State of Social Enterprise Africa 2025

Covering operational costs 40% Current legal frameworks/policy status Cameroon has an established regulatory framework for social economy organizations, centred on Framework Law No. 2019/004 of 25 April 2019, which governs the social economy.17 This landmark legislation defines social economy units as enterprises that prioritize social objectives over capital, operate with democratic governance and serve collective interests. The law provides a legal foundation for various forms of social economy organizations, including cooperatives, associations, mutual societies and social enterprises.COUNTRY FACTSHEET 116 47 ,000 full-time jobs created 94% employ youth 59% employ women 4% employ people with disabilities Formal/informalTop 3 financing needs Expanding products/services 1 in 2 Investing in equipment or infrastructure 2 out of 5 Agriculture (31%) Trade (18%) Education (7%)Food and beverage (7%)38% of social enterprises were formally registered (144/375) 62% of social enterprises were not formally registered (231/375) Of those that were registered, the majority (79%) were registered as private companies98% of social enterprises plan to grow their businesses in the next year 52% Report low solvency 27 ,000 social enterprises 32% (122/277) social enterprises surveyed in Cameroon are youth-led 40% (144/364) of social enterprises surveyed in Cameroon are women-led Seed stage Start-up stage Growth stage Expansion stage Established stage12% 31% 49% 0 8%Growth stageTop 3 sectors Top 3 purposesCameroon Economy Community Food security 8 The State of Social Enterprise: Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa