The National Employment Fund (NEF) of Cameroon was established in 1999 to promote employment creation, especially for young people and women. It is also concerned with promoting entrepreneurship and vocational training. The fund is managed by a board of directors and is under the supervision of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training.

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Purpose

The NEF was created in response to the high rate of unemployment and underemployment in Cameroon, especially among young people and women. The government recognized that job creation was essential for reducing poverty and promoting economic development, so it established an organization to help address this challenge. The organization was created to promote employment creation, entrepreneurship, and vocational training in Cameroon. Its primary goal is to provide support and resources to young people and women who are seeking employment or who want to start their businesses. Through its various programs and services, it aims to reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty, and promote economic development.

Services offered by the NEF

It offers a range of services and programs aimed at promoting employment and entrepreneurship. These include:

Financing

The NEF provides financing services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cameroon through its credit programs. These programs offer loans for business start-ups, expansion, and modernization. The credit programs aim to support the growth and development of SMEs in the country. It offers competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms to borrowers. The fund also provides technical assistance to SMEs to help them prepare their loan applications and develop their businesses. The credit programs have helped finance a range of businesses in Cameroon, including those in agriculture, manufacturing, and the service sectors.

Vocational training

The organization offers vocational training programs to young people and women to equip them with the skills needed to enter the labor market. These training programs cover a wide range of skills, including carpentry, tailoring, catering, and computer skills. The NEF’s vocational training programs are practical and hands-on, with a focus on developing skills that are in high demand in the labor market. The training programs are delivered through a network of training centers and vocational schools across the country. It also provides training and certification programs for specific occupations, such as welding and plumbing. 

Entrepreneurship development 

The organization offers entrepreneurship development programs to aspiring entrepreneurs. These programs include business plan development, market research, and access to mentors and business advisors. The entrepreneurship development programs aim to help aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. The programs provide participants with the skills and knowledge they need to develop a business plan, identify funding sources, and market their products and services. The organization also provides access to mentors and business advisors who can offer guidance and support throughout the business development process. These programs help to diversify the economy and provide new opportunities for job creation.

Job placement 

The NEF works closely with employers to identify job opportunities and match them with qualified job seekers. The fund’s job placement program includes both formal and informal employment opportunities. The job placement program helps to connect job seekers with employers who are looking for qualified candidates. The program includes job fairs, job matching services, and job placement services. The organization also provides training to job seekers to help them prepare for job interviews and develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. 

Cooperation with business

The NEF works closely with the private sector to promote employment and entrepreneurship in Cameroon. The fund has established partnerships with a range of businesses, including microfinance institutions, commercial banks, and other financial institutions. These partnerships help to leverage additional resources for the organization and provide businesses with access to a pool of trained and skilled workers.

Businesses cooperating with the NEF

Many businesses in Cameroon have cooperated with the NEF to promote employment and entrepreneurship. These businesses include both local and international companies, and they have worked with the organization to provide funding, training, and employment opportunities to young people and women. For example, in 2020, the NEF signed a partnership agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) to provide funding for SMEs in Cameroon. The partnership aims to support the growth of SMEs and promote job creation in the country. Another example is the partnership between the organization and MTN Cameroon, a leading telecommunications company in the country. MTN Cameroon has worked with the organization to provide training and employment opportunities to young people and women in the telecommunications industry.