Cameroon Plans New Chamber of Crafts: Legal Status, Governance Discussed

Cameroon held consultations in Yaounde on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, on plans to establish a Chamber of Crafts, according to the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA). The meeting brought together technical officials from MINPMEESA, representatives of sectoral administrations, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts (CCIMA), and representatives of 15 professional artisans' organizations. Discussions focused on developing a consensual institutional model suited to Cameroon's economic environment. Participants examined the proposed Chamber's legal status, governance, financing arrangements, responsibilities and relationship with existing institutions, particularly the CCIMA. According to MINPMEESA, the proposed Chamber could strengthen the professional representation of artisans, support business formalization, facilitate access to training and financing, improve product quality and promote the recognition of professional qualifications, particularly through the Master Craftsman title. Following the meeting, MINPMEESA said a small working group would be established to consolidate recommendations and prepare a draft legal framework for the Chamber's creation, organization and ...