PSDP implementation phase begins January 4

The implementation phase of the Programme of Support to Private Sector Development (PSDP) is set to begin on January 4, next year.

France Cluster, the Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE), which was in charge, had retired in July 2015.

According to Le Quotidien de l’Economie on Thursday, December 10, 2015, the France Cluster firm carried out an assessment study of the "actions of the CRC, and to make proposals along the lines of the prosecution program."

Proposals have been made during the debriefing workshop and validation of PSDP formulation report.

"The study we conducted with 4 cluster projects shows a deficit of synergy and cooperation between actors. Added to this is the fact that the animation function within these 4 projects is embryonic. Projects are much more oriented towards structural projects. In short, these pre-clusters were not based on a participatory goal," said Norbert Monkam, France cabinet cluster expert.

For him, this is not the right approach. "The normal development of a cluster approach begins with the awareness of the actors, a step prior to the launch of that cluster. This leads eventually to build a sense of trust that is the core leader before structural projects. But it is rather the opposite that is observed in the 4 cluster projects," explained Norbert Monkam.

Despite the closure of the CDE, the government is committed to conducting activities PSDP exhausted. The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA), Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, has also stated that "the government has invested heavily in this program and is looking forward to continue."

From January 4, 2016, until 2017, the France Cluster will focus on the development of four pilot clusters which are: FOMDY, specializing in the production of rice in the Yagoua Far North Region; Farot Cooperative in the city of Buea, in the production and processing of cassava; Mifam which operates in the industrial mechanical sector in Douala and Wood Cluster processing also based in Douala wood.

The aim of France long term cluster is to develop 19 clusters in Cameroon by 2020.