Cameroon’s Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) and the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry (CAPEF) signed a partnership agreement to formalize incubation activities at the Practical School of Agriculture and Wood of Ambam (EPABA), also known as EPABA Business Lab.
The agreement was signed on July 17, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen rural entrepreneurship and support the emergence of small and medium-sized enterprises across strategic value chains, notably the agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry sectors.
According to the CAPEF, under the partnership, EPABA will host an incubation system designed to assist students, project promoters, cooperatives and SMEs in transforming business ideas into operational enterprises. MINPMEESA, on its part, will provide technical support for the incubator, monitor and evaluate incubated projects, and ensure training modules comply with national standards. CAPEF will contribute its training infrastructure, technical expertise and network of partners to support the operation of the facility and the supervision of beneficiaries.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, CAPEF President said the partnership marks an important stage in the development of the institution’s network of practical schools. He noted that EPABA is located in an area with significant agricultural, forestry and cross-border economic potential and is expected to serve as a center for training, innovation and enterprise development for young people, producers and professional organizations.
On his part, MINPMEESA Minister Achille Bassilekin III said the agreement would enable EPABA to complete its formalization process as a recognized incubation structure. According to the minister, the objective is to transform entrepreneurial ideas developed by learners into viable businesses capable of creating value and jobs.
The minister also highlighted the need for specialized incubators adapted to the realities of different sectors. He pointed to the strategic importance of the wood industry, which is expected to play a greater role in local processing and the valorization of forest resources in line with national objectives to strengthen industrial competitiveness and develop domestic value chains.
Beyond training, stakeholders say the partnership is expected to support the development of agricultural, forestry and agro-processing value chains by helping entrepreneurs structure projects, access business support services and build sustainable enterprises. The two institutions say the initiative is intended to help competitive SMEs grow, improve youth employability and support wealth creation by processing more natural resources locally.
Mercy Fosoh