New data from Cameroon’s Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises indicates a significant rise in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025. Currently, there are 472,208 active SMEs, a 6.5% increase from the previous year, contributing to a total of 569,208 formal economic units. Notably, young entrepreneurs under 35 are driving this growth, responsible for 42% of new SMEs created in 2025, up from 36.4% in 2019. These new businesses are projected to create nearly 90,000 jobs. Female entrepreneurship is also on the rise, with women leading 33% of newly established SMEs. The data suggests a shift towards manufacturing and processing activities, aligning with national goals of import substitution and export promotion, demonstrating the resilience of the Cameroonian economy.