Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute has called for support for the craft industry to boost employment among young people.
Ngute made the remarks while opening the 8th edition of the Cameroon International Crafts Fair Tuesday in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon.
“Some of the young people present today have chosen to be the best in the craft industry. I assure you that they can rely on the government’s support and backing to pursue their endeavors,” he said.
“In the fight against unemployment, which contributes to economic insecurity, the craft industry is a crucial sector that needs to be developed and promoted as it plays a vital role in our country’s economy growth.”
There are 2 million handicraft production units in the Central African nation, according to a 2023 report by Cameroon National Institute of Statistics.
Craft skills are indispensable in modern manufacturing, but Cameroon needs to move into the digital age as a factor in the sustainable development of crafts and the global inclusion of craftsmen, Ngute said.
“Efforts are underway to leverage digital technology to help our craftspeople adapt to new opportunities,” he added.
About 800 artisans from 20 African countries are taking part in the fair, which will last through July 31, according to the organizer, Cameroon’s Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts.
