The Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, took part on June 1, 2026, in Yaoundé at the official launch of the 5th edition of the Pro Meet Up and Learn (PML5), held under the High Patronage of the Prime Minister, Head of Government.
Organized under the theme “Integrating Corridors: Catalysts for the Development of Sub-Regional Value Chains”, the event brought together several government officials and distinguished guests, including the Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibéhè, representing the Prime Minister, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe, the Vice-President of the CEMAC Commission, Dr. Charles Assamba Ongodo, as well as representatives of regional institutions, the private sector, and development partners.
In his address, MINPMEESA highlighted the critical role of SMEs in Cameroon’s structural economic transformation and in the development of regional value chains. He emphasized that SMEs account for more than 99% of the national business fabric and remain a key driver of job creation, industrialization, and inclusive growth.
The Minister also underscored the importance of integrating corridors as strategic tools for competitiveness, trade facilitation, and economic integration, enabling SMEs to access regional and continental markets more effectively.
This vision is fully aligned with the objectives of Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2030 (NDS30) and the regional integration agenda promoted by CEMAC and the AfCFTA.
Through this strategic forum, public authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening infrastructure, promoting local value addition, and fostering competitive value chains that support sustainable development across Central Africa.