Speech by the President on Import Substitution
“I invite you to seize the opportunities offered by the implementation of the three-year integrated Import-Substitution Plan, 2024-2026, to engage in production activities. They will allow you not only to be useful to your country, but also to find the means to provide for your need,” the Head of State, President Paul Biya declared during his speech offered on the 58th edition of the Youth Day.
He also reiterated that the import-substitution plan for the period 2024-2026 is to strengthen our food sovereignty. Eventually, reducing the negative impact of imports on our trade balance. The related deficit is estimated at just over 1,500 FCFA per year. Since then, Import Substitution has been the main focus of speech in Cameroon.
In addition, the speech has revive the local labor force of Cameroon to be more active and productive. To add, it has as well given them hope to producers that their products will make waves in the Cameroon market.
Founder of Fortitute Shop
Madame Paulette NGONDEM Clarisse, is an entrepreneur filled with love and passion for locally made products and a Cameroonian at that. Created six years back, her shop only exhibits Made in Cameroon Products. Therefore, It offers a wide variety of products made in Cameroon by our local artisans and promoters. Likewise for its promoter, the idea is to facilitate access to local products for consumers. And to enable the producers’ association to have an exhibition space for their products.
The Creation and Inspiration of Fortutite Shop
An exhibition of Made In Cameroon Products by Fortitute shop
Meanwhile, The initiative originated from her various trips to other African countries. Everywhere she went, she found stores specializing in products made in each country. So with this in mind, she didn’t think it was right that Cameroon should remain inactive in the face of this initiative. To sum up, that’s why she decided to create one in her country and in her home town: reveals Colette, manager of Fortitute shop.
By bringing together Cameroonian artisans, Fortitude shop also encourages exchanges between them. The aim is to find appropriate solutions to the various problems encountered by the different players in the field. In particular, problems of packaging, delivery, distribution, popularization etc…
In addition, Fortitute center is has not limited to its passion but has seen the need to share with others. Consequently, her stop also offers several quality certified training on transforming several raw materials to finish goods. The training include, converting cassava and potatoes to flour, vegetables and fruits to beverages. Also, it trains on conservative methods of seasonal fruits and vegetable such as Okro, oranges, melons, cucumber and many others.
Moreover, fortitute shop has a wide range of products are available in various sectors: food, cosmetics, cleaning, hygiene, liqueurs, wines, fashion, decoration, creativity and accessories. And all this, on several brands.
In a nutshell, having a visionary mind and dwelling in what is mostly accentuated by the government presently, it helps Cameroonians consume their own products which are mostly less chemically conserved, reducing massively the need for high importation. alongside, provide job opportunities while alleviating poverty, it continue to explore and promote the Cameroon’s rich and diverse culture.
Fortitude shop is located in Douala, at Makepe Saint Tropez, a few meters from the Petit Pays traffic circle.
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