Yaoundé, Cameroon — January 2, 2026 — The Cameroon Economic Policy Institute (CEPI) of the Henri Kouam Foundation has organized a capacity-building training aimed at bolstering women entrepreneurship in the country.
The workshop, held on January 2, focused on practical skills for women operating in both formal and informal sectors and addressed the gender-based barriers they face.
The event, themed “Women Entrepreneurship and Free Trade, “acknowledged the challenges women entrepreneurs encounter, such as cultural norms, limited access to finance, and weak institutional support.
Despite women leading around 23% of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), these barriers often lead to discrimination and gender bias. Participants learned how to transition from informal activities to registered businesses, understanding the benefits of legal recognition.
The training emphasized hands — on learning, teaching participants how to conduct market research, identify customers, and keep financial records.
Practical manuals and key action points were provided to help with sales tracking, customer analysis, and simple marketing planning. CEPI experts highlighted the importance of formalization for sustainability and expansion.
Founder Henri Kouam led a session on business registration procedures, providing guidance on required documents and online platforms for information access.
Entrepreneurs like Christelle Guegne, founder of Phyto Assure, and Kuitchou Mirande epse Dongmo, who created an Eco — friendly cooker, shared their experiences in market research, resource management, and export-oriented thinking.
The training encouraged women to consider regional and international markets, providing insights into export and import procedures. Concerns were raised regarding complex tax procedures, prompting discussions on simplified systems for payments and social security.
Through research, advocacy, and training, CEPI continues to promote entrepreneurship and free market ideals, positioning women as key drivers of Cameroon’s economic transformation.
Further details on the training’s outcomes and long-term impact are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
