To conclude the day’s exchanges, Panel 3 focused on the Special Plan for the Promotion of Youth Employment, a key instrument of the Government’s strategy to address youth unemployment in a structured and sustainable manner.
The panel was moderated by Abdoul Karim NASSOUROU, Director of Youth Economic Promotion, assisted by Glen FORCHA, representative of the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNJC). In their opening remarks, the moderators emphasized the importance of coherence, coordination, and data-driven action in the implementation of youth employment policies.
Actions of the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA)
The first presentation was delivered by Ms. Francine IHOULI, Assistant Research Officer No. 2 at the Projects Unit of MINPMEESA.
Her presentation focused on the Special Plan for the Promotion of Youth Employment implemented within MINPMEESA, which primarily aims to support young entrepreneurs and create employment opportunities through targeted incentives and support mechanisms.
She highlighted that the Plan seeks to:
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provide administrative and tax incentives to young entrepreneurs;
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strengthen technical supervision and support, particularly through assistance in project design and implementation;
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promote the development and sustainability of youth-led enterprises.
These measures are designed to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and to foster a more enabling environment for youth-driven economic initiatives.
Youth Employability Initiatives at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT)
At the level of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), youth employability is addressed through several complementary initiatives.
The presentation underscored that MINEPAT’s approach is based on:
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the development of key economic sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services, in order to generate employment opportunities;
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investment in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and communication networks, aimed at improving the business environment and stimulating job creation;
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the promotion of entrepreneurship, by encouraging self-employment and providing training and resources to young entrepreneurs;
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the development of workforce skills, to better align human capital with labour market needs.
Through these actions, MINEPAT contributes to creating a macroeconomic and structural framework conducive to youth employment and inclusive growth.
The Special Plan for the Promotion of Youth Employment: Strategic Axes
The final presentation was delivered by Dr. KUN IV José, Assistant Inspector of Pedagogy No. 3 (IAP3), who outlined the strategic foundations of the Special Plan for the Promotion of Youth Employment.
According to him, the Plan is structured around three major pillars, namely:
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Information and awareness-raising on employment incentives available to young people and enterprises;
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Orientation and referral of young people towards companies and structures offering employment incentives;
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Production and management of statistical data on young beneficiaries of recruitment and employment schemes.
He emphasized that the availability of reliable data is essential for monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement of youth employment policies.
