Cameroon is taking a significant step in structuring its social economy with the publication of the modalities for admission to the status of Social Economy Unit (UES). On March 16, 2026, the Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) signed Circular No. 26/00049/MINPMEESA/SG/DAJ, thus clarifying the conditions for access to this status. This initiative aims to better supervise organizations engaged in activities with high social utility and to strengthen their contribution to the country's economic development.
The circular follows on from the framework law of April 25, 2019, governing the social economy in Cameroon, as well as the Prime Minister's decree of May 23, 2022, relating to the registration and maintenance of the General Register of Social Economy Units. It specifies the eligibility criteria for UES status, including the primacy of people and social purpose over capital, freedom of membership, transparent and participatory governance, and the pursuit of collective interest. Organizations must also demonstrate the social utility of their activities and ensure an equitable distribution of surpluses.
Admission to UES status is formalized by an approval issued by the Minister, allowing registration in the General Register of Social Economy Units, managed by MINPMEESA. To obtain this approval, candidates must submit a file including a stamped application, the organization's articles of association, proof of legal existence, a bank domiciliation certificate, and an extract from the criminal record of the main manager.
The application review process includes a compliance check by the Ministry's services, followed by an assessment by an ad hoc committee. The Minister then has three months to make a decision. In the absence of notification within this period, admission is considered acquired. The approval, valid for three years and renewable, is issued in French and English, but remains personal, non-transferable and non-assignable.
Regular evaluations and an annual report to the Prime Minister are planned to ensure the monitoring of approved structures. Failure to comply with the principles of the social economy, ethical breaches or activities contrary to the national program for the sector may lead to the withdrawal of approval.
By better supervising the social economy sector, Cameroon aims to strengthen the structuring of actors who contribute to economic development and solidarity. The 2019 framework law gives the State the mission of monitoring and promoting UES through the National Council for the Social Economy. The concept of Social Economy has been institutionalized in Cameroon since 2004 with the creation of a dedicated ministerial department.
