Cameroon launches major National program to tackle youth unemployment
The Cameroonian government has announced a sweeping national program, “One Youth, One Trade, One Job” (JEME), to address youth unemployment. With an ambitious budget of 17.72 billion CFA francs, the initiative targets citizens aged 15 to 35.
Presented in Yaoundé by the Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Mounouna Foutsou, JEME adopts an integrated strategy focused on reducing imports by strengthening the agropastoral and fisheries sectors.
The program will provide certified, modular training aligned with market needs.
The plan includes deploying decentralized training centers, equipped with digital spaces, to combine practical skills with entrepreneurial support.
It builds on the success of previous youth initiatives and will develop competencies in high-potential fields like modern agriculture, sustainable fishing, and digital trades.
The government emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “No young person should remain inactive.” JEME complements broader presidential efforts to fund youth innovation and is positioned as a cornerstone of Cameroon’s national development vision.
Eric NZUHLONG
