The Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, officially presided over the opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the Fashion, Design and Crafts Forum on May 25, 2026, in Yaoundé, reaffirming the government’s commitment to developing Cameroon’s creative industries.
Held in the presence of the Spanish Ambassador to Cameroon, Pedro Pérez-Gómez Delaunay, sponsor of this edition, Swiss Ambassador Natalie Kohli, Senator Hayatou Pierrette and FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o, the forum brought together designers, investors, fashion houses and creative industry professionals around a shared vision: promoting Cameroonian expertise on the global stage.
In his address, Minister Achille Bassilekin III praised the creativity and talent of Cameroonian youth while emphasizing the importance of fashion, design and craftsmanship as powerful drivers of economic growth, innovation and job creation.
Through the actions of MINPMEESA, Cameroonian stylists and creators are increasingly being transformed into real entrepreneurs capable of competing on both national and international markets.
For one week, fashion shows, strategic meetings, conferences and networking sessions will showcase local talent and strengthen the competitiveness of Cameroon’s creative industries.
Led by Yves Eya’a, Director of the Cameroon Fashion Creators Center, the forum continues to position itself as a major platform promoting African creativity and the Made in Cameroon label.