“I want to continue what has been done,” said Nathalie Kholi, the Swiss Confederation‘s extraordinary new ambassador and plenipotentiary in Cameroon at the end of the audience given to her by Achille Bassilekin III last Friday in Yaounde. The aim of this meeting was to explore the prospects for a dynamic and mutually beneficial cooperation for Pmeesa. The discussions between the two personalities focused on the Swiss experience in entrepreneurship , competitiveness and business innovation. In particular, discussions focused on priority areas in the Cameroon National Development Strategy (SND-30), such as agriculture, wood processing and the promotion of start-up businesses. to encourage work in the innovation sector, promote business competitiveness and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth within Pmeesa in Cameroon. Considered a “country of SMEs”, Switzerland has shown a strong desire to contribute to the development of SMEs in Cameroon.
This diplomatic meeting identified several areas of common interest, including the promotion of start-ups, innovation, development of value chains, professional training and funding mechanisms to support entrepreneurial activity. Swiss interventions in Cameroon aim to promote trade and business freedom as well as the preservation of the environment. These initiatives are part of the Program for the Use of Swiss Valuable Assets (FCV), which is aimed at the private sector and civil society organizations. Surprisingly, Switzerland has already funded about ten Cameroonian companies in the International Business Exhibition, SME and Yaoundé Partnership. There are many opportunities for regional cooperation between the two countries.
Switzerland is known for its very attractive economy. In 2018, it was ranked second in the World Entrepreneurship Index. In 2019, it was the fifth most competitive economy according to the World Economic Forum, and in 2020, it took first place in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) global innovation index. SMEs play a fundamental role in the Swiss economy, representing 99% of registered businesses and generating two thirds of jobs in the country. In terms of the social economy, Switzerland is also a model of success. For example, in the canton of Geneva, the social economy and solidarity represent almost 11% of salaried jobs, bringing together a set of companies and organizations that work in a wide range of economic activities.
Since 1967, Cameroon and Switzerland have been linked by a Trade, Investment Protection and Technical Cooperation Agreement. This cooperation covers different sectors such as energy, water, agriculture and vocational training.
NATHALIE KHOLI, Swiss Ambassador to Cameroon
“In this collaboration, Made in Cameroon and packaging are very interesting to us. “
We have just had a very good meeting with the Minister. As you say, we are friends in the SME field. We have been working together for a long time, whether within the framework of Promotion or direct exchanges between SMEs in Switzerland and Cameroon. Switzerland is a country of SMEs. Our economy depends a lot on these players, who play a very important role in constant training. We also spoke to the Minister. For my part, I want to continue in the continuity of what has been done. Our commitment to Promotion will continue. We also mentioned some areas where we could strengthen our cooperation. You mentioned innovation, it’s important. Entrepreneurship is also key. Made in Cameroon we are very interested, as are ideas on packaging. I think that many paths have been identified and we will work a lot together. I think this has already been done in the past, but the next edition of Promote will be held in 2026. We have to see how we organize ourselves at that time. However, there is high interest and there are regular and fruitful exchanges between the two countries, as well as between entrepreneurs from the two countries. »
