, and listen to their concerns. This year, as far as Cameroon is concerned, the issue of access to energy for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises has been at the centre of our reflections”, said the Minister for SMEs, Achille Bassilekin III. Concerning the important presentations made by development partners from the United Nations system and, above all, by the national players themselves, the promoters of MSMEs, the Minister said he was <<satisfied with what we have been able to put in place today, we have been able to see innovative solutions developed by our young compatriots in the energy access sector>>.
At the end of these interactive discussions aimed at exploring possible ways of strengthening the contribution of SMEs to energy access policies, cheques were presented to two young start-up managers to encourage them. Clever Electric Tech is a platform for monitoring consumption down minute by minute, so that our customers can save energy. Knowing how much we consume enables us to improve our consumption habits and save money at the end of the month”, says Naomi MBAKAM, electrical engineer and recipient of the award. For his part, François KAPTUE, engineer and inventor-researcher, proposes a solution in the form of a computer that produces long-range electrical energy. “The difference between this energy and that of ENEO is that it is stable, clean and constant. You can have it at any time. This energy does not tolerate any electrical noise or disturbance”, he explains.
A specialised exhibition in innovative solutions for access to energy was also held, with stands showcasing products and services for a wide range of audiences involved in energy access solutions (agriculture, energy efficiency, etc.).