By Desmond Mbua
Participants at the 2026 edition of the TEDxYaoundé event have been encouraged to remain resilient in the face of challenges encountered on the path to success. The gathering took place on Sunday, April 19, in the conference rooms of First Bank in the Hippodrome neighborhood of Yaoundé.
Themed “Unbreakable: Rethinking resilience,” this year’s edition drew more than 500 attendees, including students, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and thought leaders, for discussions on shifting perspectives and fostering change.
Speakers included the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Minami Kentero, and the Resident Representative of the African Institute of Computer Science, Armand Claude Abanda, each of whom described resilience, success, and personal experience.
Speaking at the event opener, Hapsatou Nadia, organiser and license holder of TEDxYaoundé, stated the role of ideas in shaping societies and driving transformation. She said the event aims to prompt individuals and communities to reconsider difficulties and adopt solutions that enable constructive change.
The Japanese model of resilience was a focal point of the discussions. Hapsatou noted that this model, demonstrated in the face of social disasters, serves as a foundation for the year’s theme. She said: “The main aim is to encourage Cameroonians to develop similar resilience, even in the face of different local challenges. While Cameroon may not frequently experience earthquakes or tsunamis, societal, economic, and environmental pressures demand an equally strong and united response.”
“The goal is to create impact within our community,” the organiser added, explaining that the platform brings together people across generations, from young innovators to business leaders and diplomats, to exchange ideas and explore solutions.
H.E. Minami Kentero cited Japan’s response to past events as a reference. He said: “From historical tragedies such as the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings to recurring natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, Japan’s ability to rebuild and adapt has become a global reference point.” He urged participants to continue following setbacks and not to fear beginning again.
Queening up from the ambassador, Armand Claude Abanda told participants that Resilience in its full splendour is an asset to create value and boost Entrepreneurship.
The event also provided a setting for the sharing of knowledge, with speakers offering views on resilience. Organizers stated that such exchanges assist communities in understanding and addressing the challenges they encounter.
Participants Laud Initiative
Participants left visibly moved and inspired. Heaven Tchapchet attended the event, “Most of the time, we have difficulties that don’t come from society, but from us… it was important for me to see how people who have experienced those difficulties went through and changed their mindset,” she stated.
The participant recounted being particularly touched by speakers such as Jamie Steell, and Portia Mutunzi. “It gave me goosebumps… to see the way people decided to change things in their environment… It’s very inspiring.” She concluded.
