On Wednesday, 15 July 2026, the European Union (EU) and Cameroon’s government introduced a groundbreaking financial scheme designed to enhance access to bank loans for Cameroonian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The initiative, part of the Support Project for Economic Development through Value Chain Promotion and Private Initiative (PAD-CV), aims to unlock up to 30 billion Central African CFA francs (FCFA) in loans from local banks, backed by a 6 billion FCFA financial guarantee. An additional 9.8 billion FCFA will fund technical assistance for entrepreneurs. Rather than direct cash injections to businesses, the 6 billion FCFA guarantee will act as collateral for banks approving project-based loans.
To participate, businesses must submit proposals through the PAD-CV portal, where applications opened on 15 July and close after three months. Shortlisted projects will undergo financial audits, receive mentorship, and refine their business plans to meet bank lending criteria. The goal is to produce bank-ready proposals that reassure lenders of repayment viability.
The initiative targets a broad range of enterprises, including:
- Micro and small businesses (TPE)
- SMEs and startups
- Cooperatives and community investment groups (GIC)
- Producer associations
- Digital-focused clusters and incubators
A key emphasis will be placed on ventures led by women and young entrepreneurs, reflecting the EU’s commitment to inclusive economic growth in Cameroon.
