Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
On September 26, 2026, the Cameroon Economic Policy Institute (CEPI) convened a roundtable at Hotel Mizao in Maroua to examine those realities. The objective of the gathering was straightforward: to provide local entrepreneurs with a space to share their daily experiences, identify the main constraints holding back their businesses, and explore practical ways to tap into the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Rather than focusing solely on high-level policy, the discussions centered on the concrete obstacles local founders face and how cooperation can help them overcome them.
Facing the Daily Hurdles
During the sessions, entrepreneurs outlined a compounding web of challenges that make starting and growing a business particularly difficult.
Reliable energy and road infrastructure remain major obstacles, driving up operational costs across the board. Business owners also highlighted a severe information gap, noting that many local founders operate in the dark regarding public funding programs, government grants, and export procedures.
Administrative red tape adds another heavy burden. While recent steps to bring product certification services closer to the northern regions represent a welcome development, participants stressed that official paperwork still consumes too much time and money for small enterprises.
Compounding these operational difficulties is intense market pressure. Local producers struggle against imported alternatives because many consumers still prefer foreign goods. Furthermore, accessing bank financing remains exceptionally tough when small businesses lack formal accounting systems, proper project planning, and the skills needed to separate personal profits from business capital.
Strength in Numbers through Cooperative Networking
Faced with steep overheads and limited financial resources, participants proposed a practical solution to beat the odds: cooperative networking.
Instead of operating as isolated units and absorbing 100% of the costs for marketing and equipment, entrepreneurs suggested joining forces in groups of two to five. By pooling resources to co-fund shared digital tools, such as a common website to showcase their products, small businesses can slash overhead expenses and significantly increase their collective visibility. This cooperative approach allows business owners to share experiences, develop partnerships, and explore new markets together.
Preparing for Continental Trade
When the conversation turned to the AfCFTA, participants acknowledged that knowledge of the agreement remains relatively limited in the regions. Unlocking continental trade requires more than just opening borders; it demands targeted capacity-building.
Local entrepreneurs emphasized the urgent need for practical training in product quality, modern packaging, certification standards, and digital marketing. To attract institutional funding and expand beyond their immediate neighborhoods, business owners agreed they must master financial management, structured project planning, and proper record-keeping.
A Clear Roadmap for the Future
The roundtable concluded with concrete recommendations for all stakeholders.
Public authorities were urged to accelerate the decentralization of business services, simplify administrative procedures, and improve regional road and energy infrastructure. At the same time, support organizations were called upon to establish local information hubs and deliver hands-on training programs focused on management and export readiness.
For the entrepreneurs themselves, the path forward relies on investing in product quality, adopting strict accounting practices, and embracing the power of networking to share costs and resources.
