By Brian Mboh
It was in an electrifying atmosphere, marked by colour , rhythms and traditions from Cameroon, that a large number of Cameroonians in the diaspora, gathered in Washington DC, for the pioneer edition of the mega Cameroon Cultural Festival of North America, CCFNA.
Organised by Christopher Tapa, the event was held under the theme; ” Cameroon Culture and Living Together.” The three day event, that ran from May 29 to 31,2026,took place on the campus of the Catholic University of America.
More than a cultural celebration, the cultural jamboree, served as a platform for dialogue, networking, and engagement among diplomats, traditional leaders, business executives, academics, and community stakeholders.
The presence of distinguished guests elevated the event into a showcase, of Cameroon’s rich cultural diplomacy and national unity.
High-Level Diplomatic Patronage
Opening the ceremony was His Excellency ,Henri Étoundi Essomba, Cameroon Ambassador to the United States of America.
Leading the Cameroonian diplomatic delegation, Ambassador Étoundi Essomba brought the official support of the Cameroonian government to this diaspora-led initiative.
In his remarks, he commended the commitment of Cameroonians living across North America—including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.
He also emphasized on the crucial role of the diaspora as ambassadors of peace, national unity, and economic development.
Festival Engages Diaspora Business Actors and investors
One of the festival’s highlights was the Business Forum, which explored investment opportunities between Cameroon and North America.
Moderated by Dr. Mimi Nkwepo, executive coach and transformational leadership expert, the forum brought together prominent voices from the worlds of business, academia, and innovation. Panelists included Dr. Elie Nkamgueu, President of Club Efficience and a leading advocate for diaspora investment; Dr. Bih, an expert in artificial intelligence and digital transformation; His Majesty Nfon Ekoko Mukete IV, Bafaw Paramount Chief, Senator, and respected business leader; Mr. Derrick Waters, infrastructure and international cooperation specialist; and Dr. Michael Williams, Dean at Thomas Edison State University.
Discussions focused on strengthening investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic partnerships between Cameroon and its diaspora communities abroad.
In the same spirit, Mr. Elvis Tognia presented the concept of the “Cameroonian Dream,” calling for a more united, organized, and engaged diaspora committed to contributing to Cameroon’s sustainable development and global competitiveness.
Joseph-Antoine Bell: Football as a Unifying Force
Another memorable moment of the festival was the participation of Joseph-Antoine Bell, one of Cameroon’s most celebrated football legends. A two-time Africa Cup of Nations champion (1984 and 1988) and current Chairman of the Orientation Committee of the National Office of Sports Infrastructure and Equipment (ONIES), Bell received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from attendees.
Drawing from his remarkable career and public service experience, he shared his vision of football as a powerful tool for social cohesion and national unity. His presence inspired pride, patriotism, and a renewed sense of belonging among festival participants.
Traditional Leaders Bring Cultural Authenticity
The festival also benefited from the presence of several traditional authorities who traveled from Cameroon, adding cultural depth and authenticity to the event.
Among them were Chief Mukete, Chief Lekunze, His Majesty Etoga, Her Majesty Thérèse Tsogo Nsengue, Third-Class Traditional Ruler of Mvila Yévol, and Her Majesty Véronique Mintamack.
Their participation reflected the enduring connection between the diaspora and its ancestral roots. The festival showcased Cameroon’s four major cultural areas—Fang-Beti, Grassfields, Sawa, and Sudano-Sahelian—through traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, music, and dance.
A Landmark Event for the Cameroonian Diaspora
By bringing together diplomats, traditional rulers, business leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, and sports icons, the inaugural CCFNA successfully demonstrated the power of culture as a bridge between communities and generations.
For Christophe Tapa and his team, the event marks the beginning of what promises to become a major annual gathering for celebrating Cameroonian heritage and strengthening ties between Cameroon and North America. The Cameroon Cultural Festival of North America has established itself as a significant platform for cultural promotion, economic dialogue, and diaspora engagement on the international stage.
