SPS Standards : PAIRIAC helps SMEs in Central Africa achieve compliance more quickly
On July 16 and 17, 2026, the Support Programme for Regional Integration and Investment in Central Africa (PAIRIAC) organized a workshop in Douala, to present the reports of the technical assistance mission on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
This meeting came after a capacity-building session for organisations tasked with helping SMEs make their products compliant with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements as well as with European Union (EU) regulations.
At the start of the workshop, Mr. Francis Tebeuisi Ngangeu, representative of the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development, emphasized the importance of such activities in improving access to international markets for businesses in the subregion.
Discussions identified several barriers to exports, including limited understanding of SPS standards, inadequate SME support mechanisms, and a lack of regional coordination.
Participants also explored the creation of a regional platform to disseminate information on SPS standards. As the workshop concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening support for SMEs in order to improve their competitiveness and promote exports to the European Union.
Source: Excerpt from Cameroon Tribune No. 13646/9845, of 17 July 2026
