PAJEC : Toward the creation of a XAF 15 billion financing fund to revitalize youth entrepreneurship in Cameroon

(LVDE) – Amid a persistent economic crisis and a growing brain drain, the Patronat des Jeunes Entrepreneurs du Cameroun (PAJEC) is proposing the creation of an ambitious financing fund worth between XAF 10 and 15 billion to support local entrepreneurship and stimulate the national economy.

In a context marked by deep economic challenges, PAJEC is mobilizing to revive value creation in Cameroon. Bringing together around 300 active members and 500 affiliates through partner associations, the organization is banking on the energy and innovation of young entrepreneurs to counter the crisis. On September 25, 2025, during a meeting in Douala, its president, Joël Sikam, unveiled a bold plan centered on the creation of a national entrepreneurial fund valued between XAF 10 and 15 billion. The fund aims to offset the financing weaknesses of local banks and support Cameroonian businesses in their growth efforts.

“Local banks no longer necessarily have the capacity to support this type of initiative. With this fund, we hope to facilitate the financing of the real economy,” declared Joël Sikam.

Currently being set up with local partners, the diaspora, and reputable financial institutions, the fund is designed to address cash flow challenges faced by SMEs and assist larger companies with fiscal issues. Initially, the initiative will benefit PAJEC members, before being extended nationwide. The project will be financed through member contributions, supplemented by partnerships with banks and major corporations.

Discussions with central government authorities are underway to present the initiative and clarify that it should not be viewed as an economic protest, Sikam emphasized. The fund represents a strategic response to a context in which, as he noted, “Since the AFCON, there have been no major projects — and it’s those projects that drive the economy.”

Another major concern is the exodus of talent. Cameroon’s economy is facing a critical phase, marked by a significant drop in household consumption, which Sikam attributes to declining purchasing power. “Today, it’s no longer about businesses just communicating or running promotions,” he stressed. Many young people — referred to as “economic exiles” — are migrating to countries like Canada or Iran, in search of better opportunities.

PAJEC aims to reverse this trend by creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, employees, and business successors. Many of these young people, often heirs to struggling family businesses, are seeking a modern ecosystem in which they can thrive. To this end, PAJEC plans to organize monthly networking sessions for entrepreneurs to share challenges, as well as quarterly meetings with key decision-makers — including ministers and industry leaders — to strengthen strategic partnerships.

In 2026, the organization will also host regional economic forums, notably in Nigeria (March) and later in Kinshasa. “The DRC, with nearly 100 million inhabitants, is a strategic market for Cameroon,” said Sikam, highlighting the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand exports.

Elected three months ago, Joël Sikam succeeded Thierry Yamen with a dynamic vision. He insists on the need for an agile and adaptive approach : “The economy is constantly evolving, and we must continuously develop new mechanisms to reassure households and curb the economic exodus.”

The success of this initiative will depend on collective mobilization, close collaboration with the state, and support from international partners. With this project, PAJEC positions itself as a key driver of youth entrepreneurship revitalization in Cameroon, determined to turn challenges into opportunities and build a stronger, more resilient national economy.

Tressy Chouente