Cameroon | EU unlocks financial support for SMEs

Yaoundé and Brussels have jointly unveiled a groundbreaking financial mechanism on July 15, 2026, aimed at strengthening access to bank credit for Cameroonian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Developed under the Economic Development Support Project for Value Chain Promotion and Private Initiative (PAD-CV), this initiative is designed to mobilize nearly 30 billion Central African CFA francs in bank loans. The program leverages a 6 billion CFA francs financial facility as a guarantee for local banks, while the remaining 9.8 billion CFA francs will fund technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives for entrepreneurs. Notably, the 6 billion CFA francs guarantee will not be directly disbursed to businesses but will instead serve as collateral to secure bank financing for eligible projects.

The process begins with an open call for proposals launched on July 15, accessible via the designated platform. Applicants will have a three-month window to submit their projects, after which selected initiatives will undergo a rigorous evaluation. Shortlisted candidates will receive tailored technical support, including business plan refinement and financial structuring guidance, to meet stringent banking requirements. The ultimate goal is to present fully bankable proposals to financial institutions, ensuring smoother access to credit.

Eligible applicants include micro-enterprises, SMEs, startups, cooperatives, women-led groups, youth initiatives, producer organizations, and digital-focused clusters and incubators. A special emphasis is placed on enterprises founded by women and young entrepreneurs, reflecting a commitment to inclusive economic growth.