Cambodia's entrepreneurial landscape is at a turning point as stakeholders finalize the country's first Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Roadmap (EBN)in 2025. Unveiled at the 10th Ecosystem Builder Network (EBN)meeting on March 18, the roadmap aims to address structural challenges—such as fragmented support, financing gaps, and market barriers—while unlocking opportunities in digital innovation, diaspora engagement, and regional trade.

A Blueprint for Growth

Developed through extensive consultations since 2022, the roadmap focuses on six key pillars: Support, Policy, Markets, Culture, Human Capital, and Finance. Key challenges include:

Limited market access, finance, and talent development, hindering startup growth.

Overlapping support programs, mostly centered in Phnom Penh, leaving rural entrepreneurs underserved.

Weak diaspora linkages, limiting knowledge transfer and investment.

Despite these hurdles, Cambodia's young population, digital economy, and emerging sectors(renewables, agritech, creative industries) offer strong growth potential.

Strategic Actions for 2025

The roadmap outlines concrete interventions, including:
✅ Stronger Support Networks– Standardizing programs, expanding rural outreach, and engaging the diaspora.
✅ Better Access to Finance– Developing tailored financial products, improving investment readiness, and promoting financial literacy.
✅ Enhanced Market Access– Launching a National Market Expansion Program to help SMEs meet global standards.
✅ Cultural Shift– Promoting entrepreneurship through mentorship and success stories.
✅ Human Capital Alignment– Improving entrepreneurship education and industry-focused training.
✅ Policy & Regulation Reform– Streamlining startup registration and improving policy clarity.

Collaboration & Next Steps

The ‘Give a Day’initiative remains central to the roadmap's success, fostering trust and strategy refinement among ecosystem players. With monthly sessions planned in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang, diverse voices will shape implementation efforts.

By tackling structural barriers and seizing new economic opportunities, Cambodia is positioning itself as an emerging entrepreneurial hub in Southeast Asia. The EBN initiative is backed by Khmer Enterprise, SDC, and KOICA, with implementation by Khmer Enterprise and Swisscontact.