By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Thirty promoters of “Made in Cameroon” products have acquired valuable skills in packaging, labeling, and barcodes. This knowledge was gained through a training workshop held on April 25 in Yaoundé, chaired by Mirabel Nkemboh Nji, Director of Internal Trade at the Ministry of Trade.

The Ministry of Trade, in collaboration with GS1 Cameroon, organized the workshop with the objective of equipping promoters with crucial knowledge in packaging, labeling, and barcodes. This initiative aligns with the government’s goals of transforming Cameroon into an emerging nation by 2035.
During the workshop, Nkemboh Nji highlighted the critical importance of Cameroonian products gaining access to local, sub-regional, regional, and international markets. She emphasized that consumer acceptance is the key to achieving this market access.
Nkemboh Nji expressed concern about the limited access faced by Cameroonian SMEs, attributing it largely to inadequate production processes and non-compliance with standards. Proposed solutions included strengthening the capacity of SMEs and fostering economic patriotism.

Cameroon aspires to become an industrialized nation, with a strategic focus on significantly increasing the private sector’s contribution to economic growth. This strategy places particular emphasis on the development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Packaging serves as a product’s showcase, playing a pivotal role in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Effective labeling, on the other hand, is an essential tool for safeguarding public health and deterring fraudulent practices. Barcodes, meanwhile, provide a fast and efficient method for item identification, stock management, and price display.
By equipping promoters with these crucial skills, the Ministry of Trade and GS1 Cameroon are empowering Cameroonian businesses to compete more effectively in the marketplace. This not only benefits the businesses themselves but also contributes to the country’s overall economic development.