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Cameroon Opens Bidding For Nine Oil & Gas Blocks In Major Licensing Round

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Cameroon has launched a licensing round offering nine exploration and production blocks in two proven hydrocarbon…

Tech

Paradigm Initiative Condemns, Urges Immediate Restoration Of Social Media Services In Gabon

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Paradigm Initiative (PIN) a prominent digital rights watchdog has condemned and called for the immediate restoration…

Tech

Registration Opens For 2026 Digital Rights & Inclusion Forum In Côte d’Ivoire

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF26) has been scheduled to take place from April 14 to…

General

Cameroon, Belgium & Italy Signed Financial Agreement To Reconfigure Yaounde Drinking Water Supply System

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo The governments of Cameroon, Belgium, and Italy have entered into a financial agreement and market contracts…

Thousands Of Cameroonians Embark On New Entrepreneurial Journeys After MASO Act 5 Initiative

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Thousands of Cameroonians are embarking on new entrepreneurial journeys following the fifth edition of the Mutual Assistance and Solidarity Organization (MASO) initiative. Held on July 5 at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, the event saw attendees win startup capital and essential tools, turning their dreams into reality.

A mutualist celebrates after her name was randomly selected as one of the lucky winners (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The event was chaired by Mfoundi Senior Divisional Officer, Emmanuel Meriel Djitdent and Rev. Emmanuel Noël Bissaï, CEO of RENAPROV S.A., along with other notable personalities.

Following a raffle draw, MASO members received startup capital ranging from FCFA 100,000 to FCFA 2 million. Participants also won tricycles, cars, motorcycles, and even taxis, directly empowering recipients to become entrepreneurs.

A cross-section of mutualists in one of the sitting stands at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Chris Wamaranaji, an aesthetician and one of the first members drawn, expressed immense joy after winning FCFA 100,000. “I don’t know, but thank God for everything,” he said, adding that the capital would help him buy necessary work materials. “I encourage all Cameroonians to join MASO because it is a reality.”

Another fortunate winner shared their initial skepticism: “For me, it was a game to waste time. I didn’t know it was serious. I am happy that I was selected, and this will help me solve my problems and become an entrepreneur. I invite everyone to come to MASO. MASO is serious.”

A mutualist celebrates after her name was randomly selected as one of the lucky winners (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Mangwa Kamje, who won a furnished house, attributed her success to divine intervention, noting it was her first time participating. “When I left my house this morning, I prayed and asked God for His guidance, and now I am happy. MASO is real. Cameroonians, this is a good initiative.”

While some expressed disappointment at not winning, many voiced hope for MASO Act 6 next year. “I encourage everyone to join MASO because the initiative has transformed countless lives,” one attendee remarked. “We are the ones who can empower ourselves.”

Rev. Noël Bissaï expressed gratitude to the mutualists, stating their presence was “proof of shaping their own identity and building their future through our own initiatives.” He emphasized that Africa’s development will be built on “the idea and the action,” aimed at fostering a spirit of solidarity.

“I believe that the sons and daughters of the African continent, particularly of our dear beautiful country of Cameroon, will benefit from the fruits of solidarity and will lead dignified lives,” Bissaï said. “Alone, we can do nothing. United, we will be strong, and we will be able to tell the whole world that we exist.”

Officials during MASO Act 5 initiative even at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Rev. Bissaï stressed the importance of unity: “Let us work together to raise the well-being of all, without distinction of sex, tribe, community, or any other opinion,” he urged. “United, we will be strong… and our country will become powerful and prosperous.”

Mfoundi SDO Meriel Djitdent also offered encouragement: “Today, we celebrate… especially for those touched by the divine hand of God. To those who haven’t won today, remember, your lucky day is on the horizon. Don’t be discouraged,” he remarked.

Mutualist taking necessary dispositions to be part of the Tombola draw (Picture Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

MASO is an initiative of RENAPROV Finance S.A., a microfinance institution established in 1996 to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With 28 branches across Cameroon, RENAPROV Finance S.A. is a significant player in the country’s microfinance sector.

MASO aims to promote the African spirit of solidarity, alleviate poverty and unemployment, and empower individuals to become entrepreneurs. Membership requires a daily contribution of FCFA 100, a weekly contribution of FCFA 500, or a yearly fee of FCFA 26,000.

MASO membership offers numerous benefits, including interest-free financing, housing assistance, and support for life events, providing a safety net and improving members’ lives. It also helps members save money and secure their future, recognizing financial illiteracy as a societal issue.

The program includes various sub-groups such as the Mutual of Road Transport Professionals of Cameroon (MUPTROC) and the Mutual of Assistance and Solidarity of Actors of Very Small Business and Small Commerce (MUASAPEPC), among others.

Global Recycling Day 2025: From Trash To Pavement, A Researcher’s Innovative Battle Against Plastic Pollution

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Global Recycling Day, observed annually on March 18, has evolved into a call for a fundamental shift in how we perceive and handle our waste. As plastic pollution reaches a critical threshold globally, the emphasis is moving beyond basic sorting toward innovative reclamation. Communities everywhere are now seeking tangible, effective strategies to safeguard public health and the environment from the mounting tide of synthetic debris.

Sirri Akongnwi Neba Nforsoh, a researcher at the University of Rhode Island

The omnipresence of plastic bottles, bags, and packaging across both urban centers and natural landscapes highlights a persistent ecological threat. Because these materials resist natural decomposition, they remain in the environment for centuries, eventually fracturing into microplastics that infiltrate our soil and water systems.

This contamination not only disrupts wildlife but also enters the human food supply, while larger debris contributes to infrastructure failures like blocked drainage and increased flood risks.

Conventional waste management strategies, including landfilling and incineration, have proven to be insufficient or even counterproductive. While these methods hide trash from the public eye, they often lead to long-term soil contamination and the release of hazardous atmospheric emissions.

In many regions where formal collection systems are underfunded, the accumulation of plastic leaves residents with few safe disposal options, underscoring the urgent need for a transition toward a circular economy.

Amidst these challenges, researchers like Sirri Akongnwi Neba Nforsoh, a Researcher  at the University of Rhode Island is pioneering methods to repurpose discarded polymers into high-value building supplies.

This approach treats pollution as a raw resource rather than a burden by blending recycled plastics with processed aggregates to create durable construction pavers. These blocks serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional stone or concrete surfacing for various infrastructure needs.

The environmental benefits of this innovation are twofold, as the production process bypasses the use of cement, which is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. These versatile pavers are ideal for creating walkways, school pathways, and market stalls, providing a sturdy foundation for community development.

By utilizing waste as the primary ingredient, the resulting materials are often more affordable than their traditional counterparts, making them particularly valuable for low-cost housing and public works.

As Nforsoh points out, the conversion of waste into functional products allows communities to mitigate pollution while simultaneously fostering local economic growth and lowering the barriers to construction.

“By converting waste into useful products, communities can reduce environmental pollution, lower construction costs, and create local economic opportunities,” Nforsoh explains.

This methodology proves that the items we once threw away can be reinvented as the very foundations of our neighborhoods. Global Recycling Day serves as a powerful testament to the fact that through engineering and creativity, environmental liabilities can be transformed into essential infrastructure.

Adopting these advanced recycling technologies represents more than just a cleanup effort; it is a commitment to building resilient and cost-effective societies. By reimagining the lifecycle of plastic, we demonstrate that a sustainable and functional future is not just a theoretical goal but a practical reality within our grasp.

2024/2025 Cameroon Elite One championship: Stade Renard To Hosts Aigle Of Moungo In Season-Opening Clash

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Stade Renard of Melong and Aigle of Moungo will face off in the opening match of Cameroon’s 2024/2025 football season. The information was disclosed by Abdou Raza, Director of Local and International Competitions at the Cameroon Football Federation.

Coton Sport of Garoua vs Renaissance of Ngoumo during the 11th day of play of the 2022/2023 football season in Cameroon (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The season-opening match is scheduled for December 7th at the Melong Municipal Stadium. The Elite Two championship will commence on December 14th.

Abdou Raza outlined the calendar for the 2024/2025 season, revealing that 16 clubs will participate in the Elite One championship, playing a total of 30 matches. In the Elite Two, 17 clubs will be divided into two pools.

After completing 15 matches in the first leg and 15 in the second leg of the Elite One Championship, the top team in the league will be crowned champion, while the bottom four teams will be relegated to the Elite Two.

In Elite Two, the 17 clubs will be divided into Pools A and B. The pool leaders will compete in the playoffs for the championship title and promotion to the Elite One, while the bottom-ranked teams will face relegation to the regional league in the relegation playoffs.

According to the calendar, the Elite One season will conclude on May 28, 2025, and the Elite Two season will end on February 28, 2025. The Female football championship will begin on November 30, 2024, and will conclude on June 25, 2026.

It’s worth noting that the league system of play is returning to the Elite One championship after a three-year hiatus, during which a group format was used.

Elite One calendar

Nso Boys Kick Off Bui Unity Super Cup With A Win Over Kilum Bees

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Nso Boys got their Bui Unity Super Cup campaign off to a flying start with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kilum Bees in the opening match of the tournament.

Nso Boys FC (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Staged at the Mateco Stadium, University of Yaounde I campus on November 24th, both teams displayed impressive footballing skills throughout the first half, but the score line remained unchanged. Despite several close attempts from both sides, the deadlock persisted.

The second half witnessed a significant shift in momentum with more aggressive approach from but it Nso Boys that broke the ice with a well-taken goal. Buoyed by their lead, Nso Boys doubled their advantage, leaving Kilum Bees struggling to find a way back into the game.

Kilum Bees and Nso Boys battling for supremacy (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Despite their valiant efforts, Kilum Bees were unable to breach the resolute Nso Boys defense. The final whistle confirmed Nso Boys’ 2-0 victory, setting the stage for the remainder of the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Kilum Bees President Albert Ndikwa expressed his satisfaction with the level of organization of the tournament, stating, “It is true that my team was defeated, but in the game of football, anything can happen. We are happy losers today, and it’s a good opener for us. Our next opponent should be on a hot seat because we are determined to reach the finals.”

Kilum Bees FC (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Hyginus Sahka, President of Bui Strikers and coordinator of the competition, echoed Ndikwa’s sentiments, saying, “I am very happy because the opening day was a success. We are evolving and bringing the three communities together is a great achievement. I am happy that we have responded to the call.”

He added, “While the fan turnout wasn’t as expected, we are hoping to see more support in the upcoming matches. I urge everyone to come out and support this initiative, as we strive to foster peace, love, and solidarity among the sons and daughters of Bui Division.”

Kick off of the Bui Unity Super Cup Football Competition (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The Bui Unity Super Cup aims to promote peace, love, and solidarity among the three communities of Bui Division through football. The tournament brings together football champions from each community to compete for the coveted title.

UNFPA, EU Unite To Promote Youth Peace & Security in Cameroon

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has joined the European Union (EU) to support the organization of the National Colloquium on Youth Peace and Security, YPS in Cameroon.

Officials and participants pose for a family picture

This was a key outcome of a three-day colloquium held at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC) in Yaoundé from November 20 to 23. The colloquium was themed, “Driving towards the finalization and implementation of the national action plan on youth, peace, and security in Cameroon.”

The first two days of the colloquium saw an in-depth review of the inception report by a committee of 50 experts from government, UN, international organizations, civil society and young people.

During the closing ceremony, over 300 participants including young peacebuilders, government officials, members of parliament, religious and traditional authorities, students, development partners, and members of the national commission and technical committee on Youth, Peace, and Security met to reflect on the inception report while sharing their insights and data to help improve the YPS NAP

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Robert Theophile, the Secretary General of MINJEC, applauded the initiative, stating that it is a significant step in the right direction.

He expressed confidence that the proposals put forward by the team of experts would result in a relevant document that would address the pressing challenges faced by today’s youth, particularly in the areas of peace and security at both the national and international levels.

“We believe that the proposals from the expert team will result in a relevant document that addresses the challenges facing our youth, particularly in the areas of peace and security, both nationally and internationally.”

“We, the youth of Cameroon, were fully mobilized across the nation,” said Fadimatou Iyawa, President of the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNJC). “This three-day intensive colloquium allowed us to contribute our unique perspectives to the cause of peace and security.”

Dr. Neba Ridley Ngwa, Secretary General at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), stated that the initiative aligns with IRIC’s objectives, interests, and vision.

Officials and participants pose for a family picture

“We welcome this initiative and champion it. We aim to ensure that the framework, which will be outlined in a document, serves as a guideline for young people, particularly in the field of business,” he said.

Professor Jean-Emmanuel Pondi who is the lead consultant in the elaboration of the plan emphasized the importance of this plan in empowering young people, who are often both actors and victims of conflict and insecurity.

He added that this initiative would demonstrate to Cameroonians and the international community the aspirations of Cameroon’s youth and their commitment to achieving peace and security within the country and nationally with the support and contributions of various stakeholders.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC), Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC), and the Cameroon National Youth Council hosted the colloquium in collaboration with Search for Common Ground Cameroon as part of the Young Cameroon project, funded by the European Union.

YPS is been implemented by Local Youth Corner Cameroon and Search for Common Ground Cameroon under the leadership of MINJEC & CNJC. This collaboration led to the development of an inception report which serves as the first draft of the National Action Plan (NAP) on YPS in Cameroon.

As noted by a youth participant, the Young Cameroon project funded by the EU has indeed contributed in accelerating the development and implementation of the Cameroon National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security, which has been in development since 2016.

The Country Director of SFCG, Mrs Tatiana Lobe joined her voice with the Executive Director of LOYOC, Mr Achaleke Christian Leke to reaffirm their commitment towards supporting national efforts in advancing the YPS agenda in Cameroon.

The colloquium provided an inclusive platform for fostering dialogue, strengthening political commitment, collaboration, and feedback, as well as reinforcing multi-sectoral engagement.

NCC Sanctions Media Outlets, Journalists for Ethical Breaches

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Cameroon National Communication Council (NCC) has issued sanctions against several media outlets and journalists for ethical breaches.

Joseph Chebongkeng Kalabubsu, President of NCC speaking after the session (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The decisions were announced on November 20, 2024, following the 44th ordinary session of the NCC, chaired by Joseph Chebongkeng Kalabubsu, President of NCC. The session was held in accordance with Decree No. 2012/038 of January 23, 2012, which reorganizes the NCC.

While some cases resulted in warnings, others were suspended, adjourned, or dismissed. The case involving Fuh Calistus, Acting Minister of Mines, Industries, and Technological Development (MINMIDT), and the publisher and journalist of the newspaper “Repères” was one among the cases examined.

The Council found the media organ responsible for publishing unfounded and insinuating accusations against the Minister. As a result, the publisher received a warning, and Christelle Belibi, journalist was suspended from practicing journalism for one month.

Another case involved Gaston Komba and the print media outlets L’Expression and Perspectives D’Afrique. The complainant filled a petition to the council in the wake of the publishing of allegedly unfounded statements made by the above organs. He was accused of tarnishing the image of the President of the Republic as part of his actions as President of the Nkam-CPDM section in the Northwest Region.

Upon examining the case, the NCC suspended the publishers of L’Expression and Perspectives D’Afrique for one month each, due to their refusal to comply with the NCC’s summons, despite being served by a bailiff.

The case involving Cyprus Ngo’o, General Manager of the Autonomous Port of Douala (PAD), along with the publisher of Premiere Heure and journalist Alain Moukouta, was adjourned. The NCC acknowledged the offenders’ written request for an adjournment and will examined the case during the next session.

The complaint was filed following publications on August 28, 2024, and November 5, 2024, that made allegedly unfounded and damaging accusations regarding financial malpractice and scandals in Ngo’o’s management of PAD.

Another brough before the council was the case of Father Nkouly Nkouly Gregoire Benoit, Parish Priest of St. Kisito’s parish in Mvog Mbi, against the General Manager of Satellite FM radio and journalist Manga Cedric was dismissed.

The NCC found that the offending statements were not broadcast on Satellite FM or its digital platforms but were instead posted exclusively on Cedric Manga’s personal Facebook page. As a result, the NCC determined it lacked jurisdiction over the matter and dismissed the case.

Bui Unity Super Cup 1st Edition: Nso Boys Face Jikejem Hurricanes In Opening Match

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Bui Unity Super Cup is set to ignite with a thrilling opening match between two formidable teams: Nso Boys FC and the Jikejem Hurricanes FC.

Jikejem Hurricanes FC, 2024 champions of Oku Unity Football Tournament (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

This highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for Sunday, November 24th, at 2:00 PM, at the Mateco Stadium on the University of Yaounde 1 Campus.

A Clash of Champions

Both teams arrive at this showdown with recent championship victories. Nso Boys FC, fresh from their triumph in the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC) 2024, will be looking to carry their winning momentum into this prestigious tournament. Their victory over Promise Enterprise FC in the BSFC final was a testament to their skill and determination.

The Jikejem Hurricanes FC, on the other hand, have also tasted recent success. They emerged victorious in the 2024 Oku Unity Tournament, defeating Down Town Fekeng FC in a nail-biting penalty shootout. This victory has boosted their confidence and fueled their ambition to kick start the Bui Unity Super Cup with high hopes.

Nso Boys FC, 2024 Champions of the Bui Sports Fans Competition (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

A Historic Rivalry

While this is the first time these two teams will face each other in a competitive match, the history of Bui football is rich with intense rivalries.

The clash between Nso Boys and Jikejem Hurricanes FC echoes the spirit of past finals, such as the 2014 encounter between Kilum Bee and Royal Olympic of Kikaikom, and the 2010 final between Kilum Bees and Sun City FC.

A Spectacle for the Ages

With both teams possessing a wealth of talent and a burning desire to win, the Bui Unity Super Cup opener promises to be a spectacle for the ages. Football fans from across the Bui Division and beyond are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans.

As the two teams step onto the pitch, the stage is set for a thrilling battle. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.

2024 National Technology Days: Minister Calistus Hails Creative Innovators, Pledges Gov’t Support

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The interim Minister of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development (MINMIDT), Prof. Calistus Fuh Gentry, has praised the creative innovations of inventors.

Minister Fuh Gentry cutting the inaugural ribbon (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Prof. Fuh Gentry made this statement on November 19 in Yaoundé while officially launching the 2024 edition of the National Technological Days. The 9th edition of the National Technological Days is being held under the theme, “Local Technological Innovations: A Lever for Import-Substitution.”

Speaking shortly after inaugurating the technology village, Minister Fuh Gentry not only hailed the innovators but also pledged that the government will support and exploit the talents of these young individuals.

“I am very convinced with what I see today, that Cameroon is blessed with talent and human resources,” the Minister said.

He added, “we are going to exploit these talents, and we are going to put these talents at the disposal of businessmen, industrialists, and international organizations such as the OAPI, to improve the efficiency of everything we see here, so that it becomes an industrial project.”

Minister Fuh Gentry visiting stands of innovators (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Indicating that this is how China and India have developed their industries, Minister Fuh Gentry stated that it is time for Africa, and in particular for Cameroon, to take its place.

Several innovators told The Post that their inventions were motivated by shortcomings in society. They believe that if well-applied, these inventions could reduce imports and encourage domestic consumption.

Thaddeus Anga Mukong, an inventor of a solar inverter, said his invention would help transform solar energy from lower levels to higher alternating current levels, enabling the operation of larger equipment.

Etienne Kanjo Shey’s invention, which converts waste plastics into fuel, was developed to address environmental degradation caused by plastic pollution in cities and oceans.

A total of 50 inventors from all 10 regions of the country are competing to showcase their creative prowess. Alongside them, 15 innovative companies and research centers, including IRAD, MIPROMALO, CNDT, IAI, IUT Douala, and IUG, are participating in the event.

Minister Fuh Gentry visiting stands of innovators (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Key government departments and partner organizations, such as CAMTEL, API, PAK, CCIMA, and OAPI, have joined forces to support this initiative, underscoring the importance of public-private collaboration in promoting local expertise.

The National Technological Days allow local inventions to be exhibited with the aim of qualifying them for exploitation and industrial development, the driving force behind wealth creation and job generation.

The last edition of the National Technology Days, held in 2022, focused on promoting local know-how in identified areas to enhance existing skills and potential, encouraging investments from both the public and private sectors.

Bui Unity Super Cup Football Competition Set To Kick Off

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The inaugural Bui Unity Super Cup Football Competition, has been scheduled to kick off on Sunday, November 24. This triangular football competition aims to foster unity among the three tribes that make up the Bui Division: Nso, Noni, and Oku, in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

The tournament will take place at the Mateco Stadium, University of Yaoundé I Campus. The opening match features the champions of the Bui Sports Fans Competition, Nso Boys FC, who will face off against the winners of the Oku Unity Football Tournament, Jikejem Hurricanes FC.

According to the organizers, the tournament will run from November 24 to December 22, culminating in a grand final at the Military Stadium. Organizers say one of the primary objectives of the Bui Unity Super Cup Football Competition is to utilize sports, particularly football, as a means of strengthening the bonds of unity within the Bui Division.

The Nso, Oku, and Noni communities have unanimously agreed to participate in this tournament to send a powerful statement advocating for love, peace, and solidarity among the people of Bui.

This marks the first time such a competition has been organized, and both observers and fans view the Bui Unity Super Cup Football Competition as a significant step toward promoting the values of peace, unity, and love among residents of the division, both locally and in the diaspora.

For the past nine years, the socio-political crisis in the region has had a profound impact on the Bui Division, leading to numerous challenges and hardships. While conditions are gradually improving, the ongoing need for sustained peace and community cohesion remains critical.

As the tournament approaches, anticipation is building among local fans and players alike. The Bui Unity Super Cup Competition promises not only to showcase local talent but also to serve as a beacon of hope and reconciliation for the community.

Through this event, the organizers aim to remind everyone of the importance of coming together in solidarity, celebrating shared values, and working toward a peaceful future for all.

At 2024 Africa Industrialization Day: Minister Calistus Drums Promotion Of Local Tech Solutions As Key Foundation To Inclusive Economy

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Interim Minister of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development (MINMIDT), Prof. Calistus Fuh Gentry, says promoting local technological solutions will help lay the foundations for a stronger, more diversified, and more inclusive economy for future generations.

Minister Calistus Fuh Gentry speaking to the press (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Prof. Calistus made the statement on November 20 in Yaoundé during celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the Africa Industrialization Day. The 2024 edition is celebrated under the theme, “Taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) and green industrialization to accelerate Africa’s structural transformation.”

Celebrations marking the 35th anniversary come at the moment when the 9th edition of the National Technology Days (JTN) is taking place under the theme, “Local technological innovations, a lever for import-substitution.”

“By promoting our own technological solutions, we are not only meeting the needs of today; we are laying the foundations for a stronger, more diversified, and more inclusive economy for future generations,” Minister Calistus said.

Stressing that technologies are evolving at a frantic pace, constantly redefining the economic boundaries between nations and the opportunities available to them, he added that for Cameroon, the challenge is daunting.

“It is about building a future where local innovations and endogenous technology will meet the needs of our society, reduce our dependence on imports, and stimulate the creation of quality jobs. Import substitution, far from being a simple economic concept, then becomes a promise of self-sufficiency, prosperity, and resilience for our nation,” he said.

In order to take full advantage of the natural factorial endowments that abound in Cameroon to definitively position itself on the paths of structural transformation, Minister Calistus noted that it is essential, in the spirit of the times, for a faster development of local technological innovations, which will undoubtedly serve for a better implementation of the import-substitution policy, that Cameroonian youth are more interested in artificial intelligence techniques.

Talking about the National Technology Days, which he says comes at the moment of the celebration of the African Industralisation Day, he said the technologies presented by the youths, born from Cameroonian ingenuity, demonstrate the potential to become a key player in the African and global technological economy.

To meet the challenges that come with industrialization, he said, Cameroon has adopted a number of reforms resulting in innovations at institutional, legislative, and regulatory levels, as well as in infrastructure.

“At the institutional level, the country has adopted a new roadmap, the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30), which focuses on the structural transformation of the productive fabric and industrialization through import substitution,” he said.

Besides Legislation and Regulations, the Minister indicated that the State of Cameroon, in line with the achievements of the first phase of its Vision of Emergence, has undertaken major investments to make the country an attractive destination for private investment in three areas: physical, energy, and cognitive.

“New physical infrastructures have been built, notably the hydroelectric dam on the Sanaga River at Nachtigal, with an installed capacity of 420 MW, as well as new universities and training schools, geographically distributed throughout the country,” he added.

He, however, stated that the past year has been marked by significant achievements, which clearly illustrate the dynamism of Cameroon’s industrial sector, driven by the strong actions mentioned above, but above all by the political will to develop locally, the value chains of all kinds of wealth present in Cameroon’s soil and subsoil.

This includes the inauguration in Kribi of the CADYST Group wheat processing plant and also CIMPOR Cameroun S.A cement production plant in Kribi, the award to CAMALCO S.A. of the industrial exploitation permit for Minim-Martap bauxite, as well as visits over the past month to major industrial projects completed or under development, relating to the establishment of automotive oil manufacturing plants, domestic gas cylinder manufacturing plants, and tire manufacturing plants among others.

He said these projects, which demonstrate the attractiveness of Cameroon’s business environment, are in line with our import-substitution policy, in accordance with the requirements of sustainable development and resilience of the national economy.

“The 35th Africa Industrialization Day reminds us of the imperative to redouble our efforts to ensure the achievement of the targeted objectives. It invites us all together, Governments, private sector actors, development partners, and civil society, to work towards sustainable and inclusive industrialization, a guarantee of a prosperous Africa with integrated economies,” he noted.

Africa Industrialization Day, celebrated every 20 November since 1989, was instituted by the Organization of African Unity and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. Its mission is to raise awareness among governments, the private sector, civil society and international partners of the challenges of industrialisation in Africa, while mobilising greater support for its sustainable economic transformation.