Cameroon’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy Organisations and Handicrafts have witnessed significant growth, rising from 287,316 SMEs in 2019 to 472,208 in 2025, marking a 6.5% increase compared to the previous year.
These statistics were revealed during the 15th edition of the 2025 SME statistical data review, a session chaired by the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III.
Cameroon has joined the international community to celebrate the 16th edition of the International Widows’ Day, observed under the theme “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows.”
The commemoration serves as a reminder of the challenges many widows continue to face, ranging from social exclusion and discrimination to economic vulnerability.
Speaking during a press briefing in Yaounde, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Professor Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, called on the public to change their perception of widows and accord them the dignity, respect and support they deserve.
Here is an excerpt of the minister’s message.
Thirteen suspects linked to a human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment network were presented to the press on June 22, 2026, at the National Gendarmerie headquarters in Yaoundé.
The suspects include six coordinators and seven representatives accused of operating under the cover of network marketing schemes.
According to the Deputy Director of Central Coordination at the National Gendarmerie, Colonel Atangana Fiacre Kisito, investigations were launched at the beginning of 2026 following numerous complaints from Cameroonians and citizens of neighboring countries, particularly Nigeria.
The investigations uncovered a structured network operating under names such as QNET, IGNITE, UNIMEC and other local variants. The group allegedly targeted students, unemployed youths, recent graduates facing financial difficulties and individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
Authorities say victims were lured with promises of employment, training and better prospects overseas before being required to pay substantial registration fees. Many were housed in communal residences and subjected to psychological pressure aimed at recruiting additional members.
Security services have identified hundreds of victims, with more than 6,000 individuals reportedly registered across several cities, including Yaoundé, Douala, Bafoussam, Ebolowa, Bertoua, Maroua, Garoua and Ngaoundéré.
Investigations revealed that the network operated through a hierarchical structure involving leaders, recruiters and victims. Some victims were reportedly transferred through Garoua to Nigeria, while foreign nationals were also integrated into local cells.
While thirteen suspects are now in custody and expected to face justice, two alleged leaders believed to be in the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic remain on the run and are actively being sought after.
The National Gendarmerie has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious recruitment offers, promises of overseas employment or pressure to join such schemes. Authorities say efforts are continuing to dismantle the network, identify its financial channels and support victims through reintegration measures.
Egoh Yvonne (Intern)
Public authorising officers and vote holders from selected ministerial departments are taking part in a three-day capacity-building workshop in Bamenda aimed at strengthening accountability and improving the management of public resources.
The workshop was opened by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of the Supreme State Audit Office (CONSUPE), Mbah Acha Rose Fomundam.
The training focuses on preventing irregularities, mismanagement, and financial malpractice, while promoting transparency, accountability, and sound public financial management practices.