Cameroon launches new project to democratize entrepreneurship access
(Business in Cameroon) – Cameroon’s minister of SMEs, Social Economy, and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, unveiled an ambitious project called the “School Bus” on May 14 in Yaoundé. This initiative, developed through collaboration between Cameroon and Italy, aims to nurture an entrepreneurial culture in the country. Its objective is to foster entrepreneurship and business creation by providing hands-on support to aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in Cameroon.
The primary goal of this project is to democratize access to entrepreneurship, enabling every citizen, regardless of social status or geographical location, to establish a business or pursue independent activities. Through this endeavor, the government hopes to enhance the career prospects of individuals often marginalized in entrepreneurship and self-employment. While the project cost remains undisclosed, it’s known that the technical support from Italian company Tekne, specialized in special vehicles and onboard electronics, was crucial for its realization.
Dubbed a “technological gem,” the “School Bus” is designed as a connected training hub and mobile fab lab (fabrication laboratory). It is slated to travel to rural areas and remote neighborhoods to engage with project holders. In addition to providing training sessions, the bus will serve as a coworking space during extended stops, a prototyping center, and a real-life laboratory for demonstrations and tailored support, according to official sources.
During an official ceremony, the keys to the “School Bus” were handed over to Jean Marie Louis Badga, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (APME), in the presence of Italian Ambassador to Cameroon, Filippo Scammacca del Murgo. This initiative, as per the SME Ministry, represents an innovative and significant response to the growing peri-urbanization resulting from the increasing urbanization of cities like Yaoundé, Douala, Bafoussam, Garoua, etc. APME thus commits to promoting entrepreneurship in rural and peri-urban areas, aligning its actions with the ongoing decentralization process in the country.
Minister Achille Bassilekin III, emphasized the critical importance of the “School Bus” in materializing the entrepreneurial culture in Cameroon. “This initiative will facilitate hands-on support, thereby making the entrepreneurship promotion and business creation program a tangible reality,” he stated.
