UNDP Assists SMEs Through « Private Sector Support Operation in Cameroon » (OSSP-CMR)

UNDP Assists SMEs Through « Private Sector Support Operation in Cameroon » (OSSP-CMR)

Six regions are set to benefit from the public-private operations launched in Cameroon. The initiative was inaugurated on October 9, 2024, at the banquet hall of the Littoral Governor’s office.

The project, known as Support Operation to the Cameroonian Private Sector, is spearheaded by the Government of Cameroon through the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative is funded by a 12.8 billion CFA franc loan from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).

The project aims to strengthen the resilience of the private sector, particularly SMEs, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other external shocks, while promoting economic recovery and growth. Six regions will benefit from this three-year initiative: Littoral, West, Center, and the economically hard-hit Far North, North West, and South West regions.
During the launching ceremony, Littoral Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua highlighted that the project will create jobs, build skills, and provide affordable employment opportunities, among other benefits.

The national coordinator of the project, Isaac Tamba, outlined the funding structure: « The offer primarily focuses on the agricultural sector, with financial assistance provided through two mechanisms: a platform exceeding 50 million CFA francs and subventions for startups and enterprises owned by youths and women amounting to 800 million CFA francs. »
He added that other target sectors include livestock, agri-food, wood, fishing, and digital (ICT).

The October 9 gathering aimed to:
• Mobilize local actors in the concerned areas
• Communicate opportunities offered by OSSP-CMR
• Encourage participants to serve as communication vectors in their areas
• Raise awareness about subsidized credit lines
• Inform beneficiaries about the Productivity Acceleration Facility
• Provide information about capacity building, input acquisition support, and financial assistance tailored for SMEs
The target audience includes administrative authorities, Decentralized Territorial Communities (DTCs), PAADD project representatives, private sector umbrella organizations, and intermediary organizations.

Principal Objective
This initiative aligns with UNDP’s efforts to upgrade their roadmap and implement a strategic plan that will:
• Boost the impact of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Help SMEs escape multidimensional poverty
• Enhance healthy competition among enterprises
• Support private sector financing
• Work toward achieving the 2030 sustainable goals
Notable attendees included:
• Littoral Regional Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua
• UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Martin Hart-Hansen
• OSSP-CMR Coordinator Isaac Tamba
• Douala City Mayor Dr. Roger Mbassa Ndine
UNDP Assists SMEs Through « Private Sector Support Operation in Cameroon » (OSSP-CMR)
Six regions are set to benefit from the public-private operations launched in Cameroon. The initiative was inaugurated on October 9, 2024, at the banquet hall of the Littoral Governor’s office.

The project, known as Support Operation to the Cameroonian Private Sector, is spearheaded by the Government of Cameroon through the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative is funded by a 12.8 billion CFA franc loan from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).

The project aims to strengthen the resilience of the private sector, particularly SMEs, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other external shocks, while promoting economic recovery and growth. Six regions will benefit from this three-year initiative: Littoral, West, Center, and the economically hard-hit Far North, North West, and South West regions.
During the launching ceremony, Littoral Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua highlighted that the project will create jobs, build skills, and provide affordable employment opportunities, among other benefits.

The national coordinator of the project, Isaac Tamba, outlined the funding structure: « The offer primarily focuses on the agricultural sector, with financial assistance provided through two mechanisms: a platform exceeding 50 million CFA francs and subventions for startups and enterprises owned by youths and women amounting to 800 million CFA francs. »
He added that other target sectors include livestock, agri-food, wood, fishing, and digital (ICT).

The October 9 gathering aimed to:
• Mobilize local actors in the concerned areas
• Communicate opportunities offered by OSSP-CMR
• Encourage participants to serve as communication vectors in their areas
• Raise awareness about subsidized credit lines
• Inform beneficiaries about the Productivity Acceleration Facility
• Provide information about capacity building, input acquisition support, and financial assistance tailored for SMEs
The target audience includes administrative authorities, Decentralized Territorial Communities (DTCs), PAADD project representatives, private sector umbrella organizations, and intermediary organizations.
Principal Objective

This initiative aligns with UNDP’s efforts to upgrade their roadmap and implement a strategic plan that will:
• Boost the impact of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Help SMEs escape multidimensional poverty
• Enhance healthy competition among enterprises
• Support private sector financing
• Work toward achieving the 2030 sustainable goals

Notable attendees included:
• Littoral Regional Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua
• UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Martin Hart-Hansen
• OSSP-CMR Coordinator Isaac Tamba
• Douala City Mayor Dr. Roger Mbassa Ndine