Cameroonians Lose FCFA Millions to MDB Online Marketing Platform

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Hope turned to horror for countless Cameroonians recently after an online marketing platform, Multi-Digital Brandishing (MDB), which promised easy earnings for watching video ads, abruptly imploded, wiping out earnings of its thousands of subscribers.

What was heralded as a lifeline out of economic hardship has now become a national scandal, leaving a trail of devastation and despair among its subscribers. The online marketing platform already had branches all over the country.

The MDB platform recruited users—referred to as “employees”—to invest at various tiers, with the guarantee of receiving daily profits ranging from FCFA 475 to FCFA 900,000 for every 15-second video ad watched daily.

“It felt like a genuine opportunity,” recounted one investor, who requested anonymity after losing hundreds of thousands of CFA francs. “The platform was running well, and we were making money. Everyone was calling it a savior from hardship.”

However, the anonymous investor stated that the first signs of trouble surfaced when MDB began declaring unscheduled holidays that halted all withdrawals. To the investor, the company initially blamed these stoppages on a claimed effort to integrate with financial institutions to “speed up payments.”

The excuses quickly escalated. After a three-day withdrawal freeze, the company announced a bombshell: The Cameroonian Ministry of Finance had allegedly rejected MDB’s documentation, declaring it not a legal entity.

The final, fatal move according to the subscribers was a desperate cash-grab disguised as re-identification. The company mandated an immediate re-verification of all accounts using national ID cards, a requirement many users could not meet. The platform then demanded a non-negotiable, tiered fee from every user to “activate” their account within a strict 24-hour window.

“They charged us a fee per level to activate the account and confirm identity,” a subscriber narrated. “If we didn’t pay, they threatened to block or freeze the account. This brought so much tension; many people simply didn’t have the money.”

When the deadline passed, the company briefly offered a six-hour extension before permanently locking the accounts.

“It was a final, cold-blooded maneuver,” another user told The Post. “Many people who rushed to pay the reactivation fee immediately found themselves blocked from the system.”

According to subscribers, the consequences of the collapse are staggering, moving beyond simple financial loss into a genuine humanitarian crisis. Subscribers who encouraged friends and family to join, or who took out loans from Njangi to invest, are now facing ruin and threats.

“I am speechless. This is the end of the year, and I had things planned,” said Mary, a devastated subscriber. “I had money to withdraw, and now I can’t touch a franc. The platform is not even loading showing that these were all scammers.”

Reports from the user community paint a grim picture of panic and desperation across the country. “It’s a terrible tragedy,” said a platform member. “One woman is reported to have died from a heart attack because she couldn’t repay the FCFA 1 million she borrowed. People are fleeing their homes to escape those demanding refunds.”

The debacle serves as a stark warning, according to one observer. “My view is simple: Avoid all these quick money schemes,” they stated. “If you must invest, ensure that you don’t attach your heart there, because high blood pressure will be your portion.”

Attempts by The Post to contact officials of the MDB Marketing platform for comment were unsuccessful. Reports indicate that the website has been blocked, and none of their official contact methods are operational.

CAF Launches TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 Diaspora Trophy Tour In Europe

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially launched the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Diaspora Tour this week, aiming to connect African football’s spirit with its global community.

The tour, which will feature the coveted TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy, is making two important stops in Europe. The first stop is in London at Below the Lights, Piccadilly Circus, on November 28. The second stop will be in Paris at YOYO in the Palais de Tokyo, on December 4.

CAF describes the initiative as “more than a tour,” but rather a powerful showcase of the continent’s footballing spirit and a celebration of shared African identity. These events are designed to forge a strong connection between the continent and its diaspora, honoring the iconic African players who have achieved legendary status in European leagues.

According to CAF, by bringing the AFCON trophy—a powerful symbol of continental pride—to the diaspora, the tour seeks to reaffirm that African football’s ultimate prize belongs to all Africans, regardless of where they reside. The trophy’s journey to London and Paris is highly symbolic, bridging locations “from Casablanca to Paris, Lagos to London, and everywhere in between,” according to CAF.

The launch of the tour marks the official beginning of the road to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, successfully uniting heritage and legacy across the globe.

CAF Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament Set For Harare

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The second edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from Dec. 8 to 18, 2025.

**CAF Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament Trophy** (Photo Credit: CAF)

The tournament will feature eight top clubs and academies from the Southern African region. This year’s tournament will again include eight teams divided into two groups of four.

“The CAF GIFT U17 tournament was created to fill an important gap in women’s football,” said Meskerem Tadesse Goshime, CAF’s head of women’s football. “It aims to offer girls under the age of 17, who often play in senior leagues, an opportunity to compete at a higher level.”

Goshime noted that the tournament not only provides international experience for young players but also stimulates investment in women’s football at the club and national association levels.

“The ultimate goal is to see more African countries participating in similar competitions as part of regional development.

This tournament marks the beginning of expanding girls’ competitions throughout Africa, creating a platform for under-17 girls to compete at an appropriate level.”

The draw for the pool phase is scheduled for COSAFA House in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. CAT (8 a.m. GMT).

CAF says, teams from six COSAFA nations will participate. Hosts Zimbabwe will send Mpopoma Sports Academy (MPOSA), which competes in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League.

South Africa will be represented by two teams: Mamelodi Sundowns and Refilwe FC from Gauteng. Namibia will also field two teams, Otjiwarongo Sports Academy and Okakarara Golden Ladies FC.

Zambia will be represented by Aguilla Girls FC, while Malawi will send Luwinga Academy. Lesotho’s Lishoeshoe will round out the field.

CAF developed the GIFT tournament to give club teams within this age group the opportunity to compete regionally, complementing existing national team events.

Promoting women’s football is a key aspect of CAF’s development agenda, and this tournament allows young players to showcase their skills and gain crucial experience.

The inaugural GIFT tournament took place in January 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where local team JKT Queens claimed victory, defeating TDS Girls 2-1 in the final.

CAF U17 Gift Harare 2025 Competing Teams

Lesotho: Lishoeshoe

Malawi: Luwinga Academy

Namibia: Otjiwarongo Sports Academy

Namibia: Okakarara Golden Ladies

South Africa: Mamelodi Sundowns

South Africa: Refilwe FC

Zambia: Aguilla Girls FC

Zimbabwe: Mpopoma Sports Academy

Anticipatory Action Program: CRC, Stakeholders Collaborate To Identify Challenges & Develop A Strategic Roadmap

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Cameroon Red Cross (CRC), together with key stakeholders, have organized a workshop to draw lessons, identify challenges, and develop a roadmap for the Anticipatory Action Program.

**Participants Pose for a family picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

This is the substance of a two-day workshop that took place from November 25 to 26 in Yaoundé. The Anticipatory Action Program is an initiative of the Cameroon Red Cross supported by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Italian Red Cross, the Climate Centre, and the Italian Government, aimed at enhancing civil protection strategies in response to climate change.

During during the workshop, CRC President Cecile Akame Mfoumou welcomed participants, stressing that their presence embodies a strong commitment to civil protection issues.

She highlighted the undeniable impacts of climate change and noted that the most significant lesson learned is that the Anticipatory Action Program provides a proactive framework to address incidents before they occur.

**Cecile Akame Mfoumou, President of CRC opening the workshop** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

“We must work continuously and tirelessly to protect lives, livelihoods, and preserve the dignity of families,” Cecile Akame stated. “By preparing today, we can quickly find solutions for tomorrow, transforming threats through foresight and enhancing community resilience.”

Cecile Akame acknowledged that the Anticipatory Action Program has notably changed their approach to emergency response. “Today, we have implemented a system that readily provides data, tools, and skills. This is a major shift that merits recognition. Our efforts have not been in vain.”

She also stressed that the workshop aims to evaluate successes, challenges, and innovations from the program’s first phase, gathering insights from national and international partners to create a sustainable national roadmap for institutionalizing Anticipatory Action in Cameroon.

**Adesh Tripathee, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies speaking during the workshop** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

While tanking partners, she stated, “The anticipatory approach is not just a concept; it is a collective responsibility.”

Adesh Tripathee, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé and Príncipe, praised the workshop, reiterating that Anticipatory Action involves taking proactive measures before disasters strike.

“It’s a life-saving action. The information gathered from weather forecasts, the scientific community, and local insights is essential for effective interpretation and proactive actions,” Tripathee stated.

Cornaglia Adele, representative of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, underscored Italy’s commitment to addressing the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations.

**Stakeholders during the Workshop** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

“Our agency has been active in Cameroon since 2016, implementing humanitarian assistance programs focused on strengthening resilience through multisectoral interventions, particularly in the Far North region,” she explained.

Barbine Enama Mbeng, a representative of the Ministry of Territorial Administration’s Directorate of Civil Protection, described the workshop as valuable, noting the critical role of anticipatory action in disaster management.

“The task is arduous, and the challenges are colossal, but they should motivate us to seize every opportunity to strengthen the resilience of our communities,” she concluded.

Promoting Paul Biya’s Vision: CAMTEL Welcomes 127 Young Technicians In Integration Program

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) has welcomed 127 young technicians to boost its network and ensure quality service delivery.

**127 Young Technicians posed for a family picture CMATEL General Manager** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

The new technicians were welcomed into the state-owned company Tuesday, Nov. 25, during a ceremony presided over by General Manager, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi. The event took place at the National Emergency Telecommunications Network Center in Ekounou, Yaounde.

Baptized “𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝐸𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒”, the 127 are the first cohort of CAMTEL’s Professional Integration Program (PIP), which aims to provide young graduates from various national higher learning institutions with their initial professional experience within the company’s operational sections.

**Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi, General Manager of CAMTEL** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

After completing a two-week immersion period, the technicians are now ready to join CAMTEL’s field operational teams for a six-month period, which is renewable once.

Before embracing this opportunity, Judith Yah Sunday urged the graduates to distinguish themselves through determination, engagement, integrity, and know-how.

**Cross section of young technicians during the ceremony** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

“I am very delighted to launch the Professional Integration Program which offers an opportunity for young graduates to demonstrate their know-how and acquire experience,” Judith Yah Sunday said. “The Professional Integration Program is an initiative led by CAMTEL, designed to provide recent graduates with their first professional experience in various areas of operations in our company.”

GM Judith Yah Sunday stressed that the PIP aligns with the vision of Head of State President Paul Biya to create more opportunities for women and youths, as outlined in his swearing-in speech on Nov. 6, 2025.

**127 Young Technicians posed for a family picture with CMATEL Officials** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

During their two-week immersion, the young technicians went through theoretical modules covering company values, missions, and vision, as well as practical realities like network exploitation, maintenance techniques, and Fiber Connect. They were also embedded with technical teams in the field.

These opportunities have given the graduates a foretaste of the professional world. A representative of the batch expressed gratitude to the General Manager: “We thank you for the opportunity and we take the commitment to be disciplined, professional and to shun all malpractices in the exercise of our duties.”

About the YIP

Launched months ago, over 270 and candidates from higher institutions of learning across the country showed interest with their files scrutinized before the interview process.

On November 7, one day after President Biya’s swearing in, CAMTEL swung into action by retaining 127 candidates who will now have the opportunity to acquire experience for six months renewable once.

Shannon Berinyuy Turns Passion Into Reality With Sparkle Complex Salon

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Shannon Berinyuy, the CEO of Sparkle Complex, a beauty salon in Yaounde, says a lifelong and deep-seated passion for the art of beauty is the true catalyst that pushed her to establish her business.

**Shannon Berinyuy, CEO of Sparkle Complex Salon**

Speaking, she recounted how her childhood interest, which first took root during her primary and secondary school days, was powerfully reignited after university. This , she said, led her to make the conscious decision to merge her formal education with specialized, practical training to realize her entrepreneurial vision.

“Actually, I had a passion for it back in primary and secondary school,” she explained. “I really had a passion for something concerning beauty. So, when I completed university, I had to enroll in two years of intensive training. It’s just simple—I had passion for it, and I followed it up with the necessary steps.”

After nearly four years in business, Berinyuy noted that while the overall trajectory has been smooth, the salon faces typical challenges, including financial difficulties and seasonal customer slowdowns.

Despite these hurdles, the focus remains firmly on the customer experience. “One thing that makes me happy is the fact that you have to deal with every customer as they come,” Berinyuy stated. “They come in different modes, with different expectations, but the good thing is that they leave happily, and that is the absolute joy and ultimate goal of Sparkle Complex.”

**Shannon Berinyuy passionately attending to customer** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Beyond offering stellar beauty services, Sparkle Complex has embraced a profound social mission: actively hiring and supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the volatile Northwest Region. Berinyuy noted that the salon pays particular attention to these children, recognizing that many are dealing with the invisible wounds of emotional trauma and displacement.

In the past four years, the salon has successfully leveraged its training program to create opportunity, graduating more than seven batches of students, many of whom are IDPs. Berinyuy stressed the need for creating a safe, therapeutic environment.

“We understand that these children have gone through a lot and we need to make them feel at home,” she said passionately. “We have such individuals here, and we guide them, mentor them, and make them feel a true sense of belonging and worth.”

Sparkle Complex offers a comprehensive suite of services, including intricate hair braiding, precision shaving, advanced aesthetics, and general cosmetics.

Looking ahead, Berinyuy’s ambition is clear: to continue expanding the business’s physical footprint and service catalogue. She also plans to further her personal studies in aesthetics to bring the latest global techniques to Yaounde.

To maintain its edge in the constantly evolving cosmetic field, the salon regularly conducts in-depth research and invests time in professional development to stay alert to new international and local beauty trends.

Berinyuy encouraged young people to take their education seriously but also acquire a trade. “While you’re educated, it’s good to also have a handwork, a trade, because it not only opens up more employment avenues but provides a bedrock of financial independence. It helps immensely,” she advised.

Cameroon’s James A. Akaba Wins International ACAC ‘Going The Extra Mile’ Award

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

James A. Akaba, Cameroon Country Director of Open Dreams, has been honored with the International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC) ‘Going the Extra Mile (GEM)’ Award. The prestigious recognition was recently conferred on Mr. Akaba for his outstanding contributions to international education.

In a statement announcing the award, International ACAC praised Mr. Akaba as an exemplary leader in the field of International Education. The organization highlighted his unwavering commitment to equity, access, and student success that has transformed the lives of countless young scholars, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.

The statement further noted, “His innovative approach and dedication to the HALI network make him a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.” International ACAC emphasized that Mr. Akaba’s impact goes beyond individual students, as he fosters systemic change in access to higher education for marginalized groups in Cameroon and beyond.

The Cameroonian community has reportedly praised the GEM Award given to Mr. Akaba, describing it as a recognition that is truly deserved for the “tremendous work” he is doing. The International ACAC GEM Award program is designed to recognize the exemplary work of its members who demonstrate a dedication to the profession, colleagues, and students.

Recipients are everyday members who show they are “going the extra mile” by demonstrating best practices, acts of good will, creativity, and ethics. The award recipients are expected to demonstrate their commitment to the profession by supporting the objectives and strategic goals of International ACAC.

This commitment can manifest through consistent participation in a committee that strengthens the organization or a willingness to go above and beyond the duties of their role to assist others.

Mr. Akaba joins other notable recipients of the award, including Rebecca Zeigler Mano, Director of Education Matters; Mabrookah Heneidi, Independent Education Consultant and Founder/Executive Director of the Gazan Student Support Network, Crossroads Advising; Azamat Tulepbergenov from the “Bilim-Innovation” International Community Fund; and Laura Kaub of the Duolingo English Test, Kenya.

Melim United Earns Spot In 2025 BSFC Final With Narrow Victory Over Chitah FC

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Melim United have secured their place in the final of the 13^th edition of the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chitah FC. The fiercely contested semifinal match took place at the Lycee General Leclerc Stadium in Yaoundé.

**Chitah FC and Melim United facing each in a highly contested semi final clash** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The two teams were already familiar foes, having clashed twice earlier in the tournament, with both matches ending in draws. That history added extra spice to an encounter that both sides knew could define their finals spot in the finals. From the first whistle, the intensity was high.

Chitah FC, backed by their supporters, started brightly and dominated the opening exchanges. They pressed high, won numerous balls, and forced Melim United deep into their own half. Despite the early pressure, Chitah’s final ball repeatedly let them down, and Melim’s goalkeeper made routine but confident saves to keep the score level.

**Melim United** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Melim United on their part weathered the storm and gradually found their rhythm. Their breakthrough arrived in the dying moments of the first half. A swift counter-attack caught Chitah out of position as Melim slotted the ball into the lower-left corner, breaking the deadlock.

In the second half, Melim United focused on defending their slim lead, while Chitah FC immediately ramped up the pressure. Chitah threw caution to the wind, introducing attacking substitutes and pushing their full-backs high up the pitch. Wave after wave of attacks crashed against a resolute Melim defense, which was brilliantly marshaled to thwart them.

**Chitah FC** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

As the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark and six minutes of added time were signaled, tension reached fever pitch. Chitah desperately needed an equalizer to maintain their hopes of qualifying for what would have been their first-ever BSFC final appearance.

However, their long balls were repelled time and again, and when the final whistle was blew, the scoreboard read 1-0 in favour of Melim United.

Melim United consequently punched their ticket to the final, setting up a clash with the established Dzekwa Rangers. Dzekwa Rangers, who advanced to the final earlier in the week, are also making their first appearance in the final after many years of participation. The final against Dzekwa is expected to be a dramatic encounter, crowning the champion of the 13th edition of the BSFC.

Prior to the semifinal match, Bui Strikers Veteran FC and Nso Veteran FC engaged in a friendly competition to raise funds for the finals of the tournament. The match ended in a 0-0 tie.

Seven Cameroonian Clubs To Compete In CAVB Zone 4 African Club Championship

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Seven Cameroonian clubs, three men’s and four women’s, will compete in the 11th CAVB Zone 4 African Club Championship that runs Nov. 21 through Dec. 1, 2025, at the Japoma Sports Complex in Douala.

**Japoma Stadium that will host the 11th CAVB Zone 4 African Club Championship**

The tournament, hosted by the Cameroon Volleyball Federation (FECAVOLLEY), also features teams from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville and Gabon.

Cameroon’s men’s entries are Port Autonome de Douala, Forces Armées et Police Volleyball and Litto Team. The women’s teams are Litto Team, Forces Armées et Police, Nyong et Kelle Volleyball and Mayo Kani Evolution.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is sending three men’s teams — VC Espoir (reigning national champion, ninth appearance), Garde Républicaine (second appearance) and Service National (tournament debut) — and two women’s teams: AS Vita Club (two-time Zone 4 champion) and VC La Loi (current Congo Cup holder).

Congo Brazzaville will field Interclub in the men’s division and DGSP in the women’s division. Gabon is entering one men’s team, ASSOM Garde Républicaine.

Final participation remains subject to confirmation upon arrival and validation by the respective national federations.

In addition to crowning Zone 4 champions, the event includes a two-day technical seminar led by Zone 4 Technical Director Otto Mbotto and national technical directors to discuss volleyball development programs in Central Africa. The seminar began Friday and concludes Saturday.

Competition begins Sunday with three matches:

Noon: First match

2 p.m.: Second match

5 p.m.: Official opening ceremony

6 p.m.: Third match

Cameroon Renationalises Power Firm ENEO, Vows Crackdown On Fraud & Job Protection

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon’s government on Friday pledged to crack down on electricity fraud and protect the jobs of more than 3,600 Cameroonian employees after the state took back control of power distributor ENEO from British fund Actis.

**Government officials surrounded by journalist during the press conference** (Photo Credit: CRTV Web)

The assurances came at a joint press conference in Yaounde chaired by Communications Minister René Emmanuel Sadi and Water Resources and Energy, Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba.

The press conference came two days after the state signed an agreement to repurchase Actis’s stake for FCFA 78 billion

“The objectives set when Actis took over have not been achieved,” Sadi said, despite heavy state investment to boost production and improve distribution.

He described the renationalisation as opening “a new era” for the sector that would restore investor confidence, stabilise supply and benefit the economy and population.

Minister Eloundou Essomba on his part, stressed that the takeover would not affect the 3,600 local employees. “The government has already taken measures to guarantee their rights and social advantages,” he said.

The state now holds 95 percent of Eneo’s capital, with the remaining five percent owned by staff. Payment of the FCFA 78 billion and the appointment of a new management team must be completed within 60 days.

**Ministers Emmanuel Sadi and Gaston Eloundou during the press conference** (Photo Credit: CRTV Web)

The Ministers said the government would now implement a priority recovery plan backed by the World Bank and African Development Bank.

A key objective is restoring the sector’s financial health, notably by restructuring ENEO’s bank debt and tackling fraud, which currently costs around FCFA 60 billion a year.

To combat fraud, 15,000 smart meters will be installed in medium- and low-voltage substations, Eloundou Essomba announced. The government also plans to expand the customer base and invest in transmission and distribution networks.

Actis acquired its majority stake in ENEO in September 2014 with a mandate to attract private investment, modernise infrastructure, cut outages, professionalise management and increase generation capacity to meet rising demand.

After 11 years, the government has decided to end the concession after concluding that those goals had not been met.

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