In Cameroon, entrepreneurship education is no longer limited to universities, incubators, or professional training centers. Increasingly, entrepreneurial culture is being introduced directly into secondary schools, where young students are already learning how to identify problems, design solutions, and build viable projects.
A recent initiative led by the Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Cameroon (AJEC) in Yaoundé once again demonstrated the growing dynamism of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the strong potential of entrepreneurship education among younger generations.
Organized under the supervision of the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, the program brought together dozens of secondary school students aged between 12 and 14 years old from several institutions in Yaoundé. Participants presented innovative micro-projects covering sectors such as health, natural products, sanitation, technology, and drone solutions.
The initiative culminated in a competitive selection session held on May 13, 2026, during which the most promising projects were evaluated based on innovation, social impact, feasibility, and presentation quality. Ten projects were selected for incubation and further mentoring.
The diversity and maturity of the projects presented by such young participants clearly illustrate that entrepreneurship can be cultivated from an early age when the right environment, mentorship, and opportunities are provided.
GEN Cameroon’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship Education
Global Entrepreneurship Network Cameroon actively supported the initiative as part of its broader mission to strengthen entrepreneurial culture and promote inclusive entrepreneurship development across Cameroon.
Mr. Fabrice Fernand FANGWA, Managing Director of GEN Cameroon, served as a member of the selection jury alongside other ecosystem stakeholders and education actors. His participation reflected GEN Cameroon’s commitment to supporting initiatives that help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
For GEN Cameroon, entrepreneurship education must begin early if African countries are to successfully build resilient economies driven by innovation, creativity, and local problem-solving capacity.
Cameroon is increasingly positioning itself as one of the African countries where grassroots entrepreneurial initiatives are emerging not only within startups and innovation hubs, but also within schools and local communities. Programs such as this one contribute to building confidence, leadership, creativity, and economic awareness among young people at a formative stage of their development.
A Strong Signal from Cameroon’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The success of this initiative sends an important signal to regional and international stakeholders: Cameroon possesses a vibrant and committed entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of designing and implementing impactful youth entrepreneurship programs.
Beyond the projects themselves, the initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations, schools, entrepreneurship support organizations, public institutions, and ecosystem leaders.
At a time when many countries are searching for sustainable approaches to youth employment and economic inclusion, Cameroon’s experience highlights the value of introducing entrepreneurship at the secondary school level.
Such programs deserve stronger visibility, technical support, and international partnerships to expand their reach and long-term impact.
A Call for International Partnerships
GEN Cameroon believes that entrepreneurship education for young people should become a continental priority.
Initiatives like the AJEC school entrepreneurship program have the potential to transform mindsets, encourage innovation, and prepare future generations to become job creators rather than job seekers. However, scaling these initiatives requires stronger collaboration with international development organizations, private sector partners, foundations, educational institutions, and entrepreneurship networks worldwide.
GEN Cameroon therefore calls on international partners and supporters of entrepreneurship development to join efforts in supporting school-based entrepreneurship initiatives in Cameroon and across Africa.
By investing in young innovators today, we collectively invest in a more resilient, innovative, and prosperous future for the continent.