The Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, the Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA), Mr. Achille BASSILEKIN III, granted an audience this Tuesday, December 16, 2025, to Ms. Yvette MUHIMPUNDU, Resident Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Cameroon. This meeting is part of a drive to strengthen cooperation aimed at promoting the sustainable socio-economic inclusion of refugees and internally displaced persons, in line with Cameroon’s national development policies and international commitments.
The discussions provided an opportunity to review the strategic framework of cooperation between Cameroon and UNHCR, as defined by the 2022–2026 Multi-Year, Multi-Partner Strategic Plan, which focuses on protection, humanitarian coordination, and the pursuit of durable solutions. Particular emphasis was placed on self-employment, the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises, the structuring of income-generating activities, and strengthening the economic resilience of refugees and host communities—priorities that directly align with the core mandate of MINPMEESA.
This audience follows an initial meeting held on October 17, 2023, during which the foundations for a structured collaboration were laid. At that time, both parties agreed on the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding, the development of a joint program for economic empowerment through entrepreneurship with the support of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Promotion Agency (APME), as well as reciprocal involvement in promotional activities.
Pending the finalization of the formal cooperation framework, several concrete actions have already been implemented. UNHCR notably participated in the 2024 Cameroon International Handicrafts Fair (SIARC), providing refugee artisans with a major platform to showcase their skills. For its part, MINPMEESA involved refugees in major events such as the Day of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and the Cooperation and Partnership Days. Joint missions carried out in the East and Adamawa regions also helped identify key challenges related to the economic empowerment of refugees, including weak structuring of activities, limited access to training, and insufficient tailored financing mechanisms.
The discussions also highlighted field initiatives, such as the partnership between the Bertoua Regional Handicrafts Village and the UNHCR Sub-Office, aimed at facilitating refugee artisans’ access to training, production workshops, and marketing spaces. These actions reflect a shared commitment to making refugees genuine actors of local development.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate the finalization of the memorandum of understanding and to implement a structured joint program on inclusive entrepreneurship. This strengthened cooperation appears as a mutually beneficial opportunity, contributing to reduced dependence on humanitarian aid while fostering wealth creation, employment, and social cohesion in Cameroon.