GEN Cameroon: Positioning Itself as a Catalyst for the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Service of Cameroon with the Election of its New Board of Directors

GEN Cameroon, part of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) present in over 200 countries, is positioning itself as a key player in supporting entrepreneurship in Cameroon. Led by Gilles Lewat, the network recently formed its Board of Directors, composed of prominent figures in business and finance. With a mission to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, GEN Cameroon implements programs such as masterclasses, international business missions, and the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), while also building connections between local entrepreneurs and global opportunities. The network is committed to driving economic growth and supporting startups across the country.
Alida
Ebo'o

The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) is one of the largest international networks dedicated to entrepreneurship. Present in over 200 countries, GEN's mission is to build a strong global entrepreneurial ecosystem. By fostering cross-border collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and support organizations, the network drives job creation, innovation, and education, while accelerating economic growth.

GEN Cameroon: A Key Player in Cameroonian Entrepreneurship

In Cameroon, GEN is represented by Youth Business Cameroon, led by Gilles Lewat as Executive Director. He manages the GEN license and coordinates activities within the country. In September 2024, GEN Cameroon reached a significant milestone by organizing the meeting to establish its Board of Directors in Douala. This gathering, chaired by Gilles Lewat, brought together network members, special guests, and media representatives.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the announcement that GEN Cameroon had secured the international GEN license, a critical step in solidifying its presence in Cameroon. The discussions mainly focused on the formation of the Board of Directors and the presentation of the action plan for 2024-2025.

A Diverse and Experienced Board of Directors

The newly formed Board of Directors is composed of influential figures in entrepreneurship and finance:

  • President: Alphonse Nafack, President of JFN Group and Board Member at Afriland First Bank.
  • Deputy President & Spokesperson: VENDLAND TAZOH TEKE, Consultant, Investor, Coach, Mentor, Philanthropist, and Promoter of several fast-growing companies.
  • 1st Vice-President: Elysee BOGNING DEUMANY
  • 2nd Vice-President: Ulrich Thierry TIENTCHEU TAWAMBA
  • 3rd Vice-President: Germain SALLA
  • Executive Secretary & Managing Director: Gilles Lewat Mbiagna
  • Legal Advisor: Maître Charles Tchuente
  • Special Advisor & GEW Coordinator: Fabrice Fernand FANGWA
  • GEN Global Representative: Jonathan ORTMANS

Technical Advisors such as Aladji OUMAROU, Leocadie EGOUE, BONE Maurice, Esther ASSIENE, and Mme DOUKAYA complement the team, steering strategic directions.

A Dynamic Executive Team

The executive team remains mostly unchanged, consisting of experienced entrepreneurs and managers who have been working voluntarily with GEN for several years. The team includes:

  • Fabrice Fernand FANGWA
  • Alida EBO’O
  • Martial ODEN BELLA
  • Yves Thierry NGUEFFACK
  • Suzanne Nadege KWEDI
  • Henri SIMO BOYOM
  • Kevin BISSAYA
  • Annick Andree AKOBE AKOMIAN
  • Francis TSAGUE

Objectives and Vision of GEN Cameroon

GEN Cameroon’s mission is to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and build a prosperous economy where every citizen can realize their dreams. The organization leverages several key strategies to achieve these goals:

  1. Improving the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: GEN Cameroon ensures the proper execution of its programs, while monitoring and evaluating the performance of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. By sharing knowledge from international best practices, the network helps to address gaps and seize opportunities.
  2. Leadership and Coordination: GEN Cameroon plays a coordinating role among ecosystem actors, startups, and policymakers, maximizing the impact of initiatives while minimizing competition.
  3. Internationalization and Connectivity: GEN Cameroon maintains close ties with international platforms and programs, strengthening connections between Cameroonian entrepreneurs and global opportunities.

Key Programs of GEN Cameroon

GEN Cameroon implements several programs aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and energizing the ecosystem:

  • Masterclasses and Certifications: These training sessions aim to enhance entrepreneurs' skills while offering professional certifications to make them more competitive.
  • Senior Entrepreneurs Program (SEAP) and Senior Women Entrepreneurs Program (SWEAP): This program encourages entrepreneurship among seniors, a group often overlooked in entrepreneurial initiatives.
  • Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW): Scheduled for November 18-24, 2024, this global event will highlight entrepreneurial initiatives in Cameroon.
  • Startup Weekend Competitions and Events: Targeting university students, these events foster the creation of new entrepreneurial projects.
  • International Business Missions: Through events like the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), GEN Cameroon enables local entrepreneurs to access global networks.

Conclusion

With a newly appointed, experienced board of directors and a dynamic executive team, GEN Cameroon is positioning itself as a key player in the development of entrepreneurship in Cameroon. Through its innovative programs and international connectivity, GEN Cameroon is committed to creating a supportive environment for startup growth and the empowerment of local entrepreneurs. The network aims to become a catalyst for change, supporting economic opportunity creation while helping Cameroon emerge as a model for entrepreneurial success in Africa.