Cameroonians Share Mixed Reactions As Parliament Adopts Vice Presidency Post

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroonians on the streets of Yaoundé have expressed sharply divided opinions following the National Assembly’s adoption of a bill to create the post of vice president and amend key provisions of the Constitution. Speaking shortly after the bill was adopted on April 4, many residents criticizing the move as illegitimate while others see it as a necessary step for leadership continuity.

Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso defending the bill tabling a bill to amend and supplement the Constitution of June 2, 1972, as revised by Law No. 96/06 of Jan. 18, 1996, and Law No. 2008/001 of April 14, 2008 (Photo Credit: National Assembly)

City dwellers said they were puzzled by the government’s priorities at a time when the country is grappling with severe economic hardship. Instead of focusing on job creation, improving access to water and electricity, and providing essential social services, lawmakers chose to push through a constitutional change that many view as unnecessary and self-serving.

They argued that granting the president the power to appoint a vice president — who could potentially become interim president — undermines Cameroon’s claimed progress toward democracy and raises serious concerns about the concentration of power.

“I am completely disappointed with the members of Parliament for adopting such a bill and I can confirm that our Parliament is ‘handclappers’,” one resident said. “Can’t they for once bring change by making sure that they do the right thing? They should ask themselves what history holds for them because the bill just adopted makes no sense to me.”

In a phone conversation, annother resident added: “At this particular point in time, the post of Vice President is not important because Cameroonians are suffering and need the government to take them out of this hardship. They should be thinking about providing jobs and making the environment conducive for entrepreneurship.”

Gladys, a trader, questioned the priorities of lawmakers. “How can MPs be thinking of adopting such a bill when Cameroonians have been pushed to the wall with the high cost of living, making things very difficult for all?” she said. “Because they are not feeling the effect doesn’t mean that everything is fine. By the way, they are even illegitimate in our eyes. We can always do things differently.”

Margaret was particularly critical of the rushed process. “Come to think of it that an amendment of such a magnitude is tabled and in less than 48 hours, the bill is adopted,” she said. “This is not serious. This government should be serious and stop taking people for fools. They had calculated everything and this just misleads us. I am sure that the person to be appointed is already waiting for that decree.”

However, Patrick, a taxi driver, supported the move, saying it would prevent a leadership vacuum. “The move by MPs in adopting such a bill will help to make sure that there is no vacancy at the helm of the state,” he said. “If the president is not available, the vice president will just continue with the functions. I think this bill adoption is a step in the right direction.”

Meanwhile after the bill’s adoption, Parliamentary reactions remained split along party lines. Hon. Koupit Adamou (CDU) condemned the legislation as the worst in the country’s history regarding its fundamental law.

“We are deeply saddened by this Congress. It is unacceptable to modify our Constitution to grant the Head of State the power to do whatever he wants, however he wants,” Hon. Koupit Adamou stated.

Hon. Joshua Osih (SDF) explained that his party chose to boycott the session after failing to reach a compromise during the committee stage. “We fought an uphill battle in the special committee to bring reason to this amendment and we lost,” Hon. Osih said. “We decided to boycott the plenary because we cannot participate in a session that reduces the democratic rights of the Cameroonian people. Section 5(2) of our Constitution is clear: the President of the Republic is elected by the entire nation.”

Conversely, Senator Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko (CPDM) defended the bill’s merits, arguing that the President requires a designated successor to ensure continuity. “The President needs an assistant for situations where he cannot attend international conferences,” the Senator noted. “Furthermore, he makes promises to the population upon his election and if he cannot finish his mandate for any reason, it makes sense to have someone in place to fulfill those commitments.”

On April 2, President Paul Biya convened Parliament in a joint session, tabling a bill to amend and supplement the Constitution of June 2, 1972, as revised by Law No. 96/06 of Jan. 18, 1996, and Law No. 2008/001 of April 14, 2008. The text was expected to be forwarded to the head of state for promulgation.

After two days of deliberations, lawmakers adopted the bill. Once promulgated into law, the President will appoint the Vice President.

We Will Launch An Online Petition So That Cameroonians, Beyond Political Lines, Can Make Their Voices Heard – Prof. Kamto

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Opposition leader Prof. Maurice Kamto has stated that, in response to what he described as an “ongoing Constitutional and Institutional Coup d’État” in the country, an online petition campaign will be launched so Cameroonians of all political affiliation can make their voices heard.

In a statement released Friday, April 3 and widely circulated on social media, Prof. Kamto said the initiative is intended to unite citizens across the political spectrum to challenge recent government actions that he argues have undermined the nation’s democratic legitimacy.

“We will launch an online petition campaign so that Cameroonians, regardless of their political affiliation, can make their voices heard,” Prof. Kamto said. He stressed that the sovereign people must ultimately decide who has the right to lead the country’s institutions.

Prof. Kamto’s statements are coming on the heels of a series of controversial Legislative maneuvers by the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). He specifically highlighted the repeated extensions of mandates for members of parliament and municipal councilors, which has effectively postponed local elections.

He also criticized a new bill introduced by the incumbent administration to revise the constitution (the bill which was adopted on April 4). The proposed changes include the creation of a vice-presidential position. Under the new rules, this official would be appointed rather than elected and could replace the president at any time.

Prof. Kamto likened this move to a “constitutional loophole” that allows for a transfer of power without the consent of the voters. He argued that the revision effectively transforms the republic into a “republican monarchy” or a “nepotistic dynasty as an appointed vice president could name another.

He pointed out that no “debate was organized by the Government to inform the public about the ongoing upheavals. There was no explanation, nor the slightest consultation or involvement of the country’s political forces.” To him, such a major shift, he argued, should have gone to a referendum so the people could decide.

“What is underway is indeed an unconstitutional power grab, condemned by the legal instruments of the African Union,” Prof. Kamto stated. He expressed concern that the new Vice-President would allow individuals who have never held elected office to become the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

“We thus find ourselves in a situation where the current government lacks all legitimacy and, in principle, can no longer govern the country,” he said. “In short, today in our country, neither the President of the Republic, nor the members of parliament, nor the municipal councilors, nor the regional councilors are legitimate.”

Concerning the bill repeated extension of mandates, Prof. Kamto said, these delays are a calculated effort by the ruling party to avoid an electoral defeat. He noted that the current government has created a situation where national and local institutions lack popular support.

Despite the challenges, Prof. Kamto urged his fellow citizens to remain confident. He insisted that the work done by the opposition over the last decade has already proven that the ruling party can be defeated at the ballot box.

“The CPDM regime believes it has entrenched itself forever, but it is mistaken,” Prof. Kamto said. “It will understand that in a republic, power comes from the people.”

Legal Minds Push for Overhaul of Mediation and Arbitration At Yaoundé Summit

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Legal experts and arbitration practitioners from Africa and abroad have analyzed the critical challenges involved in drafting, enforcing, and implementing mediation agreements. These issues were addressed on March 31 in Yaoundé during the 4th edition of African Arbitration and Mediation Day (JAAM).

**Minister Delegate Jean De Dieu Momo, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, presides over the international colloquium in Yaoundé** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

Held under the theme “The Mediation Agreement and the Arbitral Award,” the event brought together leading figures in international dispute resolution to strengthen knowledge and practice of mediation and arbitration across the continent.

The summit was organised by the Association for the Promotion of Arbitration in Africa (APAA) in partnership with the International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation Abuja (ICAMA), and in collaboration with the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Justice, Jean De Dieu Momo, representing Cameroon’s Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso—patron of the event—stressed the importance of mediation and arbitration.

Officials during the opening ceremony as Minister Delegate Jean De Dieu Momo, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, presides over the international colloquium in Yaoundé (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

He noted that although the legal framework is still being built, “it is already admitted in the legal arsenal of our country that arbitration and mediation are alternative forms of justice.” He added that Cameroon encourages these mechanisms and observed that many judicial personnel, including magistrates and lawyers, are seeking training in alternative dispute resolution.

Gaston Kenfack Douajni (PhD), President of APAA and a Cameroonian legal officer, emphasised that mediation and arbitration are highly valued Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods whose promotion and proper practice positively impact national development.

He noted that while mediation and arbitration aim to resolve disputes between parties in a business relationship while preserving those relationships, the mediation agreement and the arbitral award—the instruments that bring these processes to an end—must be carefully drafted to ensure effective implementation.

**Minister Delegate Jean De Dieu Momo, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, speaking during the opening session of the international colloquium in Yaoundé** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

On his part, Mbah Eric Mbah, president of the Cameroon Bar Association, acknowledged that arbitration and mediation are now central means for resolving disputes, but regretted that Cameroon remains behind in arbitration legislation.

“We only rely on a few aspects of OHADA arbitration in Cameroon,” he said. “It is high time we took advantage of the moment so that, when business truly moves onto the commercial and economic superhighway in Africa, Cameroonians will have arbitration legislation capable of supporting a solid, independent, corruption-free arbitration centre.”]

Gaston Kenfack Douajni (PhD), President of APAA speaking during the opening session. Minister Delegate Jean De Dieu Momo, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, presides over the international colloquium in Yaoundé (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The summit also saw the signing of strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the Russian Arbitration Association, represented by Roman Zikov, and both APAA and the African Arbitration Association, signalling expanding international cooperation in dispute resolution.

A notable highlight was an online presentation by Anna Joubin‑Bret, who provided global perspectives on mediation and arbitration, accompanied by an introductory report from former CCJA President Esther Ngo Moutngui.

Sigining of a memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the Russian Arbitration Association, represented by Roman Zikov, and both APAA Gaston Kenfack Douajni) and the African Arbitration Association during the opening session in Yaounde *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Across four technical sessions, participants examined drafting and enforcing mediation agreements, implementation challenges, and recognition of arbitral awards within and beyond OHADA jurisdictions.

More than 100 participants attended, including leaders and executives of African organisations promoting economic and legal integration, senior staff from private organisations, magistrates, solicitors, notaries and court officials, economic operators, corporate lawyers, and executives of arbitration and mediation institutions.

Other speakers at the summit included ICAMA Director and former Nigerian Minister of Justice Ojo Bayo; Mbah Eric Mbah, President of the Cameroon Bar Association; and Jean‑Marie Kambuma Nsula, President of the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA), representing OHADA.

**Legal experts and stakeholders posed for a family picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Tadu All Football Tournament 2026: Previewing Match Days 2 & 3

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Tadu All Football Tournament moves into its second and third days of action this weekend with a lineup of highly anticipated matches. Following a successful kickoff that brought life back to the local pitch in Tadu, the competition is picking up speed as teams fight for early dominance.

**A cross section of players during the opening day of the tournament on March 26**

The excitement resumes this Friday at 2:00 PM when the Young Boyz of Tadu go head-to-head against Faakui FC. This marks the first time these two teams will meet in this year’s tournament, and both sides are eager to make a strong impression.

They will be looking to replicate the success of Meluf FC, who set the pace in the opening day by defeating Tadu FC with a narrow 2-1 victory on March 26. Beyond the tactics on the field, a massive crowd is expected to fill the stands, as the community remains hungry for the high-energy football that has been missing for quite some time.

The action continues on Sunday with another double-header across different disciplines. In the football category, Buh FC will take on Simonkov at 1:00 PM in what is expected to be a physical and competitive encounter.

Meanwhile, the handball tournament enters its second day of play, featuring a matchup between Mbonghas Ladies and Tadu Ladies. The handball discipline has already proven to be high-scoring and intense, especially after the opening day performance where Simonkoh Ladies thrashed Buh Ladies with a commanding 10-1 scoreline.

The 2026 edition of the Tadu All Football Tournament is particularly significant as it marks the return of organized sport after a long absence due to ongoing socio-political conflicts. Organized by the Tadu Development Association with strong backing from local elites and the diaspora, the event serves as a symbol of recovery.

**A cross view of handball players during the opening day of the tournament on March 26**

Currently, the tournament features eight football teams and six handball teams, all competing under a shared mission to promote social cohesion, improve local infrastructure, and enhance security through the power of community-led initiatives. The Competition is taking place under the theme, “Kicking for Peace, Scoring Unity! Tadu All Football Tournament: Where Love Meets the pitch, and Reconciliation is the Goal!”

Fans in Tadu and its environs are encouraged to arrive early and bring their loudest cheers to support the athletes as they help write the next chapter of Tadu’s sporting history.

2026 List of Football teams

Tadu FC
Young Boyz Tadu
Fakui FC
Simonkoh FC
Buh FC
Meluf FC
Levelland FC
Mbonghas FC

2026 List of Female Handball Teams

Tadu Ladies
The Tigress Ladies of Buh
Simonkoh Ladies
Mbonghas ladies
Levelland ladies
Mboshua Ladies

Lawmakers Debate Constitutional Reform To Alter Presidential Line Of Succession

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Lawmakers gathered on April 2 in a special Parliamentary Congress to review a bill that would re-establish the office of Vice President and significantly alter the line of succession in Cameroon.

Hon. Datouo Théodore, Speaker of the National Assembly (centre), Senate President Aboubakary Abdoulaye (left) and National Assembly Secretary-General André Noël Essian (right) at the Parliamentary Congress, April 2, 2026 (Photo: National Assembly)

The proposed Legislation (Bill No. 2094/PJL/P), which seeks to amend the June 2, 1972 Constitution revised in 1996 and 2008, follows a commitment made by President Paul Biya during his November 2025 inauguration. At that ceremony, the head of state pledged to modernize national institutions to better navigate contemporary challenges.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Datouo Théodore, who acted as the President of the Congress presided over the joint session of the Upper and Lower Houses. He stressed that the initiative stems directly from the President’s constitutional authority to propose amendments.

Under the terms of the bill, the Vice President would be appointed and dismissed by the President, rather than being elected on a joint ticket. The primary role of the appointee would be to carry out specific duties delegated by the head of state. Furthermore, the Vice President’s tenure would be strictly linked to that of the President.

The most notable shift in the reform concerns what happens if the Presidency becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or permanent incapacity. Currently, the President of the Senate is first in line to lead on an interim basis. The new bill proposes that the Vice President would instead assume the office for the remainder of the term after taking an official oath.

Provisions remain in place for the Legislative branch to step in only if both the president and vice president are unable to serve. In such a scenario, the President of the Senate would act as interim leader and would be required to organize new elections within 20 to 120 days. This interim leader would face strict limitations, including a ban on running for the presidency or amending the constitution.

The reform would revise several articles of the constitution, which has not undergone a major overhaul since 2008. The President would maintain his status as the head of state and symbol of national unity, while the Vice President would be legally defined as an assistant. Both officials would be subject to identical rules regarding asset declaration and restrictions on holding other professional or elective offices.

During the session, Hon. Datouo Théodore described President Biya as the “principal architect of the democratic framework.” He noted that the changes are a necessary response to the country’s needs following the October 2025 Presidential Election.

The Speaker urged lawmakers to embrace the President’s call for national stability after a competitive election season. He quoted the head of state’s recent plea for cohesion: “The battles of the Presidential Election are behind us. Now is the time for unity.”

The reintroduction of the Vice Presidency marks a return to a structure not seen in the country for over five decades. The office originally existed following the 1961 reunification of East and West Cameroon to balance power between Francophone and Anglophone Cameroons. It was held by John Ngu Foncha and later Salomon Tandeng Muna before being abolished in 1972 when Cameroon transitioned to a unitary state.

For the bill to be enacted into law, it must receive an absolute majority of the votes from the members of Congress. If passed, the reform will also require subsequent updates to the national electoral code and the laws governing the Constitutional Council.

Historic Global Deal As 66 WTO Nations Agree On First-Ever Rules For Digital Trade

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The world of shopping and business just took a massive leap into the future. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, 66 nations within the World Trade Organization (WTO) reached a historic deal to create the first-ever global rules for digital trade.

***Members adopt a pathway to bring E‑Commerce Agreement into force via interim arrangements*** *(Photo Credit: WTO)*

The announcement, made during the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) on March 28. This marks a huge shift toward making online business easier and more predictable for everyone. These countries together handle about 70 percent of all trade on Earth, making this a giant step toward a modern global marketplace.

This agreement arrives at a moment when the world truly needs it. Right now, digital transactions make up over 60 percent of the entire world’s economy. Even though we do so much business online, there hasn’t been a single set of international rules to follow.

This has created a messy mix of different regulations that often makes things more expensive for shoppers and harder for small businesses to grow. Research shows that without these rules, about $159 billion in trade value was being wasted every single year. Experts now believe that if every nation eventually joins in, the global economy could grow by a massive $8.7 trillion by the year 2040.

**Cross Section of delegates during the WTO Ministerial Conference** (Photo Credit: WTO)

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the progress as a sign that global trade is finally changing for the better. She noted that “Digital trade is an exciting frontier for driving economic growth and job creation.” She also explained that “By moving forward with the E-Commerce Agreement, participating economies are helping to establish a shared regulatory framework that can lower costs and unlock new opportunities.”

One of the most important parts of this deal is making sure everyone is included. Leaders want to ensure that small family businesses can compete just as easily as giant corporations. To help out, the agreement gives smaller or developing countries more time to adjust and offers them technical help to update their systems.

Allan P. Gepty, Undersecretary for the Philippines, shared his optimism for his country. He said, “For developing members like the Philippines, the E-Commerce Agreement provides a valuable framework to support MSMEs’ participation in global trade by enhancing trust and improving digital connectivity.”

Other leaders from across the globe shared this excitement. Mod K Ceesay, The Gambia’s Minister of Trade, called the deal a forward-looking step for development, and Manuel Tovar Rivera of Costa Rica said it helps bridge the technology gap in his region.

The entire effort was led by a group of countries including Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Matt Thistlethwaite, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, expressed his pride in the project. He stated, “Australia is proud to lead delivery of the first set of digital trade rules with global reach. The arrangements we are announcing today will deliver tangible benefits for our businesses and consumers.”

Even though the deal is reached, there is still some paperwork to do. Each of the 66 countries must now follow their own legal processes at home to make it official. The rules will start working once 45 of those members finish their paperwork. The hope is that these rules will eventually become a permanent part of international law.

The group involved is diverse and powerful, including the European Union, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security called it a vital step toward a “trusted digital trading environment,” while China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, said the deal will promote “more inclusive and sustainable digital growth.”

As the world economy becomes increasingly inseparable from the internet, the WTO’s latest milestone suggests that international diplomacy is finally catching up to the speed of fiber-optic cables and digital storefronts.

Proposed Amendment Could Let Cameroon’s President Indefinitely Extend Municipal Mandates

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

A new bill before Cameroon’s Parliament could fundamentally change the country’s democratic calendar by granting the President of the Republic the power to extend municipal mandates indefinitely.

**Hon. Théodore Datouo, Speaker of the National Assembly chairing deliberation during the session** (Photo Credit: National Assembly)

The draft law, Bill N° 2093/PJL/AN, seeks to amend the Electoral Code of 2012. It was tabled in Parliament on 30 March by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Théodore Datouo, in the presence of the Minister-Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Relations with Parliament, François Wakata Bolvine, among others.

Prior to the plenary session, the Chairman’s Conference had declared the bill admissible in a session presided over by Hon. Datouo.

Under the current law, Municipal Councillors’ terms may be extended for a maximum of 18 months. The proposed amendment would remove that 18‑month cap, creating an open-ended allowance for local officials to remain in office without facing voters.

**A cross section of Members of Parliament during the session** (Photo Credit: National Assembly)

If adopted and promulgated, the President of the Republic would gain the authority to prolong or shorten municipal mandates after consulting the government and the Senate bureau. That would shift control over election timing from fixed statutory deadlines to executive discretion, thereby reshaping how and when citizens choose their local leaders.

The proposal has prompted immediate debate among political analysts and civil-society groups. Supporters say the revision to Section 170 of the Electoral Code would give the government necessary flexibility to manage the election cycle in exceptional or unstable circumstances.

Critics contend that eliminating a defined limit on extensions risks undermining electoral transparency, disrupting the regularity of democratic processes, and delaying local representation for extended periods — effectively concentrating power in the executive branch.

The bill has been referred to the Constitutional Law Committee and will be defended there by the Minister of Territorial Administration.

Nairobi To Host Inaugural “Africa We Build” Summit To Mobilize Domestic Capital For Industrial Growth

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Africa’s leading infrastructure financiers, fund managers and industry leaders will gather in Nairobi next month with a mandate to unlock domestic capital and transform the continent’s industrial ambitions into a job-creating reality.

Hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) in partnership with the Government of Kenya, the inaugural “Africa We Build Summit” is scheduled for April 23-24, 2026. Under the theme “Infrastructure as the Engine of Industrialisation,” the event aims to bring together decision-makers to originate bankable projects, strengthen regional integration and accelerate continental development.

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), in Partnership with the Government of Kenya, convenes Africa’s leading infrastructure leaders in Nairobi for the inaugural Africa We Build Summit to mobilise domestic capital and advance bankable projects that will power the continent’s industrial future (Source: AFC)

Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto is expected to deliver the keynote address, signaling high-level political commitment to large-scale industrialization. The summit marks a strategic shift from isolated, standalone projects toward integrated infrastructure systems, including regional corridor investments, expanded rail and port networks, and cross-border energy systems.

A primary objective of the gathering is to mobilize a larger portion of Africa’s domestic capital base toward globally competitive industrial opportunities. To support this, organizers will launch the “State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026,” a comprehensive analysis of the continental investment landscape, capital flows and project pipelines.

“Africa is not capital-poor; it is capital-trapped,” said Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC. “The opportunity now is to channel that capital into infrastructure and industry at scale—transforming resources into productivity, jobs, and long-term prosperity.”

The summit is designed as a delivery platform centered on execution-focused partnerships. Recent initiatives like the Lobito Corridor and the Kenya National Infrastructure Fund serve as models for how aligned policy and capital can create integrated economic ecosystems that connect raw resources to energy, logistics and processing.

Given the East African Community’s status as a dynamic regional bloc, the summit will specifically spotlight priority routes such as the Northern Corridor. This vital artery links the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Discussions will also focus on advancing the East African Railway Master Plan and upgrading key cross-border highways.

Beyond physical transport, a central theme of the summit involves linking power and minerals. Leaders intend to emphasize value addition over simple extraction, ensuring that infrastructure investments provide the foundation for long-term economic transformation across the continent.

Agritech Innovation Challenge 2026: Young Innovators Pitch Digital Tools To Revolutionize Cameroon’s Agri Sector

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Over 40 youths have begun pitching their innovative ideas before a five-member jury as the second edition of the Agritech Innovation Challenge moves toward its final stage. The pitching ceremony that ended on March 28 in Yaoundé, gave young entrepreneurs the opportunity to present projects that could be among the final 12 selected for the competition.

***A candidate pitching his innovative idea*** *(Photo Credit: Emmanuel Beng)*

Candidates defended their proposals behind closed doors, each presenting in two phases. In the first phase, contestants were allotted 10 minutes to outline their ideas and explain why they should advance to the next round. The second phase was more interactive, with jury members requesting explanations and clarifications on specific aspects of each pitch.

Speaking shortly after presenting his idea, Bindzi Brice, an agricultural engineer who pitched a project called “Agrohub,” described it as a stock market for agricultural commodities in Cameroon that promises to transform the sector.

“Our platform enables farmers to sell their harvests before production begins to buyers across Cameroon and internationally. It facilitates product discovery, purchase, payment and delivery nationwide,” Bindzi said.

He expressed optimism about reaching the finals and said the team intends to raise awareness of the platform among target users so it will be available to producers across the country.

Tchame Kerine, another contestant, presented “AUDECAM Connect,” a digital platform designed to survey bee farmers, manage apiculture farms, and secure payments through a complementary solution called AUDECAM Finance.

She said the initiative already supports over 3,600 producers and that she hopes to win financial support to expand the platform. “My main expectation is that AUDECAM Connect convinces the jury and that we are selected for the final,” Tchame said.

**Members of jury at work** (Picture Credit: Emmanuel Beng)

Kamdem Noubissi, who is also seeking a place in the final round, presented FORPET, a solution aimed at digitizing aquaculture farms, particularly those that produce fish food. “My session with the jury went well. The exchanges were objective. I explained the solution I’m offering and how it can impact society, stimulate business development and drive sectoral progress,” Kamdem said.

The Agritech Innovation Challenge is technically coordinated by the Digital Acceleration and Transformation Project (PATNUC) under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MINPOSTEL) and is financially supported by the World Bank.

This edition aims to identify, promote and support innovative digital solutions that sustainably transform Cameroon’s agropastoral sector. The 12 best digital solutions across areas such as fisheries, livestock, fintech, agriculture and climate change will be rewarded.

Winners will receive technical coaching and financial support of up to FCFA 40 million for the leading digital solutions in agriculture and livestock. Through regional heats, a bootcamp and a national grand finale held alongside B2B trade fairs, the Agritech Innovation Challenge positions itself as a strategic platform for visibility, partnerships and impact for agritech startups, young entrepreneurs and women-led initiatives.

Stakeholders Harness Education To Drive Peace And Security

By Gilfort Fur

Education experts and security stakeholders gathered in Yaounde from March 26 to 27 to explore how academic frameworks can be transformed into practical tools for national stability.

**Officials and participants posed for family picture** (Picture Credit: LOYOC)

The two-day Continuous Professional Development Course (CPD) focused on the intersection of education, peace, and security, aiming to move beyond traditional military responses toward evidence-based prevention.

The initiative was a collaborative effort between the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, Local Youth Corner (LOYOC) Cameroon, Institute for Innovation in Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa, and the UNESCO Regional Multisectoral Office for Central Africa.

The two-day training session brought together policymakers, government officials, security practitioners, intergovernmental organisations, and civil society actors from across Cameroon.

Imteyaz Khodabux, Program Specialist and Head of the Science sector at UNESCO, stressed that the pursuit of peace is the foundation of the organization’s mission across all disciplines. He noted that the goal of the session was to help participants translate academic theories into tangible results.

**Imteyaz Khodabux, Program Specialist and Head of the Science sector at UNESCO speaking to the press** (Picture Credit: LOYOC)

“We’re expecting that the participants have a broader knowledge and refresh their memories with the expertise of the University of Aberdeen,” Khodabux said. “Peace is not just by learning; it’s also how do you act on the ground.”

The human rights dimensions of security were also a primary focus, particularly regarding the disproportionate impact of conflict on women who are largely victims. Louise Rozès Moscovenko, from the U.N. Human Rights Central Africa Regional Office, stated the necessity of including women in every stage of the peace process.

“It was very important for UN Human Rights to be here today to discuss with different stakeholders and really push the women topic in all approaches for peace and security,” Moscovenko said. She added that she hopes to see women at the core of both theoretical discussions and practical actions.

Jude Atefor, National Programs Manager at LOYOC Cameroon, described the timing of the course as critical given the current security climate in the country. He explained that the conversation around peace in Cameroon has evolved significantly, requiring practitioners to update their strategies.

**Stakeholders during the two-day workshop in Yaounde** *(Picture Credit: LOYOC)*

“It was very necessary for us to be able to see how to bring up to date our practitioners that are working in the domain of peace and security on the latest theory,” Atefor said. He noted that the partnership with the University of Aberdeen allows local actors to access in-depth research and apply new initiatives to accelerate the peace process within the Cameroonian context.

According to officials, promoting peace and security is a key component of Cameroon’s development strategy. In regions affected by violent conflicts and insecurity, building the capacity of stakeholders remains critical.

Against this backdrop, the University of Aberdeen is collaborating with national institutions to offer an integrated, education-informed approach to peace and security. This goes beyond traditional military and intelligence frameworks, focusing instead on evidence-based prevention and peacebuilding.

**Louise Rozès Moscovenko, from the U.N. Human Rights Central Africa Regional Office talking to the press** *(Picture Credit: LOYOC)*

The first day featured sessions on Peace and Security in Cameroon, including presentations on national security theory, a workshop on the Common Ground Approach, and a high-level panel on Youth, Peace and Security. A session also addressed the protection of civilians and the Responsibility to Protect in Cameroon’s context.

Day two explored components of national security, the role of the Gendarmerie in Cameroon’s security architecture, and Women in Peace and Security. The day also included sessions on policy design and evaluation, along with a panel on best practices in civilian collaboration and protection.

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