23 October 2026
This week, the money is following: CFA 1.3 billion already invested in 100 young Cameroonian companies, and CFA 19.7 billion announced for SMEs across CEMAC. Bank credit, however, is not getting cheaper: BEAC is keeping its policy rate at 4.50%. On the ground, young and women entrepreneurs are at the heart of new programmes, from the Confejes fair in Yaoundé to an EU competition in Congo. Two dates to note: the Cameroon Investment Forum in November and MIBS26 in Douala in December.
This month, public money and international cooperation are focusing first on young and women entrepreneurs.
Source : News du Cameroun, 20 October 2026
Over three years, this French-Cameroonian programme funded 100 projects in digital, agrifood and construction. Twenty of them were also supported to take part in Promote 2026. The programme closed with a ceremony at the French Residence in Yaoundé.
Source : Investir au Cameroun, 21 October 2026
From 21 to 23 October, the Confejes fair offers training (processing, packaging, financing, accounting), B2B meetings, an exhibition and a competition with 10 winners. The ministries of SMEs, Youth and Agriculture, along with the SME promotion agency (APME), present their support schemes.
Source : Infos Concours, 4 September 2026
The second round of the MINEPAT competition, funded with the World Bank, targeted 18 – 35-year-olds whose business is 1 to 3 years old, in Yaoundé, Douala, Buea, Bamenda, Maroua and Garoua. Applications closed on 17 October; selection is under way.
Source : News du Cameroun, 28 September 2026
The Investment Promotion Agency (API) is organising it during the forum, 18 – 20 November at the Palais des congrès in Yaoundé, to connect young innovators with national and international investors.
Bank credit is not getting cheaper, but new resources are arriving for SMEs in the region.
Source : Gabonreview, 29 September 2026
Its monetary policy committee of 28 September left the marginal lending rate at 5.75%. It forecasts 3.0% growth for CEMAC in 2026 (3.7% in 2025) and 2.2% inflation.
Source : EcoMatin, 13 October 2026
The agreement, signed on 13 October, is worth about CFA 19.7 billion. It is meant to finance private companies and job-creating projects in the six CEMAC countries.
Source : Gabon Media Time, 4 October 2026
Since 2 October, this single digital entry point has been connecting project holders and SMEs with funding, banks, investors, large companies and public administrations.
Source : Alwihda Info, 6 August 2026
The Entrepreneurial Excellence Programme, run with a university in Agadir (Morocco), starts in October. The university's contribution is valued at CFA 1 billion.
Three doors are open right now, and one closes on 15 November.
Source : Agence Europe, 13 October 2026
For young Congolese aged 18 to 35 with projects in sustainable farming, clean energy, environmental protection or digital technology. Twelve prizes of CFA 1 to 4.5 million, plus support for 24 other projects. Deadline: 15 November 2026.
Source : News du Cameroun, 28 September 2026
Open to startups, innovators, incubators and research labs based in Cameroon, with introductions to investors. No deadline has been published yet: check with API.
Source : Muslim Invest
A first for MIBS: 10 startups competing, 5 categories and 3 awards, presented at the closing ceremony on Sunday 20 December. The Prestige pass also gives you an exhibition stand.
Three events before the end of the year, including MIBS26 in Douala in December.
Source : 237online, 6 October 2026
Theme: artificial intelligence and youth employability. Three initiatives will be rewarded (applications closed).
Source : News du Cameroun, 28 September 2026
Fifth edition, at the Palais des congrès, with API's startup hackathon.
Source : Muslim Invest
"Consolidate, innovate, impact": three days of masterclasses, conferences, workshops and business matchmaking. Standard pass CFA 30,000, Prestige pass CFA 80,000 (two admissions and an exhibition stand).
Information drawn from the public sources cited above, consulted in October 2026. Check conditions, amounts and dates with the organisations before taking any step. This issue is not financial, legal or religious advice.
The essentials of entrepreneurial and economic news, every week, in five minutes.
