BY ENGAH PETER PARKERS
The Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, has urged the Coordinator of the Regional Handicraft Village in Limbe, Shirley Ayuk, to work in collaboration with the Regional and Local Councils of the South West, to erect two permanent exhibition and sales stands or centers in Limbe and Buea. This initiative, he said, aims to provide a platform for local craftsmen and women to showcase and sell their products, thereby promoting the handicraft sector and contributing to the regional economy.
Speaking at the launch of the 9th edition of the South West Handicraft Exhibition in Limbe, Governor Okalia emphasised the importance of supporting local producers and promoting the consumption of made-in-Cameroon products. He noted that the current annual exhibitions are insufficient, and permanent sales centers would provide sustained access for tourists and the public to appreciate and purchase local products.
The Governor’s call is in line with government’s national policy of promoting the consumption of made-in-Cameroon products, aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported goods. He stressed that councils have an obligation to support local producers and urged the Regional Delegate of the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicraft, Irene Bake Lobe, to work with partners and local councils to erect major sales outlets in Limbe and Buea.
Bake Lobe highlighted the significant improvement in the quality and quantity of local products, attributing this growth to government support. She encouraged craftsmen and women to register with their local councils to access benefits and opportunities.
The exhibition featured products from the six divisions of the South West Region, with the best 40 exhibitors selected to represent the region at the national event in Yaounde in March 2026.
The South West Handicraft Exhibition, held from December 3 to 6, showcased locally made products, including skin care products, clothing, medicinal products, and wooden crafts. The event aimed to promote the handicraft sector, create jobs, and boost the regional economy.
Governor Okalia noted that the handicraft sector has the potential to create jobs and significantly boost the regional and national economy. He urged the officials of MINPMEESA, its partners, and the regional and local authorities to continue to give every needed assistance to the craftsmen and women to ensure the promotion and sustainable growth of this sector.
The Governor also emphasised the importance of fairness, objectivity, and honesty in the selection of exhibitors to represent the region at the national event. He congratulated the craftsmen and women who distinguished themselves at the divisional level and earned the selection to participate in the regional exhibition.
The exhibition was organised under the theme, “Empowering creative heritage for a modern craft economy.” With about 90,000 registered craftsmen and women across Cameroon, and 5000 in the South West Region, government and partners have a significant role to play in promoting this sector.
The Governor ended the launch of the 9th edition with a guided visit to the different exhibition stands, showcasing the diverse range of locally made products. The event was attended by stakeholders, including government officials, craftsmen and women, and the general public.