The PAK and the MIMPMEESA Strengthen Their Partnership in Support of the Local Economy
The PAK and the MIMPMEESA Strengthen Their Partnership in Support of the Local Economy
A model of public cooperation serving territorial development
The Port Authority of Kribi and the Ministry of SMEs have strengthened their cooperation by organizing a workshop dedicated to local entrepreneurs, an initiative aimed at structuring the economic ecosystem around the port and supporting the growth of SMEs in the region.
The Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) and the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MIMPMEESA) reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting the development of the local economic fabric through a sensitization workshop held for SMEs on 30 July 2025 at Hôtel l’Océan in Kribi.
Presided over by Mr. Joseph Tchana, Secretary General of MIMPMEESA, the event drew strong participation from business promoters from across the region—clear evidence of the growing interest in the Port of Kribi as a catalyst for economic opportunities. The PAK was represented by its Senior Technical Adviser No. 1, Mr. Mohamadou Saadou, standing in for the Director General.
This workshop is part of the implementation of the framework partnership agreement signed on 26 May 2023 in Kribi between Minister Achille BASSILEKIN III and the Director General of PAK. This strategic partnership is built on three pillars: supporting local incubation structures, promoting subcontracting activities within the port’s area of influence, and facilitating the progressive transition from the informal sector to the formal sector. Three subsequent specific agreements, signed alongside this framework, further defined the operational modalities of each axis.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary General of MIMPMEESA reaffirmed the ministry’s determination to support structuring initiatives that foster SME growth, while commending the PAK for its CSR-driven approach to territorial development and economic inclusion.
The day’s work revolved around three training modules:
– the regulatory framework governing business incubation activities in Cameroon and the specifics of the MIMPMEESA–PAK partnership;
– the role of incubation structures in the creation and development of SMEs in Cameroon;
– subcontracting as an opportunity for the growth of local SMEs and entrepreneurs.
An interactive session enabled participants to engage directly with experts and gain deeper insight into the mechanisms for integrating SMEs into value chains linked to port activities.
The workshop concluded with the awarding of participation certificates, along with financial support granted to selected SMEs—demonstrating the willingness of both institutions to move from commitments to concrete action.
Through this initiative, the PAK and MIMPMEESA are strengthening a model of public cooperation that fosters economic development by aligning national policies supporting entrepreneurship with the social responsibility efforts of a major port actor.
