Cameroon's Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development opened applications on 9 November 2026 for the second phase of its youth economic inclusion programme, which aims to support 20,000 young people working in the informal sector with non-repayable grants and training.
Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey announced the launch in a statement signed on 4 November 2026. The phase has an envelope of more than 5.5 billion FCFA, funded with support from the World Bank through the Adaptive Social Safety Nets and Economic Inclusion Project. Applicants must be aged 18 to 35 and run their own activity in the informal sector. They must live in Maroua, Garoua, Ngaoundere, Bertoua, Ebolowa, Bafoussam, Douala or Yaounde, according to the ministry's announcement. Online registration closes on 9 December 2026.
Selected beneficiaries will receive a grant of 275,000 FCFA, according to a ministry notice dated 18 March 2026, along with entrepreneurship training, coaching and follow-up after financing. The programme is meant to help them manage and grow small commercial, artisanal and service businesses.
The second phase accounts for 30.8 percent of the programme's target of 65,000 beneficiaries. A first phase launched in 2024 targeted 15,000 young people in four cities, and a third phase is to cover 30,000 people.
Sources
- Investir au Cameroun Filets sociaux : 20 000 jeunes du secteur informel ciblés par une aide de 275 000 FCFA
- 237 Actu Inclusion économique : 5,5 milliards de FCFA pour propulser 20 000 jeunes entrepreneurs vulnérables
- Actu Cameroun Programme d'inclusion économique : plus de 5,5 milliards mobilisés pour accompagner 20 000 jeunes camerounais