Press Releases

On February 17, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions with the Government of the Republic of Cameroon for the Project on Strengthening Corporate Competitiveness through the Deployment of Comprehensive BDS Delivery System, a technical cooperation project.

Cameroon has set a target of an average economic growth rate of 8.1% by 2030. Of the private enterprises that are the main drivers of the country’s economic growth, 99.8% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition to conventional issues such as financing, their business operations have weakened due to the market shrinkage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sharp rise in raw material prices due to the situation in Ukraine, and the stagnation of international logistics. Therefore, improving the management and competitiveness of SMEs has become an urgent and important issue. To this end, JICA has supported the training of 116 consultants from the public and private sectors who can guide SMEs in improving quality and productivity as well as business management through KAIZEN*/Business Development Services (BDS)**, mainly in urban areas. By further strengthening Cameroon’s organizational structure and human resource development, this project aims to expand and disseminate its support to local areas and to assist neighboring countries, using Cameroon as a base for the dissemination of KAIZEN.

By establishing a mechanism for the continuous development of public and private sector personnel who can provide high-quality KAIZEN/BDS throughout Cameroon, promoting the nationwide development of activities that provide KAIZEN/BDS, and sharing the importance of KAIZEN/BDS with neighboring countries, JICA will support the improved management of the country’s SMEs and enhance their competitiveness. This project will contribute to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure).

Details for the project are provided below.

*“KAIZEN” is a comprehensive knowledge system that consists of broad technologies such as 5S (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, sustain), the 7QC Tools (the seven basic quality tools), and TQM (total quality management), with a core value of creating a shared desire among all members of an organization to consistently pursue advanced levels of quality and productivity. KAIZEN is characterized by changing the mindsets of managers and workers, promoting teamwork, and enhancing communication, and then disseminating these benefits to the whole company using a continuous approach.
For further information, see the “KAIZEN HANDBOOK (Summary)”

**BDS is a Business Development Service (BDS) that provides training, advice, and consultation on marketing and quality improvement.