The Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) in Cameroon has officially announced the opening of applications for the fifth cohort of the Pépinière Nationale Pilote d’Entreprises (PNPE) in Edéa. This government-led initiative aims to support young entrepreneurs and project holders seeking structured incubation to transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises.
Program Overview
The PNPE Edéa incubation program provides technical, managerial, and business development assistance to selected participants over a period of approximately 20 weeks. The initiative serves as a key component of Cameroon’s national strategy to strengthen entrepreneurship and foster the emergence of small and medium-sized enterprises across strategic sectors.
Key Program Details
- Organizer: Ministère des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises, de l’Économie Sociale et de l’Artisanat (MINPMEESA)
- Program Name: Pépinière Nationale Pilote d’Entreprises (PNPE) d’Edéa – 5th Cohort
- Cohort Size: 40 entrepreneurs
- Program Duration: 20 weeks
- Location: Edéa, Cameroon
- Program Type: Incubator
Target Participants
The PNPE’s fifth cohort is open to:
- Early-stage entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.
- Project holders seeking incubation and business structuring support.
- Existing startups established less than three years ago.
This inclusive eligibility ensures both new and young enterprises can benefit from expert mentorship and capacity-building resources.
Focus Sectors
Applications are encouraged from individuals or teams operating in the following priority sectors:
- Agro-industry
- Wood and Non-Timber Forest Products (including bamboo, rattan, and straw)
- Cotton, Textile, and Leather industries
- Digital and Technological Innovation
Application Information
- Application Deadline: 23 November 2025, 15:30 GMT+1
- Program URL: PNPE Edéa Call for Applications (Facebook)
- Organizer Website: www.minpmeesa.cm
- Target Stage: Early-stage (project holders and startups ≤3 years old)
- Target Region: Cameroon
Program Objectives
- Strengthen entrepreneurial capacity among emerging business leaders.
- Encourage innovation and sustainable production within key growth sectors.
- Facilitate access to technical mentorship, training, and business resources.
- Support job creation and value addition in Cameroon’s local economy.
Through the PNPE Edéa, MINPMEESA continues to reinforce Cameroon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by nurturing the country’s next generation of business innovators. This fifth cohort represents a continued commitment to empowering early-stage enterprises with the tools, guidance, and network required to thrive in a competitive market environment.