Visionary Reports

The city of Douala, the chief town of Cameroon’s economic capital, is set to host the inaugural Regional Fair of Women Entrepreneurship and Trade (SAREFC) from February 4 to 6, 2026. The event was announced during a press briefing on January 20 at the Littoral Regional Delegation of the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Crafts (CCIMA) in Bonanjo.Co-organized by the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Associations of Women Entrepreneurs of Cameroon (FASFECAM), the fair is supported by regional authorities and various partners.During the press conference, Elysée Deumani Bogning, the Convener of the Fair, who is also President of FASFECAM, Managing Director of ELBING SARL, and an elected member of CCIMA, emphasized that the fair aims to bring economic opportunities closer to grassroots women entrepreneurs.Bogning highlighted that data presented at the International Women Entrepreneurship Fair two years ago revealed that women contribute approximately 60% of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product but are still underrepresented in larger enterprises and high-value sectors.This edition of SAREFC will seek to address numerous challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to finance, inadequate training, Insufficient market information persistent stereotypes, particularly in the informal sector.Under the theme “Local Transformation and Value Addition: Boosting the Competitiveness of Products in the Littoral and South-West Regions,” the three-day event will serve as a platform for women to showcase their products and services, exchange experiences, and connect with investors, mentors, and financial institutions.The organizers have outlined a program that includes, exhibitions, conferences, capacity-building workshops, networking sessions just to name a few.With a strong focus on digitalization, quality standards, export readiness, and access to financing, the fair aims to equip women-owned businesses to seize opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).One of the significant innovations of SAREFC 2026 will be the mapping of women entrepreneurs and their grassroots associations. This initiative will enhance visibility and provide targeted support from institutions.The event will take place under the distinguished patronage of the Governor of the Littoral Region, in partnership with the South-West Region, along with several public administrations and development actors. Representatives from institutions dedicated to women’s empowerment stressed that women’s economic autonomy is crucial for national development.To ensure inclusivity, the fair will offer various categories of exhibition stands, including group stands and affordable exhibition tables ranging from FCFA 30,000 to FCFA 100,000. This pricing structure aims to enable participation from women in the informal sector and rural communities.SAREFC is set to become an annual regional platform, with plans for future editions across other regions of the country, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship nationwide.

By Gina ESONG