​On 20th January 2016, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV) and Cameroon Youth Agropastoral Entrepreneurship Promotion Programme (PEA-JEUNES) signed a historic partnership agreement aimed at the development of Agriculture in Cameroon.

Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), PEA-JEUNES is an initiative that aims to develop Cameroonian agriculture from a predominantly manual and subsistent agriculture to modern mechanized systems that not only meet international standards but would also increase production by reinforcing entrepreneurship and improving the value chain.

To achieve this, over a period of three years, MASHAV experts will design and test training curricula, train local trainers and design cutting edge incubator centres in key agriculture poles in Cameroon. Trainees will have hands-on experience in modern agriculture techniques also benefit from mentorship by MASHAV experts for the development of their post-training initiatives.
According to the Technical objectives of the partnership, Cameroonian trainers would have been sufficiently empowered by the end of the programme to ensure the training of young agriculture entrepreneurs on their own.

Israel's record in technological innovation and unique expertise in agriculture makes it an excellent partner for Cameroon in the realization of the PEA-JEUNES initiative. And the good friendly relations between both countries offer a good platform for the partnership.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the initiative on behalf of MASHAV, H.E. Nadav COHEN, Ambassador of Israel to Cameroon was pleased that the partnership will further strengthen the good bilateral ties between Israel and Cameroon and participate in efforts to share knowledge and experience between both countries.

The National Coordinator of PEA-JEUNES, Mr. BELA TOMO Alfred also expressed satisfaction at the fact that the programme had secured the technical assistance of Israel and that the challenges overcome by Israel to develop its agricultural sector are unique and will serve as useful inspiration for Cameroon.

Cameroon and Israel also have good cooperation initiatives in the areas of professional training, education, health and community development programmes.

Harry ACHA