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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260716T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260716T160000
DTSTAMP:20260702T102312Z
CREATED:20260403T103538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T102312Z
UID:10000418-1784210400-1784217600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:10th Operational Working Group: “Expanding Private Health Insurance in Cameroon: Insights\, Challenges\, and a Roadmap for Inclusive Coverage”
DESCRIPTION:Date: July 16\, 2026\nTime: 2:00pm – 4:00pm\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\, Cameroon \nBackground \nThe research report “Expanding Private Health Insurance in Cameroon: Insights\, Challenges\, and a Roadmap for Inclusive Coverage” is developed within the framework of a broader project aimed at strengthening health financial protection and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Cameroon. Drawing on primary research\, operational working groups\, policy briefs\, and peer-reviewed publications\, the report synthesizes extensive evidence to propose a strategic and actionable roadmap for expanding private health insurance (PHI) in an inclusive\, equitable\, and sustainable manner. \nThe report examines Cameroon’s healthcare and health insurance landscape\, governance and regulatory frameworks\, equity and inclusion gaps\, consumer trust and perceptions\, digital innovation pathways\, and the integration of PHI within the UHC agenda. It culminates in a structured roadmap built around strategic pillars including regulatory strengthening\, inclusive coverage models\, public–private collaboration\, digital systems\, public awareness\, and sustainability mechanisms. \nAs the project approaches its consolidation phase\, it is essential to validate the proposed structure\, strategic pillars and action points with key stakeholders to ensure relevance\, feasibility\, and ownership. This Operational Working Group (OWG) will provide a platform for expert review\, constructive feedback\, and consensus-building around the report’s final recommendations and implementation roadmap. \nObjectives \n\nTo review and validate the proposed structure\, analytical framework\, and strategic pillars of the research report.\nTo assess the feasibility and relevance of the proposed recommendations in light of Cameroon’s institutional\, regulatory\, and market realities.\nTo refine and strengthen the roadmap for implementation\, identifying priority actions\, responsible stakeholders\, and realistic sequencing of reforms.\n\nExpected Outputs \nThe expected outputs are: \n\nA validated and strengthened outline of the research report\, reflecting stakeholder inputs and technical alignment.\nA refined set of actionable and prioritized recommendations for expanding private health insurance in Cameroon.\nClear guidance on implementation pathways\, including institutional responsibilities\, coordination mechanisms\, and monitoring considerations.\n\nTarget Participants \nThis Operational Working Group will convene senior representatives from the Ministry of Public Health\, Ministry of Finance\, and regulatory authorities\, alongside private health insurance providers\, health economists\, legal and governance experts\, digital health innovators\, civil society organizations\, and development partners. Participation will prioritize individuals with decision-making authority and technical expertise to ensure that the validation process produces practical and implementable outcomes. \nVenue & Date \nThis OWG will take place on July 16\, 2026\, at COFE hotel (Yaoundé) from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. \nAbout the Organizers \n\nAbout the Denis And Lenora Foretia Foundation\n\nThe Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship\, science and technology\, innovation\, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local governments\, policy makers\, private enterprises\, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs\, farmers\, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods. \n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute\n\nThe Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent\, in-depth and insightful policy recommendations that allows all Africans to prosper in free\, fair\, democratic and sustainable economies. The Institute is made up of analysts\, experts and researchers from all over the world\, working on a wide range of topics\, including governance and democracy\, health and education\, peace and security\, science and technology\, and economic policy.
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/10th-operational-working-group-expanding-private-health-insurance-in-cameroon-insights-challenges-and-a-roadmap-for-inclusive-coverage/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:EPHI,Event,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10th-OWG.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260716T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260716T133000
DTSTAMP:20260702T102204Z
CREATED:20260403T093533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T102204Z
UID:10000417-1784201400-1784208600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:9th Operational Working Group: “Lessons from Community-Based Health Insurance for Scaling Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon”
DESCRIPTION:Date: July 16\, 2026\nTime: 11:00am – 1:30pm\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé \nBackground \nCameroon’s health financing system remains heavily reliant on out-of-pocket payments\, exposing households to financial hardship and limiting access to essential health services. Although the government launched Phase I of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program in 2023\, implementation remains selective and leaves significant segments of the population—particularly informal sector workers and rural communities—without adequate financial protection. \nCommunity-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) schemes have long been viewed as grassroots mechanisms to improve healthcare access and financial protection among underserved populations. In Cameroon\, CBHI initiatives have demonstrated strengths in fostering community trust\, promoting risk pooling at the local level\, and improving healthcare utilization among members. However\, challenges such as limited scale\, weak financial sustainability\, fragmented governance\, and insufficient integration into national health financing frameworks have constrained their broader impact. \nThe Nkafu Policy Institute’s paper “Lessons from Community-Based Health Insurance for Scaling Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon” highlights critical insights from CBHI experiences and outlines strategic lessons for strengthening and scaling health coverage nationwide. As Cameroon seeks to expand private health insurance (PHI) and accelerate progress toward UHC\, these lessons offer valuable guidance on inclusivity\, trust-building\, risk pooling\, governance\, and sustainability. \nThis Operational Working Group (OWG) aims to critically examine the paper’s recommendations and engage key stakeholders in developing a practical roadmap for leveraging CBHI experiences to strengthen and scale universal health coverage in Cameroon\, including synergies with private health insurance mechanisms \nObjectives \n\nTo examine and validate the recommendations of the policy brief on Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) and its relevance for scaling Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Cameroon.\nTo identify policy\, regulatory\, and institutional gaps limiting the implementation and sustainability of proposed recommendations.\nDevelop a practical and time-bound roadmap for leveraging CBHI lessons to strengthen UHC implementation and inform the expansion of inclusive private health insurance mechanisms.\n\nExpected Outputs \nThe expected outputs are: \n\nPriority policy insights from the CBHI experience validated by stakeholders and applicable to national UHC and PHI reforms.\nA clear articulation of key reform areas\, including governance\, financing\, risk pooling\, community engagement\, and institutional coordination.\nA structured roadmap outlining short-\, medium-\, and long-term actions\, identifying responsible actors and strategic entry points for implementation of the validated recommendations.\n\nTarget Participants \nThis Operational Working Group will convene representatives from the Ministry of Public Health\, particularly the UHC units\, the Ministry of Finance\, and relevant regulatory authorities\, alongside managers of Community-Based Health Insurance schemes\, private health insurance providers\, health economists\, and health systems researchers. The session will also include civil society organizations\, community leaders\, and development partners involved in health financing and social protection reforms. \nVenue & Date \nThis OWG will take place on July 16\, 2026\, at COFE hotel (Yaoundé) from 11:00am – 1:30pm. \nAbout the Organizers \n\nAbout the Denis And Lenora Foretia Foundation\n\nThe Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship\, science and technology\, innovation\, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local governments\, policy makers\, private enterprises\, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs\, farmers\, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods. \n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute\n\nThe Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent\, in-depth and insightful policy recommendations that allows all Africans to prosper in free\, fair\, democratic and sustainable economies. The Institute is made up of analysts\, experts and researchers from all over the world\, working on a wide range of topics\, including governance and democracy\, health and education\, peace and security\, science and technology\, and economic policy.
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/9th-operational-working-group/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:EPHI,Event,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9th-OWG.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260716T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260716T110000
DTSTAMP:20260702T102235Z
CREATED:20260403T092640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T102235Z
UID:10000416-1784192400-1784199600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:8th Operational Working Group: “The WHO PEN-Plus Framework: Pathways to Equitable Chronic Disease Coverage through Private Health Insurance in Cameroon”
DESCRIPTION:Date: July 16\, 2026\nTime: 09:00am – 11:00am\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé \nBackground \nNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a growing public health and economic challenge in Cameroon\, accounting for an estimated 38% of all deaths and exposing households to significant financial hardship. With out-of-pocket payments representing over 65% of total health expenditure\, many Cameroonian households—particularly those affected by chronic conditions—face catastrophic health expenditures when seeking care. This burden is exacerbated by the long-term and predictable costs associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes\, hypertension\, sickle cell disease\, and cardiovascular conditions. \nWhile private health insurance (PHI) has the potential to complement public health financing efforts and improve financial protection\, coverage for chronic diseases remains largely excluded from PHI schemes in Cameroon. Insurers often perceive pre-existing and long-term conditions as financially risky\, resulting in exclusions\, waiting periods\, or unaffordable premiums. These challenges are further compounded by health system weaknesses\, including underdiagnosis\, limited access to specialized care\, and fragmented service delivery. \nThe World Health Organization’s PEN-Plus strategy offers a promising pathway to address these challenges. By standardizing and decentralizing the management of severe and chronic NCDs to first-level referral facilities\, PEN-Plus improves continuity\, predictability\, and quality of care. Cameroon has made initial progress in adopting PEN-Plus into national policies and operational plans; however\, implementation remains limited\, and the strategy has yet to be fully leveraged as a foundation for financial protection mechanisms\, including private health insurance. \nAgainst this backdrop\, the Health Policy and Research Division of the Nkafu Policy Institute developed the policy brief “The WHO PEN-Plus: A Framework to Promote Equitable Chronic Disease Coverage in Private Health Insurance.” This Operational Working Group (OWG) aims to build on the evidence presented in the brief to practically explore how PEN-Plus can be strategically linked with PHI reforms to enable equitable\, sustainable\, and inclusive coverage of chronic diseases in Cameroon. \nObjectives \n\nTo examine the findings and recommendations of the policy brief and assess their implications for chronic disease coverage under private health insurance in Cameroon.\nTo assess the feasibility of aligning the WHO PEN-Plus framework with private health insurance design\, financing\, and regulatory mechanisms.\nTo develop a structured and time-bound roadmap outlining priority actions\, responsible stakeholders\, and implementation pathways to promote equitable chronic disease coverage under private health insurance.\n\nExpected Outputs \nThe expected outputs are: \n\nRefined and validated priority recommendations to leverage PEN-Plus for private health insurance schemes design.\nA shared understanding of the key policy and operational reforms required to expand chronic disease coverage.\nA clear implementation roadmap detailing short-\, medium-\, and long-term actions\, lead institutions\, and coordination mechanisms.\n\nTarget Participants \nThis OWG will gather government representatives from the Ministry of Public Health (NCD and health financing units); officials from the Ministry of Finance and insurance regulatory bodies; private health insurance providers and actuarial experts; clinicians and program managers involved in NCD care and PEN-Plus implementation; health economists and health systems researchers; civil society organizations and patient advocacy groups representing people living with chronic diseases; development partners and technical agencies supporting NCD and UHC initiatives. \nVenue & Date \nThis OWG will take place on July 16\, 2026\, at COFE hotel (Yaoundé) from 09:00am – 11:00am. \nAbout the Organizers \n\nAbout the Denis And Lenora Foretia Foundation\n\nThe Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship\, science and technology\, innovation\, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local governments\, policy makers\, private enterprises\, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs\, farmers\, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods. \n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute\n\nThe Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent\, in-depth and insightful policy recommendations that allows all Africans to prosper in free\, fair\, democratic and sustainable economies. The Institute is made up of analysts\, experts and researchers from all over the world\, working on a wide range of topics\, including governance and democracy\, health and education\, peace and security\, science and technology\, and economic policy.
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/8th-operational-working-group/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:EPHI,Event,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8th-OWG.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250513T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250515T180000
DTSTAMP:20250407T155029Z
CREATED:20250404T154614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T155029Z
UID:10000389-1747126800-1747332000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:2025 Public Policy Analysis Course - Second Edition
DESCRIPTION:Date : May 13-15\, 2025\nVenue : Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé-Cameroon\nRegister Now \nBackground\nIn response to these needs and in alignment with AU and global priorities\, the Nkafu Policy Institute\, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is launching the second edition of the of its2025 Public Policy Analysis Course (PPAC). The program is a strategic initiative aimed at providing a structured\, practical platform for building capacity among policymakers\, researchers\, and civil society leaders to respond to ECCAS-specific challenges. This three-day annual event will enhance technical and interpersonal competencies in policy analysis\, communication\, and advocacy\, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration among ECCAS stakeholders. \nThe course has been specifically designed to: \n\nBuild participants’ capacity in public policy analysis by equipping them with theoretical frameworks and practical tools.\nSupport evidence-based policymaking tailored to ECCAS-specific challenges by addressing how issues are identified\, prioritized\, and introduced onto the public agenda.\nDevelop participants’ communication and advocacy skills to enhance policy engagement and stakeholder management.\n\nExpected Outcomes \nBy the end of the course\, participants will: \n\nEnhance Technical Proficiency: Develop skills in policy analysis\, evaluation\, and implementation.\nFormulate Actionable Recommendations: Learn to craft concrete and practical policy recommendations based on sound analysis.\nImprove Writing Skills: Gain expertise in producing compelling\, evidence-based opinion pieces advocating for policy reform.\nDesign Advocacy Plans: Create comprehensive advocacy strategies that include clear objectives\, target audiences\, messages\, and tactical approaches.\nMaster Advocacy Techniques: Acquire communication and advocacy skills critical for influencing policy decisions.\nStrengthen Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders to advance policy reforms and governance initiatives.\n\nTarget Audience \nThe course is tailored for: \n\nThink Tank Professionals: Researchers and analysts involved in public policy evaluation within ECCAS countries.\nGovernment Officials: Policymakers responsible for formulating\, implementing\, and assessing public policies.\nCivil Society Leaders: Advocates working on policy reform initiatives.\nDevelopment Practitioners: Professionals from international organizations focused on policy improvements.\nPrivate Sector and Media Representatives: Stakeholders engaged in public-private partnerships and policy advocacy.\n\nThe conference is limited to 25 attendees from ECCAS\, selected upon payment of participation fees. \nParticipation Requirements \nParticipants are required to meet the following criteria: \n\nHave a background or active interest in public policy analysis\, governance\, or advocacy.\nPay the required participation fees:\n\n\nStudents: 20\,000 XAF\nEarly-Career Researchers and Professionals: 30\,000 XAF\n\nParticipants coming from outside Cameroon will be responsible for their flight tickets\, accommodations\, and participation fees.\n\n\n\nDetailed Course Content \nThe PPAC will include the following modules\, delivered through a combination of lectures\, case studies\, and group exercises: \n\nIntroduction to Public Policy and the Policy Cycle\nPolicy Analysis Techniques\nPolicy Context in ECCAS countries\nPolicy Impact and Evaluation\nIdentifying Policy Gaps\nEffective Policy Writing\nPolicy Windows and Timing\nRole of Media and Public Opinion\nStrategic Communication for Policy Advocacy\nAdvocacy Techniques\nEngaging Stakeholders in Policymaking\n\nFormat\, Date\, and Venue \n\nFormat:In-person.\nDate:May 13-15\, 2025 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily).\nVenue:Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\, Cameroon.\n\nEvaluation and Follow-Up \nThe evaluation process will include: \n\nPre- and post-course assessments to measure learning outcomes.\nIndividual and group assignments to evaluate practical application of concepts.\nParticipant feedback forms to improve future sessions.\n\nParticipants will remain engaged through a dedicated alumni network\, quarterly virtual check-ins\, and opportunities to contribute to policy discussions organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute. \nSelection Process and Timeline \nThe selection process will include the following steps: \n\nSubmission of an online application\, including a motivation statement.\nReview and shortlisting of applications based on relevance and merit.\nNotification of selected participants by April 28\, 2025.\n\nTimeline \n\nCall for Applications: April 4\, 2025.\nApplication Deadline:April 25\, 2025.\nApplication Screening: April 26 _ 27\, 2025.\nFinal Selection Announcement: April 28\, 2025.\nPublic Policy Analysis Course in Yaoundé: May 13 – 15\, 2025\n\nParticipation Payment \nParticipation fees cover: \n\nCertificate of participation.\nAccess to all workshop sessions.\nPrinted copies of event materials.\nMeals (breakfast\, lunch\, and dinner).\nAn electronic version of the final event report.\n\nPayment Process:\nFees must be paid in full by May 5\, 2025\, via bank transfer or mobile payment. Payment details will be provided upon acceptance into the program. \nAbout the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation \nThe Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship\, science and technology innovation\, public health\, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments\, policymakers\, private enterprises\, civil society organizations\, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs\, farmers\, and small business owners\, improving individual livelihoods. \nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute \nThe Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent\, in-depth\, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free\, fair\, democratic\, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts\, experts\, and researchers works on governance and democracy\, health and education\, peace and security\, science and technology\, and economic policy. \nContacts  \nQuestions related to the organization of this event can be sent to: \nDr Adeline Nembot Senior Policy Analyst\, Division of Economic Affairs –  anembot@foretiafoundation.org \nMr.Guy-Beaudry Jengu Jengu Research Assistant\,  Division of Governance and Democracy –  bjengu@foretiafoundation.org \nNkafu Policy Institute P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 www.nkafu.org \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/2025-public-policy-analysis-course-second-edition/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Event_temp_800X800.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241121T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241121T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T104713Z
CREATED:20250127T104713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T104713Z
UID:10000329-1732183200-1732194000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Restitution Workshop : Status of Existing Startups in Cameroon
DESCRIPTION:Date: November 21\, 2024Time: 10:00 am – 1:00pm (GMT+1)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel (Register Now) \nOverview  \nAs has been generally observed in recent years\, Cameroon has experienced a burgeoning startup ecosystem driven by a young\, dynamic population and increasing access to technology. However\, despite this potential\, startups face numerous challenges\, including the lack of a regulatory framework\, highlighting the urgent need for a Cameroon Startup Act. To provide an in-depth overview of the situation and offer relevant policy recommendations to policymakers\, the Nkafu Policy Institute has released a report titled “Status of Existing Startups in Cameroon.\nThe restitution workshop to disseminate the findings of this report is scheduled to take place on November 20\, 2024. This timely event will serve as a crucial platform for sharing research findings\, fostering dialogue\, and driving policy action. Specifically\, it aims to present the results of the 2024 survey conducted through a questionnaire administered to more than 50 startups in Cameroon.\nBy uniting key stakeholders and policymakers\, including the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cameroon (MINPOSTEL)\, which regulates startup activities\, the Nkafu Policy Institute aims to propose significant reforms for the development of a startup Act in Cameroon. Additionally\, it seeks to clarify strategies for engaging policymakers in promoting the implementation of such reforms.\n2. Objective\nThe primary objective of this restitution workshop is to provide a platform stakeholders to discuss the findings of the research. The discussion will focus on proposing reforms to be considered in the Cameroon Startup Act\, as well as strategies to engage policymakers in promoting the implementation of this Act.\n3. Key Points of the Event \nOverview of the Startup Ecosystem:\nCurrent Landscape: Number and Location of Startups Operating in Cameroon\nCurrent Statistics on Gender Representation: Female Founders and Their Challenges\nFunding Landscape\nSources of Funding for Startups: Self-funding\, family and friends\, angel investors\, venture capital\, and grants.\nChallenges in Accessing Funding: Common Barriers Faced by Entrepreneurs\nInnovative Financing Solutions: Crowdfunding\, Microfinance\, and Public-Private Partnerships.\nRegulatory Environment\nOverview of Current Regulations Affecting Startups: Business Registration\, Taxation\, and Compliance Requirements.\nDiscussion on Regulatory Barriers: How Regulations Hinder Startup Growth and Innovation\nSkills Development and Human Capital\nTraining and Education Initiatives: Programs Designed to Enhance Entrepreneurial Skills\nThe Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Preparing for Future Challenges\nInfrastructure Challenges and Market Access\nAssessment of Current Infrastructure: Internet Access\, Logistics\, and Transportation.\nInsights on Market Dynamics: Challenges in Accessing Local and International Markets and Strategies for Market Entry and Expansion\nCompetition Analysis: Understanding the Competitive Landscape for Startups.\nSupport Systems and Networks\nThe Role of Incubators and Accelerators: An Overview of Existing Support Organizations and Their Impact.\nOpportunities for Collaboration: Strengthening Networks among Entrepreneurs\, Investors\, and Support Organizations.\nBest Practices. \n4. Target audience\nThe workshop will engage startup founders\, investors\, government officials\, policymakers\, financial institutions\, representatives from incubators and accelerators. This diverse group aims to foster collaboration and enhance the startup ecosystem in Cameroon.\n5. Expected outcome of the event\nParticipants will gain insights into the challenges faced by startups\, establish valuable connections\, and develop effective strategies for improving access to financing. The workshop will foster collaboration among stakeholders\, enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem\, and promote sustainable growth in Cameroon. \nContact details  \nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/restitution-workshop-status-of-existing-startups-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Event_temp_800X800.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240718T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240718T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T105107Z
CREATED:20250127T105107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T105107Z
UID:10000351-1721296800-1721307600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion : Why Does A Startup Act Matter In Cameroon?
DESCRIPTION:Date: July 18\, 2024Time: 10:00 am (Cameroon time)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé (Register now)\nBackground\nCameroon has what it takes to become a thriving startup hub in Africa\, despite many obstacles\, most notably poor infrastructure. According to StartupBlink (2023)\, the country’s startup ranking in 2023 remained stable at 116th globally and 2nd in the Central African region. Although the startup ecosystem is booming\, many people are still unaware of all the resources available\, the differences between them\, or which ones are best for them. To remedy this situation\, it is necessary to create an appropriate regulatory framework for the deployment of these structures to help them identify useful local resources. At this level\, a well-developed start-up law is needed to facilitate the creation and development of start-ups in the country. The key would be to provide them with a regulatory framework for easy access to capital\, mentoring and networking opportunities and to create more jobs\, as the Startup Act comprises a set of policies\, incentives and support initiatives aimed at fostering an environment conducive to startup growth\, innovation and entrepreneurship. In this context\, the Nkafu Policy Institute\, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, is organizing a panel discussion on “Why does a Startup Act Matter in Cameroon?\nObjectives\nThe main objective of this panel discussion is to examine the urgent need to enact a startup act in Cameroon\, with the aim of strengthening the startup ecosystem. More specifically\, it will : \nPresent the limitations of the existing legal and regulatory framework for startups\,\nPresent the startup act as a catalyst for startup development and economic growth in Cameroon\,\nIdentify key areas for change\,\nPropose some important reforms to consider for a growing Cameroonian startup ecosystem. \nTarget audience \nStartups incubator and accelerators\nMinistry of Post and Telecommunication\nFinancial sector\nStartupers\nTrainings schools and centers\nMinistry of employment (Fond National de l’Emploi\, FNE)\nMinistry of scientific research and innovation \nExpected outcomes\nOverall expected outcomes of the panel discussion could contribute to a more supportive environment for startups in Cameroon\, leading to economic growth\, job creation\, and innovation. This includes: \nIncreased awareness among the general public about the Startup Act and its potential benefits for the Cameroonian economy;\nImprove collaboration and networking among entrepreneurs\, investors\, policymakers\, and support organizations;\nIncreased investment and funding; and attract investors interested in the Cameroonian startup scene. \nContact details\nDenis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, Opposite Collège Jésus-Marie Simbock B.P. 13415 – Yaoundé\, Cameroon\nTelephone: ( 237) 654 86 72 54\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org\nWebsite: www.foretiafoundation.org / www.nkafu.org\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/panel-discussion-why-does-a-startup-act-matter-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BANNER-PANEL-DISCUSSION-10-JULY-2024-B-scaled-p0igWO.tmp_.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240620T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240620T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T104934Z
CREATED:20250127T104934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T104934Z
UID:10000346-1718877600-1718888400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Round Table Conference
DESCRIPTION:Date: June 20\, 2024Time: 10 00am – 1:00pm (GMT+1)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel (Register now)\nZoom Online (Online Registration)\nTitle: Empowering Women in Central Africa : The way forward\n  \nBackground and Context \nWomen’s contribution to development has been consistently proven in different sectors. In Sub-Saharan Africa\, they are responsible for 80% of food production (Ali\, 2013).   According to the Africa Labor Migration Report\, women in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) steadily represented half of the population from 2008 to 2017\, with a labor participation rate of 41.8 percent in 2017. Their contribution to the continent’s GDP oscillates between 7 and 9 percent\, making them an important stakeholder to economic growth.\nDespite this great potential\, women in ECCAS still face challenges such as low literacy rate as compared to their male counterpart\, unfavorable land ownership policies\, discriminatory inheritance rights\, limited access to credit and New Technologies of Information and Communications (NTICs)\, low political participation and insufficient implication in decision making processes amongst others. These inequalities represent serious obstacles to women’s empowerment and have contributed to a very large extent in deepening their vulnerability in the society.\nConsidering these challenges\, the present round table conference is organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute\, think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foundation to highlight barriers impeding women empowerment in the ECCAS region as illustrated in video documentaries produced to this effect on the following issues: \nSystem change for increasing accountability in ECCAS\nThe role of think tanks in promoting peace and security in ECCAS\nProtecting women against domestic violence in ECCAS \nObjective \nThe overall objective of this Round table is to raise awareness on identified challenges facing women’s empowerement and advocate the need for policy makers to lift barriers facing women’s empowerment. More specifically\, our objective is to: \nEducate public opinion on discriminatory practices that perpetuate gender inequalities with the aim of eradicating them;\nAdvocate for increasing political participation and socioeconomic contribution from women in Central Africa\nAssess the state of gender equity in Central Africa and propose in-depth policy agenda to achieve goals set by the African Union’s Strategy for Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) for 2018-2028\, amongst other frameworks.\nAn assessment of women’s empowerment policies in ECCAS is carried out\, and areas for improvement are identified as the way forward. \nTarget audience \nThe target audience of this Round table conference includes the media\, opinion leaders\, researchers\, scholars\, interest groups\, pressure groups\, associations\, local communities\, entrepreneurs\, policymakers\, and decision-makers in all eleven target countries of ECCAS. \nExpected outcomes \nParticipants and public opinion and aware of discriminatory practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and equipped on what to do to eradicate them;\nPolicy and decision makers are increasingly committed to improve women’s political participation and contribution to socioeconomic development in Central Africa.\nAn audience of at least 10% of ECCAS population is updated on barriers to women empowerment and how to reduce these. \nContact: Ayukmba Nkonghonyor\, Senior Communications Manager\, Nayukmba@foretiafoundation.org\, Yaounde\, Cameroon. Tel.: (+237) 654 86 72 54.
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/round-table-conference/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,RASIG
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BANNER-20-JUNE-english-2.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240612T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240612T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T105122Z
CREATED:20250127T105122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T105122Z
UID:10000353-1718186400-1718197200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Operational Working Group: “Building Momentum and Growth for Startups in Cameroon”
DESCRIPTION:Date: June 12\, 2024Time: 10:00 am (Cameroon time)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé (REGISTER NOW)\nBackground\nWith an estimated population of about 28 million (World Bank\, 2022)\, Cameroon is brimming with economic opportunities. Its large youth population and growing access to the Internet are factors that foster an environment conducive for innovation and entrepreneurship. As a result\, the country’s technological development is on the rise\, providing a fertile ground for the emergence of innovative young businesses in general and startups in particular. Cameroonian startups are driving innovation and redefining technology\, culture\, and lifestyle. With over 30 groundbreaking companies spanning AgriTech\, CleanTech\, Fintech and EdTech\, these forward-thinking entrepreneurs are tackling local challenges while making a global impact (Peng Boris\, 2023). The government has taken steps to exempt these companies from taxes for the first five years of their existence (Finance Law\, 2021)\, but they still face many challenges that hinder startup growth and momentum. Many still struggle to raise funds\, recruit talent\, overcome regulatory hurdles\, and develop viable business models due to a lack of support institutions\, incubators\, accelerators\, and mentorship programs. Addressing these challenges facing startups in Cameroon and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem requires a multifaceted approach involving many stakeholders. With this in mind\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing an operational working group on the theme « Building Momentum and Growth for Startups in Cameroon » to gather contributions that will help promote a thriving and prosperous entrepreneurial ecosystem for startups in Cameroon.\nObjectives\nThe main objective of this event is to identify what needs to be done to promote a thriving start-up ecosystem in Cameroon. More specifically\, it will address the following issues: \nUnderstand the role of startups in the Cameroonian context;\nIdentify strategies to overcome the lack of talent and skills needed for startups to succeed in Cameroon;\nAnalyze the feasibility of establishing startup support organizations and services in Cameroon;\nIdentify key regulatory and policy provisions necessary for the development of startups in Cameroon;\nDevelop strategies for building partnerships between startups\, the public and private sectors in Cameroon. \nExpected Outcome\nStakeholders are enlightened on the actions needed to promote a thriving start-up ecosystem in Cameroon.\nTarget audience\nStart-up promoters\, public authorities\, telecoms engineers\, financial institutions\, entrepreneurs\, social economy players and other private sector stakeholders.\nContact details\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/operational-working-group-building-momentum-and-growth-for-startups-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240524T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240524T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T105106Z
CREATED:20250127T105106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T105106Z
UID:10000347-1716544800-1716555600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:SBEC Stakeholder Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, May 24\, 2024Time: 10:00 am (Cameroon time)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\nUpon invitation only\nBackground \nIn defining its new National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30)\, the Cameroonian government has set itself the goal of achieving a 25% share of manufacturing production in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035. To accomplish this\, the government plans to call on the private sector\, both national and international\, to finance some interventions. As an accompanying measure\, public authorities intend to pursue the development of a cutting-edge digital ecosystem and facilitate its access to as many entrepreneurs possible. In 2009\, Cameroon’s National Institute of Statistics estimated the penetration rate of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at less than 50%. Several incentives have therefore been introduced over the years\, including a five-year exemption from all taxes\, duties\, fees\, and levies\, with the exception of social security contributions\, for innovative start-ups in the field of Information and Communication Technologies during the incubation phase (Finance Act\, 2021). Other important tax exemptions for innovative start-ups and SMEs have also been registered after the incubation phase or when the company is in its operational phase. However\, according to the ICT?Development Index 2023 published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)\, Cameroon\, currently ranked sixth\, has dropped four places since the last ranking in 2017\, reflecting the slow progress in ICT development compared to several countries in the Central African region. On the ten indicators of ICT development—which include the percentage of people using the Internet\, mobile broadband penetration\, mobile broadband Internet traffic (measured in gigabytes per subscription)\, the cost of mobile data and voice services\, as well as cell phone ownership rates—Cameroon has not advanced as much as other countries\, remaining below average. With an overall score of 36.8 out of 100\, Cameroon is behind Gabon\, which remains in first place (72.9 points)\, Sao Tome and Principe (54.5 points)\, Angola (44.1 points)\, Rwanda (40.1 points)\, and Equatorial Guinea (37.6 points). It is within this context that the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing a stakeholder meeting to analyze the reasons for Cameroon’s poor ICT performance in recent years\, and the impact of positive changes on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises.\nObjectives\nThe objective of this stakeholder meeting is to analyze and assess the contribution of ICT development to business performance in Cameroon. Specifically\, this event aims to: \nAnalyze and assess the progress made by Cameroon in the field of ICT since 2010\,\nUnderstand the factors hindering SME access to digital technology in Cameroon\, and the opportunities for ICT sector development for SMEs\,\nDiscuss ways to improve SME access to ICT in order to strengthen the development of the manufacturing sector in Cameroon\,\nGather stakeholder input for policy or strategy change in the ICT sector in Cameroon.  \nTarget audience \nRepresentative from MINPOSTEL\nRepresentative from the National Agency for ICT (ANTIC)\nRepresentative from the Cameroon Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART)\nEntrepreneurs and start-ups\nAcademicians from the ICT sector\nExperts from financial institutions\nBusiness Incubators\nMedia \nExpected outcome of the event\nIncreased awareness among all stakeholders of the importance of ICTs in the development of SMEs and the evolution of Cameroon’s manufacturing sector. \nAbout the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center\nThe Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) aims to support SMEs in Cameroon and to promote business-friendly policies that stimulate innovation and job creation. Through the SBEC Network\, SME members receive training and administrative support to increase their productivity and efficiency.\nContact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/sbec-stakeholder-meeting-2/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Event_temp_1200X600-DWj2Q1.tmp_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240424T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240424T120000
DTSTAMP:20250127T105137Z
CREATED:20250127T105137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T105137Z
UID:10000359-1713952800-1713960000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Operational Working Group: Impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area on Cameroon’s Digital and Finance Sectors
DESCRIPTION:Date: April 24\, 2024Time: 10:00 am (Cameroon time)\, Onsite Event\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\n \n1. Background\nThe African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)\, was enforced in January 2021 as a key initiative of the African Union to create a single market for goods and services across the African continent in order to boost intra-African trade and investment\, create jobs\, reduce poverty and increase economic growth. By ratifying the agreement\, Cameroon recognizes the need for its  implementation within the established timelines. However\, the current finance and digital sectors may pose a challenge for the successful implementation of the AfCFTA. Innovative financial instruments (blended finance\, green bonds\, trade finance facilities\, mobile money\, etc) may offer an opportunity to address some of the financial challenges facing entrepreneurs but a lot needs to be done in the digital side. Thanks to its market of over 1\,2 billion souls\, AfCFTA is today a great opportunity of Cameroon to improve its finance and digital sectors. With this in mind\, the Nkafu Policy Institute\, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, is organizing an operational working session on “Impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area on Cameroon’s Digital and Finance Sectors.“\n2. Objectives\nThe objective of this event is to discuss and explore how the African Continental Free Trade Area can impact Cameroon’s Digital and Finance Sectors. By bringing together key stakeholders from both sectors\, this discussion aims to achieve the following: \nRaise awareness about the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area in strengthening the digital and finance sectors in Cameroon\,\nExplore digital and financial instruments offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area to facilitate trade and investment across the continent\,\nProvide recommendations to upgrade Cameroon’s digital and finance capacities through the African Continental Free Trade Area. \n3. Target audience\nThe meeting will bring together 20 stakeholders\, including distinguished think tank leaders and researchers\, policymakers\, customs officials and representatives of civil society organizations\, media.\n4. Expected outcome of the event\nA comprehensive understanding of the digital and finance sectors for the successful implementation of AfCFTA in Cameroon.\n5. Contact details\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/operational-working-group-impact-of-the-african-continental-free-trade-area-on-cameroons-digital-and-finance-sectors/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240417T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240417T120000
DTSTAMP:20250127T105337Z
CREATED:20250127T105337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T105337Z
UID:10000362-1713348000-1713355200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Operational Working Group: Fundraising by Startups in Cameroon
DESCRIPTION:Fundraising by Startups in CameroonDate: April 17\, 2024\nTime: 10:00 am (GMT+1)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\n \nBackground\nCameroon has a thriving startup ecosystem\, with a growing number of young startups eager to launch and expand their businesses. Known for their huge growth potential\, these entities usually require heavy investments that cannot be solely mobilized by startups. However\, access to finance remains a major challenge for many of these early-stage structures. They are actively seeking ways to raise funds to support their growth. Although a variety of funding opportunities exist\, navigating the fundraising landscape is overwhelming for startups. In 2021\, only 15% of Cameroonian startups had access to formal funding options\, while the majority relied on personal savings or informal funding sources (Kabange\, 2021). According to the Central African Startup Finance Report 2022\, funds raised in 2022 by startups in Cameroon remained stable year-on-year at 7.3 billion francs CFA ($12 million). In 2023\, the Africa platform’s report showing the breakdown by country of funds raised by young African startups revealed that Cameroon attracted fewer investors\, raising just $4 million\, far behind Côte d’Ivoire ($17 million)\, Senegal ($44 million)\, Benin ($71 million)\, South Africa ($410 million)\, Egypt ($640 million)\, and Kenya ($88 million). Limited access to capital hinders startups’ potential to innovate\, create jobs\, and contribute to economic growth. With this in mind\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing an operational working group on “Fundraising by Startups in Cameroon.” \nObjectives\nThe primary objective of the operational working group is to examine the fundraising challenges faced by startups in Cameroon and shed light on how they can leverage available opportunities to improve access to finance\, foster public-private partnerships\, and ultimately shape the future of startups in Cameroon. Specifically\, it aims to: \nIdentify the fundraising constraints of startups in Cameroon.\nDevelop strategies for Cameroonian startups to easily raise funds.\nExplore the potential of public and private entities to support startup fundraising.\nInvestigate the possibility of establishing a startup fund to provide seed capital and support to early-stage startups in Cameroon. \nExpected Outcomes\nIncreased fundraising capacities of startups in Cameroon. \nTarget audience\nThis event is open to policymakers\, startup founders and entrepreneurs\, investors\, academics and researchers.\nContact details\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/operational-working-group-fundraising-by-startups-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail_banner_operational_EN-square-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240306T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240306T140000
DTSTAMP:20250127T105526Z
CREATED:20250127T105526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T105526Z
UID:10000367-1709719200-1709733600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Operational Working Group: Leveraging on “Made in Cameroon” through AfCFTA
DESCRIPTION:Date: March 6\, 2024Time: 10:00 pm – 02:00 pm (GMT+1)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\n \nBackground\nThe African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063\, which aims to create a single market for goods between African countries. By eliminating customs duties on 90% of goods traded between participating countries\, businesses will be able to access new markets\, expand their customer base\, and compete more effectively. Cameroon signed the agreement on March 21\, 2018\, and the nation ratified the agreement on October 31\, 2019. In accordance with Article 24(1) of the AfCFTA Agreement\, it became the 33rd state party by depositing its instrument of ratification with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on December 1\, 2020. The AfCFTA represents a significant opportunity for Cameroon\, but to fully benefit from this opportunity\, Cameroonian products must be visible and readily available in the regional market. This requires overcoming several challenges. With this in mind\, the Nkafu Policy Institute\, a think tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\, is organizing a stakeholders’ meeting to address the challenges of promoting Cameroonian products within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The meeting will explore the theme “Leveraging on “Made in Cameroon” through AfCFTA\,” with the objective of providing policymakers and other stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the issues involved and possible ways of addressing them. The meeting will seek to identify the various constraints hindering the visibility and availability of Made in Cameroon products\, propose solutions\, and make recommendations to enhance the competitiveness of these products in the regional and global markets.\nObjective \nThe main objective of this stakeholder meeting is to discuss and develop strategies to ensure the visibility and availability of products made in Cameroon under the AfCFTA. More specifically\, it aims to: \nRaise awareness of the AfCFTA and its potential benefits for Cameroon-made products.\nIdentify current challenges and barriers to the visibility and availability of Cameroon-made products in the AfCFTA market.\nDevelop actionable strategies to address these challenges and increase the competitiveness of Cameroon-made products in the AfCFTA market.\nBuild partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to support the implementation of these strategies. \nExpected outcomes \nIncreased understanding and awareness of the AfCFTA agreement and its potential benefits for Cameroon-made products among key stakeholders.\nA clear identification of challenges and barriers to the visibility and availability of Cameroon-made products under the AfCFTA.\nA set of actionable strategies to address these challenges and increase the competitiveness of Cameroon-made products in the AfCFTA market.\nEstablished partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders to support the implementation of these strategies. \nTarget audience \nThe meeting will bring together 20 participants\, including distinguished think tank leaders and researchers\, policymakers\, representatives of regional economic communities\, customs officials\, and representatives of civil society organizations.\nContact details\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/operational-working-group-leveraging-on-made-in-cameroon-through-afcfta/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Made-in-Cameroun_Plan-de-travail-1_Plan-de-travail-1-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240229T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240229T140000
DTSTAMP:20250127T105541Z
CREATED:20250127T105541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T105541Z
UID:10000246-1709200800-1709215200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion : Lifting the veil off the challenges facing startups in Cameroon
DESCRIPTION:Date: February 29\, 2024Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (GMT+1)\nHybrid Event: Mansel Hotel (Onsite Registration)\nZoom platform (Online Registration)\nBackground\nCameroon is a country of economic and geographic influence\, strategically positioned as a natural gateway to Central and West Africa. The country’s economic and technological development is in constant progression\, providing fertile ground for the emergence of innovative young companies. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic\, information and communication technologies (ICT) have been identified as a key driver for employment\, economic growth and sustainable development. What’s more\, Cameroon’s young population and growing access to the Internet have created an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2006\, Silicon Mountain was created in Buea\, the capital of  the South West region of Cameroon\, becoming the country’s first technology incubator for start-ups. With a view to replicating this success\, since 2018 the Cameroonian government has been planning to support a new technology cluster in Yaoundé\, called Silicon River. This technology hub will be a research and innovation platform offering young software developers and other creative and ambitious technology entrepreneurs the infrastructure and support they need to foster innovation. As a result\, the number of new technology startups in Cameroon has grown steadily over the past decade\, with an estimated 101+ technology startups currently operating in the country\, 36 of which were created in 2019 and 2020. However\, this number remains low in comparison with Nigeria\, which has 1\,697 tech startups in Lagos alone. This limited growth in the number of startups in Cameroon can be explained by a complex and ambiguous regulatory and administrative environment. From this perspective\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing a panel discussion to gather input that will help lift off the veil on the challenges facing startups in Cameroon..\nObjective\nThe main objective of this event is to analyze the startup ecosystem in Cameroon and the remaining constraints to their growth in the country. More specifically\, it will address the following issues: \nDefine the startup within the Cameroonian context by analyzing the legal\, regulatory\, institutional\, infrastructural and social framework;\nDiscuss the challenges and opportunities faced by startups in Cameroon;\nOutline the chances of success for a startup in Cameroon;\nAssess the socio-economic impact of startups in Cameroon. \nExpected Outcome\nParticipants enlightened on the place and importance of start-ups in the Cameroonian economy\, and on the need to address persistent challenges to sustainable economic growth.\nTarget audience \nStart-up owners\, public authorities\, telecoms engineers\, capital providers\, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from the private sector.\nContact details\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54\nOnsite RegistrationOnline Registration
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/panel-discussion-lifting-the-veil-off-the-challenges-facing-startups-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BANNER-STARTUP-2.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230927T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230928T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T110143Z
CREATED:20250127T110143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T110143Z
UID:10000379-1695805200-1695913200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:SMEs flagship training Yaounde
DESCRIPTION:Venue : Mansel Hotel (REGISTER NOW)Date : September\, 27 & 28\nTime : 09:00 am to 03:00 pm\n \nBackground\nIn Cameroon\, 80% of the businesses created die before their first 5 years of existence. Moreover\, most of them remain in the informal sector. According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics\, about 90% of the labor force in Cameroon remains trapped in this sector. Women and youth are the most represented in this sector\, due to a number of challenges they still face. In the agricultural sector\, for example\, Cameroonian women represent 71.6% of workers in the informal agricultural sector. Unfortunately\, almost 52% of them still live below the poverty line and 79.2% of them are underemployed. This underemployment rate is estimated at 70% for youth. To address all the root causes of SME underperformance and access to employment in Cameroon\, foster economic freedom\, and empower both women and youth in the country\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers a comprehensive training program for young entrepreneurs for a period of 6 months to enable them to acquire viable skills in management and business\, regulatory processes\, finance and other capabilities necessary for overall improvement.\nObjective\nThe main objective of this 6-month SME flagship business management training\, is to assist businesses establish a comprehensive small business strategy and grow. Specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nSupporting SMEs in the process of developing and delivering a comprehensive and complete business plan.\nGuiding SMEs in the establishment of an effective and efficient leadership.\nEnsuring that all SMEs in the informal sector smoothly move to the formal sector.\nEmpowering SMEs to develop and implement an effective and autonomous business management system.\nEquipping SMEs with up-to-date\, affordable marketing and sales strategies adapted to their sector of activity and level of development.\nEducating entrepreneurs on accounting practices and financial models adapted to their activities.\nEquipping SMEs with the means to recruit and manage the required HR for their business and adapted to their level of development.\nShowing SMEs\, the fundamental role of technology and innovation for business development. \nTarget audience\nThe training program is open to business owners/entrepreneurs\, Business managers\, especially women and youth.\nOutcome of the event\nAt the end of the training program there should be positive shift in the knowledge and application of the various modules in small businesses.\nLocation of the Training\nThe training shall take place in; \nCenter region\nLittoral region\,\nWest region\,\nSouth West region\, and\nNorth West region. \nFor more information\, please contact us at:\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nRegister now
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/smes-flagship-training-yaounde-3/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230825T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230825T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T110543Z
CREATED:20230824T081328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T110543Z
UID:10000008-1692954000-1692975600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Competition Nationale et Awards
DESCRIPTION:Date : 25 août 2023Heure : 9h – 15h\nLieu : Mansel Hôtel\, Yaoundé \nContexte  \nAu Cameroun\, les jeunes représentent environ 25 % de la population. Malheureusement\, ils sont confrontés à des défis nationaux tels que le chômage élevé\, les conditions de travail vulnérables et la marginalisation dans les processus décisionnels. De plus\, la plupart des entreprises qu’ils créent n’atteignent pas l’âge de cinq ans en raison d’un certain nombre de contraintes. Ces contraintes comprennent le manque de financement\, une fiscalité élevée et des procédures administratives lourdes\, pour n’en citer que quelques-unes. Malgré l’engagement du gouvernement camerounais à promouvoir la liberté économique\, l’État reste toujours très présent dans les sphères les plus importantes de l’activité économique (transport\, télécommunications\, eau et énergie\, commerce\, industrie\, agriculture)\, ce qui entrave la compétitivité des entreprises nationales\, freine le développement espéré de l’économie nationale et empêche la prospérité générale\, c’est-à-dire la capacité des citoyens à atteindre des niveaux élevés ou croissants de revenus et de consommation. Les libertés économiques désignent toutes les libertés liées à l’économie\, autrement dit la liberté du commerce et de l’industrie\, la liberté d’entreprise\, la liberté de circulation et d’établissement\, la liberté de fournir des services et la libre concurrence.\nDans cette optique\, le Nkafu Policy Institute\, le think tank de la Fondation Denis et Lenora Foretia s’est donné pour mission de faire avancer les politiques publiques qui aident tous les Camerounais à prospérer dans une économie libre\, équitable et démocratique.  Depuis 2012\, l’Institut s’est distingué comme un centre de recherche de premier plan au Cameroun\, engagé à promouvoir un débat ouvert qui construit un consensus vers un avenir démocratique et la liberté économique. En effet\, sur le plan économique\, le Nkafu Policy Institute explore la manière dont les systèmes de marché libre peuvent aider à résoudre une série de problèmes économiques en Afrique et au Cameroun en particulier. Il mène donc des recherches approfondies et fournit des analyses économiques de pointe et éduque le public dans la compréhension des questions économiques qui affectent leur vie quotidienne. C’est dans cet esprit que l’Institut lance les Olympiades nationales d’économie (ONE)\, qui est une compétition en économie dédiée aux élèves du secondaire. \n Objectifs  \nL’objectif général des Olympiades Nationales d’Economie est d’améliorer l’éducation et la compréhension des jeunes élèves camerounais sur l’importance de la liberté économique pour favoriser un développement durable et inclusif pour le Cameroun\, l’Afrique et le monde.\nPlus spécifiquement\, les Olympiades Nationales d’Economie visent à : \nSensibiliser les élèves à l’importance de la liberté économique ;\nÉduquer la nouvelle génération sur les principes de la liberté économique et pourquoi/comment plaider pour son efficacité au Cameroun ;\nAméliorer la compréhension des jeunes élèves sur le rôle de la liberté économique dans la résolution des problèmes économiques et sociaux actuels au Cameroun\, par le biais de l’écriture et d’une narration puissante ; \nPopulation cible  \nLycées et collèges qui forment dans les domaines de l’économie ;\nResponsables des lycées et collèges qui forment dans les domaines de l’économie ;\nEnseignants d’économie\nElèves \nRésultats de l’événement \nLes jeunes élèves camerounais se familiarisent avec les principes de liberté économiques ;\nLes candidats compétissent et les meilleurs sont primés ; \nLes boursiers issus de la compétition représentent le Cameroun aux Olympiades mondiales en Slovaquie.
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/competition-nationale-et-awards/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BANNER-OLYMPIADS-4-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230616T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230616T180000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111250Z
CREATED:20230824T081405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111250Z
UID:10000020-1686909600-1686938400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:SBEC Stakeholder Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, June 16\, 2023Time: 10:00 am (Cameroon time)\, Onsite Event\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\nBy invitation only\n“Assessing the Contribution of Women to Economic Growth in Cameroon”\n1.        Background\nIn Cameroon\, 39% of the population lives below the poverty line (OCHA\, 2019). Women represent 51.5% of this poor population and 79.2% of them are underemployed or work in informal sector. Several factors explain this high vulnerability of women in the country: the vulnerable work of women\, unpaid family workers and/or the self-employed\, as a percentage of total employment\, estimated at 81%\, compared to 63% for men (World Bank\, 2019). Moreover\, boys have privileged access to quality education. Their gross enrollment rate in elementary school is estimated at 111%\, compared to 100% for girls (World Bank\, 2019). The Cameroon government has set itself\, among other objectives\, to significantly reduce these existing and persistent inequalities between men and women by 2030. The goal is to achieve double-digit economic growth\, reach the threshold of 25% of manufacturing production in the gross domestic product (GDP) and reduce the incidence of poverty to less than 10%. In this regard\, it intends to pursue its policy of equitable access for girls and boys\, men and women to education\, training\, and information; strengthen programs designed to encourage female and youth entrepreneurship; and intensify consultations with the banking system to open up credit to this segment of the population. These measures should ultimately facilitate the access of women and youth to material\, financial\, physical\, and intellectual resources to stimulate their entrepreneurial and professional activities and thereby contribute to economic growth.\n2.        Objectives\nThe main objective of this meeting is to discuss the challenges that women and young entrepreneurs still face in Cameroon and show what the impact on economic growth could be if these challenges are overcome. More specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nPresenting the findings of a “State of Business” briefing written by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) on the contribution of women to economic growth in Cameroon;\nHighlighting the opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship to foster economic growth in Cameroon;\nDiscussing ways in which women entrepreneurs can overcome the challenges they face in developing their businesses;\nGathering stakeholders’ inputs to create impact. \n3.        Target audience\nThe target audience of this meeting includes government officials\, Diplomats\, International Organizations\, Civil Societies Organizations\, Academia\, Entrepreneurs\, Employers organizations\, Financial Institutions\, Business Incubators\, and Media.\n4.        Expected outcome of the event\nStakeholders are convinced of the contribution of women-led SMEs to Cameroon’s economic growth and are determined to work collectively to improve the participation of these key players in economic development.\n5.        Contact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org\nTel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/sbec-stakeholder-meeting/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Stakeholder-Meeting-Banner-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230317T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230317T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111846Z
CREATED:20230824T081450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111846Z
UID:10000035-1679047200-1679058000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Presentation of a Briefing Report on “Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development in Cameroon”
DESCRIPTION:“POWERING PROSPERITY AND ECONOMIC FREEDOM FOR WOMEN AND YOUTHS- CAMEROON” (PPEF PROJECT)Presentation of a Briefing Report on “Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development in Cameroon”\nDate: Friday\, March 17\, 2023 / Time: 10:00 am (Cameroon time)\, Onsite Event\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\nBy invitation only\n1. Background\nIn enacting the 2023 Finance Law\, the government of Cameroon has decided on a series of measures that could more or less affect the ease of doing business in the country. These measures mainly concern access to electricity\, access to land titles\, the increase in the price of certain stamps and the recent increase in the price of fuel. The tax-free electricity sales rate for medium-voltage (MV) customers and the minimum thresholds for negotiating rates for “key account” customers indeed increased from 50 to 95 francs CFA between 11 p.m. and 6 p.m. and from 50 to 125 francs CFA between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.\, representing an increase of about 47 percent and 60 percent respectively during the day and at night (ARSEL\, 2022). The price of fiscal stamps\, which are widely used for the design of many files\, including those related to obtaining land titles\, has increased by 50 % from 1000 FCFA to 1500 FCFA (Finance Law\, 2023). As for the price of fuel\, a liter of Super will now cost 730 FCFA in gas stations\, up by 100 CFA francs (+15%) from 630 FCFA francs in the past. A liter of Diesel will now cost 720 FCFA\, up from 575 FCFA. This represents an increase of 145 FCFA\, equivalent to 25.2% in relative terms. In response to the increase in the price of fuel\, the Government has decided to raise public sector salaries\, but the private sector remains on the sidelines. All these measures could therefore have an impact on the business environment and the development of the private sector.\n2. Objectives\nThe main objective of this event is to mobilize stakeholders and obtain their commitment to work for a better support of entrepreneurs to overcome the problems they face and that make their enterprises vulnerable. More specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nPresenting the findings of a “State of Business” briefing in Cameroon on the theme : “Challenges and Opportunities for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Cameroon”.\nHighlighting the relevance of enterprise development for an inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Cameroon.\nDiscussing how the business climate should be improved to strengthen the resilience of SMEs in Cameroon.\nGathering stakeholder inputs to create impact. \n3. Target audience\nThe target audience of this meeting includes government officials\, Diplomats\, International Organizations\, Civil Society Organizations\, Academia\, Entrepreneurs\, Financial Institutions\, Business Incubators and Media.\n4. Expected outcome of the event\nStakeholders will be convinced about the opportunities for SME development in Cameroon and committed to working collectively towards improving the business environment in the country.\n5. Contact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/presentation-of-a-briefing-report-on-challenges-and-opportunities-for-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises-development-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sans-titre-12-scaled-DakVbZ.tmp_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230221T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230223T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111847Z
CREATED:20230824T081450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111847Z
UID:10000040-1676973600-1677164400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Session 1: SMEs Flagship Training – Center Region
DESCRIPTION:6-MONTH BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING FLAGSHIPREGISTER NOW – Center Region\nYaoundé\nBackground\nIn Cameroon\, 80% of the businesses created die before their first 5 years of existence. Moreover\, most of them remain in the informal sector. According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics\, about 90% of the labor force in Cameroon remains trapped in this sector. Women and youth are the most represented in this sector\, due to a number of challenges they still face. In the agricultural sector\, for example\, Cameroonian women represent 71.6% of workers in the informal agricultural sector. Unfortunately\, almost 52% of them still live below the poverty line and 79.2% of them are underemployed. This underemployment rate is estimated at 70% for youth. To address all the root causes of SME underperformance and access to employment in Cameroon\, foster economic freedom\, and empower both women and youth in the country\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers a comprehensive training program for young entrepreneurs for a period of 6 months to enable them to acquire viable skills in management and business\, regulatory processes\, finance and other capabilities necessary for overall improvement.\nObjective\nThe main objective of this 6-month SME flagship business management training\, is to assist businesses establish a comprehensive small business strategy and grow. Specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nSupporting SMEs in the process of developing and delivering a comprehensive and complete business plan.\nGuiding SMEs in the establishment of an effective and efficient leadership.\nEnsuring that all SMEs in the informal sector smoothly move to the formal sector.\nEmpowering SMEs to develop and implement an effective and autonomous business management system.\nEquipping SMEs with up-to-date\, affordable marketing and sales strategies adapted to their sector of activity and level of development.\nEducating entrepreneurs on accounting practices and financial models adapted to their activities.\nEquipping SMEs with the means to recruit and manage the required HR for their business and adapted to their level of development.\nShowing SMEs\, the fundamental role of technology and innovation for business development. \nTarget audience\nThe training program is open to business owners/entrepreneurs\, Business managers\, especially women and youth.\nOutcome of the event\nAt the end of the training program there should be positive shift in the knowledge and application of the various modules in small businesses.\nLocation of the Training\nThe training shall take place in; \nCenter region\nLittoral region\,\nWest region\,\nSouth West region\, and\nNorth West region. \nFor more information\, please contact us at:\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/session-1-smes-flagship-training-center-region/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SBEC-training-ban-eng-rec.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220722T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220722T140000
DTSTAMP:20250127T112648Z
CREATED:20230824T081857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T112648Z
UID:10000069-1658484000-1658498400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Social Entrepreneurship – RESTITUTION WORKSHOP
DESCRIPTION:Social Entrepreneurship For Sustainable Development In Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons Learned From Business Incubation In Selected CountriesRESTITUTION WORKSHOPDate: 22nd July 2022    –   Time: 10:00 – 14:00 (GMT+1)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé-Cameroon (Only on Invitation)\nVirtual Event (Register Here)\nBackground\nSince September 2020\, the Nkafu Policy Institute\, a Think Tank at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, in partnership with organizations in Ghana (Innohub LTD) and Burkina Faso (Burkina Business Incubator)\, is implementing a 2-year project. This project is entitled: “Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons learned from business incubation in Cameroon\, Burkina Faso\, and Ghana” and is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Its main objective is to map the business incubation practices in these countries and see how these practices contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4\, 5\, 8\, 9\, and 13; and therefore promote social entrepreneurship. Following the panel discussions held in the three countries in April 2022\, the main findings of which were discussed in each country with stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and other experts\, the country reports have been updated by the different teams. Therefore\, it is deemed necessary to share the combined findings obtained in the selected countries; and also gather feedback from stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and other experts in other sub-Saharan African countries.\nObjective of the event\nThe main objective of this event is to present the findings of the combined country reports to stakeholders and experts of other sub-Saharan African countries. More specifically\, it will be a matter of:\nHighlighting the differences and similarities on business incubation in the selected countries as well as their compliance with the SDGs;\nDiscussing ways to strengthen the technical and managerial skills of business support structures in the selected project countries;\nDiscussing the key recommendations made to each stakeholder in the entrepreneurial ecosystem (business support structures\, capital providers\, ecosystem enablers\, social entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of social entreprises)\, for the promotion of business support practices that result in SDGs 4\, 5\, 8\, 9 and 13 in the selected countries;\nObtaining feedback from the different stakeholders for an enhancement of business support practices in Burkina Faso\, Cameroon and Ghana;\nCollating recommendations from stakeholders on other aspects of the research that promote the social entrepreneurship ecosystem.\nExpected result of the event\nThe expected outcome of this event is to rightly inform the different entrepreneurial ecosystem in sub-Saharan Africa and other experts on the difficulties currently encountered by business support organizations in the field as well as on the main strategies to be put in place in order to strengthen their skills and/or their commitment to achieve SDGs.\nTarget audience\nEntrepreneurs\nBusiness Incubators\nSocial Entrepreneurs\nCapital providers\nEcosystem enablers\nProfessional associations\nCommunity-based organizations(CBOs)\nNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)\nHigher institutions of learning – universities\nVocational schools\nExperts\nPublic personalities\nExpected number of participants onsite (on invitation): 50\nContact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 653 78 25 81/ 698 64 55 24\n.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-15{width:100% !important;margin-top : 10px;margin-bottom : 10px;}.fusion-builder-column-15 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-15{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-15 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-15{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-15 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-14{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/social-entrepreneurship-restitution-workshop/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Social Entrepreneurship
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220401T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220401T120000
DTSTAMP:20250127T113509Z
CREATED:20230824T082346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T113509Z
UID:10000090-1648807200-1648814400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons Learned from Business Incubation in Cameroon
DESCRIPTION:IN-COUNTRY PANEL DISCUSSION Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons Learned from Business Incubation in CameroonFriday 1st April 2022 at Hotel Mansel\, Yaoundé\, from 10:00 am (Hybrid Event)\nBackground\nThe Nkafu Policy Institute\, a Think tank at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, in partnership with organizations in Ghana and Burkina Faso\, is implementing a 2-year project. Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)\, this project is entitled: “Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons learned from business incubation in Cameroon\, Burkina Faso\, and Ghana”. Its main objective is to map the business incubation practices in these countries and see how these contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4\, 5\, 8\, 9\, 13 and therefore promote social entrepreneurship. Following the in-country restitution workshop held on 27th August 2021\, during which the draft data collection tools were presented to different stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem\, five data collection tools were finalized for business support structures\, ecosystem enablers\, capital providers\, social entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of social enterprises. After collecting data from business support structures\, it is deemed necessary to restitute the findings and gather feedback to improve on the results.\nObjective of the event\nThe main objective of this event is to discuss the findings of the report on social entrepreneurship for sustainable development in Cameroon prepared by the Nkafu Policy Institute. More specifically\, it will be a matter of:\nPresenting the analysis of the data collected as well as the findings of the research;\nDiscussing the key recommendations made to each stakeholder in the entrepreneurial ecosystem (business support structures\, capital providers\, ecosystem enablers\, social entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of social enterprises)\, for the promotion of business support practices that result in SDGs 4\, 5\, 8\, 9 and 13;\nDiscussing the key persistent challenges identified\, based on responses gathered from the stakeholders during the primary research\, and gather responses from the audience about possible remedies that have been tried in their positions;\nDiscussing the challenges faced in the conduct of the research\, especially with regards to data collection exercise\nObtaining feedback from the various stakeholders on the best-practice methods and activities for promoting social innovation\, and SDGs 4\, 5\, 8\, 9 and 13 impact at scale in Cameroon;\nObtaining feedback from the different stakeholders for an enhancement of business support practices in Cameroon\, especially their commitment to the SDGs;\nCollating recommendations from stakeholders on other aspects of the research that promote the social entrepreneurship ecosystem.\nTarget audience\nBusiness Incubators\nSocial Entrepreneurs\nCapital providers\nEcosystem enablers\nBeneficiaries\nContact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 653 78 25 81/ 698 64 55 24\n.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-33{width:100% !important;margin-top : 10px;margin-bottom : 10px;}.fusion-builder-column-33 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-33{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-33 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-33{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-33 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-32{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/social-entrepreneurship-for-sustainable-development-in-sub-saharan-africa-lessons-learned-from-business-incubation-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Social Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Event_temp_800X800.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220225T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220225T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T113843Z
CREATED:20230824T082747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T113843Z
UID:10000041-1645779600-1645801200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:2022 Cameroon Free Trade Forum – NOTI
DESCRIPTION:2022 Cameroon Free Trade Forum – NOTI\n“Facilitating Cameroon’s Bilateral and Multilateral Trade”\nDate: February 25\, 2021  –   Time: 09:00 am (Cameroon time) – (Hybrid Event)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\, (Only on Invitation)\n  for Online participants (Zoom Online) Online Registration  \nBackground \nCameroon is positioned in the transport logistics chain as a port and transit state for the trade of many border and non-border countries with the rest of the world (notably\, Central African Republic\, Chad and Nigeria\, to name a few). Indeed\, the country is open to the Atlantic Ocean with about 402 km of coastline and is served by a land transport corridor about 1\,500 km long towards the Central African Republic and 2\,100 km towards Chad. Despite these assets\, the trade facilitation situation in Cameroon is hardly glowing. According to the 2018 World Bank Doing Business Report in 2018\, Cameroon ranked 186th out of 190 economies in terms of cross-border trade. This is due to the fact that the country’s trade with the rest of the world has gradually deteriorated over time. As a result\, exports to the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) market fell from 14.3 percent of total exports in 2007 (2nd largest importer of Cameroonian products) to 7 percent in 2015 (4th largest importer of Cameroonian products). This deterioration is further corroborated in 2019 by Cameroon’s ranking in terms of trade integration within the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). According to the Africa Regional Integration Index Report 2019\, Cameroon ranked 4th out of the 11 ECCAS member countries with a score of 0.383 (on a scale 0-1)\, below Chad (0.409)\, Gabon (0.504) and the Republic of Congo (0.890). This modest score reflects the many challenges that the country continues to face in various regional integration initiatives. In the same vein\, despite Nigeria’s immense economic potential\, Cameroon’s export to Nigeria represents only 1.1% of its total export.\nTo meet the development objectives set out in its new National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30)\, Cameroon is now seeking to take advantage of its strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea. The country intends to give significant impetus to the acceleration of true trade integration at the sub-regional and regional levels. To achieve this\, the country intends to conquer markets with high development potential\, focusing in particular on the ECCAS (whose market is estimated at over 300 million inhabitants)\, Nigeria\, emerging countries\, the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA). Accordingly\, Nigeria\, whose market is the largest in sub-Saharan Africa\, with an estimated consumer population of about 201 million in 2020 (World Bank\, 2020)\, has been identified as the first target in this conquest. Also\, with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)\, the intensification of Cameroon’s trade relations with the outside world will extend to all the sub-regions of Africa with specific achievable objectives from one country or group of countries to another. However\, to take full advantage of the country’s strategic position\, trade facilitation\, which includes various border activities such as import and export procedures\, transport and insurance formalities\, and other financial requirements\, is necessary and indispensable. The country’s target is to achieve double-digit economic growth by 2035 and a 25% share of manufacturing in GDP.\nIn this context\, the Nkafu Policy Institute\, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, is organizing a Free Trade Forum on how to facilitate Cameroon’s Bilateral and Multilateral Trade. \nObjectives \nThe main objective of this Free Trade Forum is to discuss strategies to facilitate Cameroon’s bilateral and multilateral trade over the next ten years. Specifically\, it will be about: \nDiscussing ways to accelerate a real trade integration of Cameroon at the sub-regional and regional levels through the removal of associated obstacles; \nDiscussing strategies to make Cameroon a land of attractiveness and competitiveness in foreign trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); \nDiscussing priority measures to be implemented by the Cameroonian government to conquer markets with high development potential such as Nigeria. \nTarget Audience  \nThe event targets trade experts\, development partners\, policymakers\, entrepreneurs\, traders\, academics and members of civil society. The event will be streamed live on the Foretia Foundation’s social media platforms. \nEvent Format  \nThe event will be hybrid\, with panel discussions comprised of senior policy makers and business leaders from Africa and around the world. \nThemes of the panel discussions \nHigh level panel discussion (Hybrid session): Cameroon’s Bilateral and Multilateral Trade: Where are we today? \nBreak-out session 1 (Hybrid session): Overcoming the challenges of regional trade integration: What solutions for Cameroon? \nBreak-out session 2 (Hybrid session): How will AfCFTA enhance Cameroon’s competitiveness and trade attractiveness?  \nBreak-out session 3 (Online session): Strengthening Free Trade Relations Between Cameroon and Nigeria \nContact \nEmail : info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel : (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nOnline Rgistration
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/2022-cameroon-free-trade-forum-noti/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Free-Trade-Forum.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220210T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220210T120000
DTSTAMP:20250127T113844Z
CREATED:20230824T082747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T113844Z
UID:10000045-1644483600-1644494400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Can free trade between Cameroon and Nigeria foster Cameroon’s objective of becoming an emerging country by 2035?
DESCRIPTION:Nkafu Open Trade Initiative (NOTI) Quarterly Panel Discussion – 4th Session\nFebruary 10th\, 2022\, Mansel Hotel (Yaoundé)\, from 09:00 am to 12:00pm (Register Now) \n1. Background\nOn November 16\, 2020\, the government of Cameroon presented to the public its new reference framework called: “National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30)”. This NDS30 will ensure emergence of the country by 2035. One of the main objectives of this new government strategy is to achieve an average growth of 8% over the next 10 years. To this end\, the country plans to diversify its foreign trade by conquering markets with high development potential. As a first step\, the Government plans to draw up an effective strategy for the development of trade with Nigeria\, a country bordering Cameroon over 1\,000 km (with 136 million inhabitants) and having many assets in terms of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the field of industrial production. Trade with this country should cover the entire range of products\, from primary products (oil)\, food and industrial products\, to services (energy supply). Within this scope and given the socioeconomic context marked by the COVID-19 pandemic\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the fourth session of the Nkafu Open Trade Initiative Discussion on the theme: Can Free Trade between Cameroon and Nigeria foster Cameroon’s Objective of Becoming an Emerging country?\n2. Objectives and key issue\nThe main objective of this event is to provide a platform for high-level experts to discuss how free trade between Cameroon and Nigeria can foster Cameroon’s vision of becoming an emerging country by 2035. Specifically\, it will be matter of: \n· Examining the real needs of the Cameroonian economy (in terms of production\, infrastructures) in the short\, medium and long term.\n· Explaining how free trade between Cameroon and Nigeria could increase incomes and support living standards in the coming years.\n· Examining the main obstacles to trade between Cameroon and Nigeria. \n3. Target Audience\nThe target audience will be made up of students\, professionals\, trade experts\, policy makers and civil society organizations.\n4. Contact\nEmail : info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel : (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/can-free-trade-between-cameroon-and-nigeria-foster-cameroons-objective-of-becoming-an-emerging-country-by-2035/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/sNkafu-Open-Trade-Initiative-4th-edition-jpg.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210827T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210827T120000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114522Z
CREATED:20230824T083608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114522Z
UID:10000122-1630054800-1630065600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:In-Country Restitution Workshop
DESCRIPTION:In-Country Restitution WorkshopSocial Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons Learned from Business Incubation in Cameroon\nThe 27th August 2021 | 09-13h at Hotel Mansel\, Yaounde\n1. Background\nThe Nkafu Policy Institute\, a Think tank at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, in partnership with organisations in Ghana and Burkina Faso\, is implementing a two (2) years project. Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)\, this project is entitled: “Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons learned from business incubation in Cameroon\, Burkina Faso\, and Ghana”. Its main objective is to map the business incubation practices in these countries and see how these contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4\, 5\, 8\, 9\, and 13 and therefore promote social entrepreneurship. Following the in-country workshop held on 5th May 2021\, during which the draft data collection tools were presented to different stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem\, five data collection tools were finalised for business support structures\, ecosystem enablers\, capital providers\, social entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of social enterprises. After collecting data from business support structures\, it is deemed necessary to restitute the findings and gather feedback to improve on the results.\n2. Objective of the restitution workshop\nThe main objective of the workshop is to present the results of the survey\, to the business support structures in Cameroon. More specifically\, it is to present the:\nDemographic profiles of business support structures\,\nSpatial and temporal characteristics of business support structures\,\nTechnical and organisational specificities of business support structures\,\nPlace of women in business support and strengthening the resilience of the entrepreneurial ecosystem\,\nRelationship between business support structures and the objectives of sustainable development in Cameroon\,\nFinancing models of business support structures and their sources of funding.\n3. Participants\nBusiness Incubators\nSocial Entrepreneurs\nCapital providers\nEcosystem enablers\nBeneficiaries\n4. Contact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 653 78 25 81/ 698 64 55 24\n.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-83{width:100% !important;margin-top : 10px;margin-bottom : 10px;}.fusion-builder-column-83 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-83{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-83 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-83{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-83 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-58{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/in-country-restitution-workshop/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Social Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Event_temp_800X800.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210624T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210624T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114950Z
CREATED:20230824T083954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114950Z
UID:10000138-1624528800-1624539600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:The African Continental Free Trade Area: Benefits\, Opportunities and Challenges
DESCRIPTION:Date: 24 June 2021     –     Time: 09AM     –    Venue: Mansel Hotel -Fouda (Register Here) \nBackground\nOn 1st January 2021\, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)\, created with a view to eventually integrate all states of the African Union into a free trade area\, was effectively put in place. This continental market\, which brings together several African countries\, will cover a market of over 1.2 billion people and a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 trillion. In terms of the number of participating countries\, the AfCFTA\, at full strength\, will be the world’s largest free trade area since the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) with 53 member countries. To date\, 54 of the 55 member states of the African Union have signed the Agreement\, but only 36 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification\, thus becoming States Parties to the Agreement. \nThe AfCFTA will liberalize and facilitate a single market for goods and services\, including the free movement of people and capital. It would contribute to sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development\, gender equity and\, more broadly\, lead to increased competitiveness and industrial development. It should be noted that the percentage of trade between African countries is only 16 – 18% and that most of the continent’s trade is with the rest of the world. Most African exports are in raw materials\, including extractive commodities like oil\, gas and minerals\, which are vulnerable to market volatility. Therefore\, the key focus here is on the development of value chains and manufacturing on a continental scale. \nThe countries that ratify the agreement agree to liberalize 90% of their tariff lines. In other words\, they will reduce and eventually eliminate tariffs on 90% of goods traded under the AfCFTA. The continent’s least developed countries (LDCs) are expected to reach this target in 10 years\, while the others will do so over a period of five years. Sensitive products\, which account for up to 7% of tariff lines\, will be fully liberalized over a period of 13 years for LDCs and 10 years for non-LDCs. Finally\, 3% of tariff lines will be excluded from tariff liberalization. Several other measures were also adopted\, including the monitoring and elimination of non-tariff barriers\, establishing a digital payments system\, and creating the African Trade Observatory. The bigger market will spur producers to upscale and so support increased industrialization and value addition on the continent. More employment opportunities will thus be generated for Africa’s burgeoning youth population. \nIndeed\, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) or regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) are governed by the scope of rules laid out in the GATT 1994 Article XXIV. The Article gives member states exemption from the principle of Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) by treating mutual imports preferentially through the formation of a PTA or RTA. The WTO permits the creation of three types of PTA\, i.e.\, formation of a Customs Union (CU) under Article XXIV\, Agreements under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)and Agreements crafted under the Enabling Clause. \nWith this in mind and given the socioeconomic context marked by the Covid-19 pandemic\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the first edition of the Nkafu Open Trade Initiative Discussion on the theme: “The African Continental Free Trade Area: Benefits\, Opportunities and Challenges”. \nObjectives  \nThe main objective of this event is to provide a platform for high-level experts to address the requirements for the successful implementation of the AfCFTA. The discussion will center around the challenges with implementation and the benefits and opportunities of AfCFTA for African countries. Specifically\, it will provide an opportunity to:  \nExamine the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area  \nCritically Assess the Agreement and its benefits to member countries \nOutline the development implications of the AfCFTA on health\, education\, employment and consumption \nAssess the appropriateness of current procedures in the implementation monitoring of the agreement. \nIdentify and propose policy recommendations to facilitate the process of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area.  \nVenue and date \nThe discussion is scheduled for 24th June 2021 at the Mansel Hotel in Yaoundé-Cameroon. \nTarget audience \nThis panel discussion will provide a forum of 50 participants (including the panel discussion) from different fields of expertise\, and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The audience consists of government representatives\, traders\, investors\, academics\, researchers and students\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, non-governmental organizations\, civil society and public representatives etc. It is a unique opportunity to better inform on the reforms needed for Cameroon to achieve its emerging status by 2035 whilst ensuring the effective implementation of the AfCFTA. In addition\, this event will create a platform for professional development and effective policy discourse. \nPanelists and Moderator \nPr. Christian Zamo Akono: Associate Professor of the Faculties of Economics and Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Management (FSEG) of the University of Yaoundé II-Soa (Cameroon)\nMs Frida Basok: International Trade law and Trade Policy Expert at ECCAS Women’s Entrepreneurship Council\nLandry Roland Noutchang: Director of Promotion and Cooperation at the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Crafts\, Corporate director\, Senior international consultant\, Douala\, Cameroon\nModerator: Henri Kouam\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/the-african-continental-free-trade-area-benefits-opportunities-and-challenges/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NOTI-event-01-fb-eng-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210624T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210624T000000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114950Z
CREATED:20230824T083954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114950Z
UID:10000139-1624492800-1624492800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:The African Continental Free Trade Area: Benefits\, Opportunities and Challenges
DESCRIPTION:Date: 24 June 2021     –     Time: 09AM     –    Venue: Mansel Hotel -Fouda (Register Here)Background\nOn 1st January 2021\, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)\, created with a view to eventually integrate all states of the African Union into a free trade area\, was effectively put in place. This continental market\, which brings together several African countries\, will cover a market of over 1.2 billion people and a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 trillion. In terms of the number of participating countries\, the AfCFTA\, at full strength\, will be the world’s largest free trade area since the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) with 53 member countries. To date\, 54 of the 55 member states of the African Union have signed the Agreement\, but only 36 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification\, thus becoming States Parties to the Agreement. \nWith this in mind and given the socioeconomic context marked by the Covid-19 pandemic\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the first edition of the Nkafu Open Trade Initiative Discussion on the theme: “The African Continental Free Trade Area: Benefits\, Opportunities and Challenges”. \nObjectives  \nThe main objective of this event is to provide a platform for high-level experts to address the requirements for the successful implementation of the AfCFTA. The discussion will center around the challenges with implementation and the benefits and opportunities of AfCFTA for African countries. Specifically\, it will provide an opportunity to: \nExamine the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area \nCritically Assess the Agreement and its benefits to member countries \nOutline the development implications of the AfCFTA on health\, education\, employment and consumption \nAssess the appropriateness of current procedures in the implementation monitoring of the agreement. \nIdentify and propose policy recommendations to facilitate the process of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area. \nVenue and date \nThe discussion is scheduled for 24th June 2021 at the Mansel Hotel in Yaoundé-Cameroon. \nTarget audience \nThis panel discussion will provide a forum of 50 participants (including the panel discussion) from different fields of expertise\, and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The audience consists of government representatives\, traders\, investors\, academics\, researchers and students\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, non-governmental organizations\, civil society and public representatives etc. \nPanelists and Moderator \nPr. Christian Zamo Akono: Associate Professor of the Faculties of Economics and Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Management (FSEG) of the University of Yaoundé II-Soa (Cameroon)\nMs Frida Basok: International Trade law and Trade Policy Expert at ECCAS Women’s Entrepreneurship Council\nLandry Roland Noutchang: Director of Promotion and Cooperation at the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Crafts\, Corporate director\, Senior international consultant\, Douala\, Cameroon\nModerator: Henri Kouam\n.fusion-button.button-42 {border-radius:0px;}REGISTER NOW\n.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-96{width:100% !important;margin-top : 10px;margin-bottom : 10px;}.fusion-builder-column-96 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-96{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-96 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-96{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-96 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-67{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/the-african-continental-free-trade-area-benefits-opportunities-and-challenges-2/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Nkafu Open trade Initiative
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210618T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210618T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114950Z
CREATED:20230824T083954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114950Z
UID:10000140-1624010400-1624021200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Obtaining Construction Permit In Cameroon: Is The Interference Of Professionals’ Associations Necessary?
DESCRIPTION:Date: June 18th 2021 at the Mansel Hotel\, Fouda\, Yaoundé-Cameroon \nBackground\nA resilient and adaptable infrastructure is necessary for economic development. In other to realize such projects\, individuals are required to obtain a building permit. The building permit is a preliminary declaration that allows for the verification of a construction initiative in a given locality\, in line with town planning and architectural rules in force. In Cameroon\, this document issued by the local council authority is mandatory for any possible new construction or modification of an existing infrastructure. Therefore\, any construction without an official permit is liable to a penalty of 30% of the estimated cost of the building.\nAccording to Law No.2004/003 of April 21\, 2004\,?governing the Cameroonian Urban Planning Code and the decree of 23rd April 2008; the process of obtaining this document has been considerably shortened. Yet\, it remains quite complex. This complexity is evident in the plurality of procedures\, requirements\, norms\, offices\, conditions\, actors\, documents\, and stakeholders involved in the process. All these are accompanied by the heavy financial burden\, time-consuming processes\, boycotts\, administrative bottlenecks and corruption; all of which lead to unorganized and slow urban development. Moreover\, within this complexity is the reality that such mechanisms differ from one place to another across the national territory; thereby creating some sought of uncertainty\, non-uniformity\, and lack of trust in the system. The improvement in the issuance mechanism of Construction Permits in Cameroon is very vital for a country that has the ambition to achieve its economic emergence by 2035.\nTo issue the document\, the administrative and technical bodies ensure that future infrastructure comply with town planning regulations\, whether it concerns the layout of the works\, their nature\, their location\, the architecture or the development of their surroundings. They equally check if the work plan has been established under the responsibility of an architect registered with the National Order of Architects of Cameroon. Law n° 2004/003 of 21 April 2004 governing urban planning in Cameroon\, stipulates in its article 107 paragraph 1 that the building permit is obtained “…after verification of its conformity with the rules of art and urban planning rules in force”.\nDespite the reforms undertaken in the urbanization sector in Cameroon (2014\, 2016\, 2017)\, many bottlenecks still mar the process of obtaining building permits. In particular\, there are governance issues. Excessive procedural patterns seem to hamper the realization of the objectives set by the government of Cameroon to attract much needed local and foreign direct investment to the country. Other related challenges are the real costs of obtaining permits\, delays\, land issues\, corruption and influence peddling.\nCognizant of all these difficulties\, and knowing that the construction permit is one of the indicators that informs the business environment of a state\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\, is organizing a public debate on the theme:?Obtaining construction permit in Cameroon: Is the interference of professionals associations necessary?”. \nObjectives  \nThe main objective of the Nkafu public debates is to provide a platform for high-level Cameroonian and African experts to address the requirements for successful investment in Cameroon. This particular event aims to provide a critical assessment of the current business environment on the processing of construction permits in Cameroon. \nSpecifically\, it will provide an opportunity to: \nExamine Cameroon’s past performance in the Doing Business Index\, particularly in terms of facilitating construction permits;\nCritically assess the legislation and administrative procedures for obtaining construction permits;\nAssess the appropriateness of transferring the processing and issuing of building permits to professional associations such as civil engineers and architects etc.;\nIdentify and propose policy recommendations to facilitate the process of obtaining construction permits and improve the business climate in Cameroon. \nPanelists  \nAbondo Antoine Rollin\, Civil Engineer\nDr. Steve Tametong\, Democracy Fellow\, Nkafu Policy health Institute\nAbanda Jean Rogwer\, Civil Engineer\, Polytechnician E-MBA Strategic Management\nEtie Lionel Makoge\, Magistrate Supreme Court \nModerator: Dr. Fuein Vera\, Research Fellow in Economics Affairs\, Nkafu Policy Institute\nVenue and date  \nThis second edition of the Nkafu Public Debates is scheduled for June 18th 2021 at the Mansel Hotel\, Fouda\, Yaoundé-Cameroon.  \n Target audience  \nThis debate will provide a forum of 50 participants from different fields of expertise\, and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The audience consists of government representatives\, professionals’ associations (civil engineers\, architects\, notaries\, etc.)\, academics\, researchers and students\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, non-governmental organizations\, civil society and public representatives etc.\nREGISTER NOW  
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/obtaining-construction-permit-in-cameroon-is-the-interference-of-professionals-associations-necessary/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Obtaining-Construction-Permit-In-Cameroon-Is-The-Interference-Of-Professionals-Associations-Necessary-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210618T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210618T000000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115005Z
CREATED:20230824T084154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115005Z
UID:10000141-1623974400-1623974400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Obtaining Construction Permit In Cameroon: Is The Interference Of Professionals’ Associations Necessary?
DESCRIPTION:Date: June 18th 2021 at the Mansel Hotel\, Fouda\, Yaoundé-Cameroon (Register Here)Background? \nA resilient and adaptable infrastructure is necessary for economic development. In other to?realize?such projects\, individuals are required to obtain a building permit. The building permit is a preliminary declaration that allows for the verification of a construction initiative in a given locality\, in line with town planning and architectural rules in force. In Cameroon\, this document issued by the local council authority is mandatory for any possible new construction or modification of an existing?infrastructure. Therefore\, any construction without an official permit is liable to a penalty of 30% of the estimated cost of the building.? \nAccording to Law No.2004/003 of April 21\, 2004\,?governing the Cameroonian Urban Planning Code and the decree of 23rd April 2008; the process of obtaining this document has been considerably shortened. Yet\, it remains quite complex. This complexity is evident in the plurality of procedures\, requirements\, norms\, offices\, conditions\, actors\, documents\, and stakeholders involved in the process. All these are accompanied by the heavy financial burden\, time-consuming processes\, boycotts\, administrative bottlenecks and corruption; all of which lead to?unorganized?and slow urban development. Moreover\, within this complexity is the reality that such mechanisms differ from one place to another across the national territory; thereby creating some sought of uncertainty\, non-uniformity\, and lack of trust in the system. The improvement in the issuance mechanism of Construction Permits in Cameroon is very vital for a country that has the ambition to achieve its economic emergence by 2035.?? \nTo?issue the document\, the administrative and technical bodies ensure that future infrastructure comply with town planning regulations\, whether it concerns the layout of the works\, their nature\, their location\, the architecture or the development of their surroundings.?They equally?check if the work plan has been established under the responsibility of an architect registered with the National Order of Architects of Cameroon. Law n° 2004/003 of 21 April 2004 governing urban planning in Cameroon\, stipulates in its article 107 paragraph 1 that the building permit is obtained “…after verification of its conformity with the rules of art and urban planning rules in force”.?? \nDespite the reforms undertaken in the?urbanization?sector in Cameroon (2014\, 2016\, 2017)\, many bottlenecks still mar the process of obtaining building permits. In particular\, there are governance issues. Excessive procedural patterns seem to hamper the?realization?of the objectives set by the government of Cameroon to attract much needed local and foreign direct investment to the country. Other related challenges are the real costs of obtaining permits\, delays\, land issues\, corruption and influence peddling.?? \nCognizant of all these difficulties\, and knowing that the construction permit is one of the indicators that informs the business environment of a state\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\, is?organizing?a public debate on the theme:?Obtaining construction permit in Cameroon: Is the interference of professionals associations necessary?”.? \n?Objectives  \nThe main objective of the Nkafu public debates is to provide a platform for high-level Cameroonian and African experts to address the requirements for successful investment in Cameroon. This particular event aims to provide a critical assessment of the current business environment on the processing of construction permits in Cameroon. \n?Specifically\, it will provide an opportunity to:? \nExamine Cameroon’s past performance in the Doing Business Index\, particularly in terms of facilitating construction permits;?? \n?Critically assess the legislation and administrative procedures for obtaining construction permits;?? \nAssess the appropriateness of transferring the processing and issuing of building permits to professional associations such as civil engineers and architects etc.;? \nIdentify and propose policy recommendations to facilitate the process of obtaining construction permits and improve the business climate in Cameroon.? \nPanelists \nAbondo Antoine Rollin\, Civil Engineer\nDr. Steve Tametong\, Democracy Fellow\, Nkafu Policy health Institute\nAbanda Jean Rogwer\, Civil Engineer\, Polytechnician E-MBA Strategic Management\nEtie Lionel Makoge\, Magistrate Supreme Court\nModerator: Dr. Fuein Vera\, Research Fellow in Economics Affairs\, Nkafu Policy Institute\nVenue and date  \nThis second edition of the Nkafu Public Debates is scheduled for June 18th 2021 at the Mansel Hotel\, Fouda\, Yaoundé-Cameroon.  \n Target audience  \nThis debate will provide a forum of 50 participants from different fields of expertise\, and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The audience consists of government representatives\, professionals’ associations (civil engineers\, architects\, notaries\, etc.)\, academics\, researchers and students\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, non-governmental organizations\, civil society and public representatives etc.  \n.fusion-button.button-41 {border-radius:0px;}REGISTER NOW\n.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-95{width:100% !important;margin-top : 10px;margin-bottom : 10px;}.fusion-builder-column-95 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-95{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-95 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-95{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-95 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-66{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/obtaining-construction-permit-in-cameroon-is-the-interference-of-professionals-associations-necessary-2/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200220T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200220T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T123625Z
CREATED:20230824T084600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T123625Z
UID:10000280-1582189200-1582203600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Is Market Competition Good For Cameroon’s Industrialization?
DESCRIPTION:Organization Name: Nkafu Policy Institute (Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation)CONCEPT NOTE\n Competition is a major pillar of free-market systems. Competition policy is about applying rules to make sure businesses and companies compete fairly with each other. It encourages efficiency\, creates a wider choice for consumers and helps reduce prices and improve quality.\nAccording to liberals\, competition is inevitable and good for countries. They believe an important advantage of competition is innovation. Indeed\, innovation spurs the invention of new and better products\, or it helps to create lower-cost manufacturing processes. As a result\, it drives economic growth\, creates more employment opportunities and increases standards of living. Another advantage of competition is economies of scale and technology transfers. Companies can increase their global presence by operating in more and more overseas markets. Finally\, competition can also help businesses identify consumers’ needs – and then develop new products or services to meet those needs.\nContrary to the above arguments\, protectionists believe competition is not good for an economy.  They support that only big companies survive in a competition (i.e. small companies struggle or die). According to them\, small companies do not have all the extra benefits or capital to expand and outsource like large companies. In addition\, protectionists argue that competition decreases market share and shrinks customer base\, especially if demand for products or services is limited from the start. Consequently\, companies are forced to lower their prices to stay competitive hence decreasing their return on each item they produce and sell.\nIn 2019\, the government of Cameroon has drafted the National Strategy for Development 2020-2030. This strategy lays more emphasis on industrialization and the structural transformation of the economy. Indeed\, the secondary sector is only 15.6% of companies while the tertiary sector represents 84.2% of companies according to the second General Census of Companies (2016). Also\, small businesses dominate the economic fabric in Cameroon as they represent 98.5% of the total of companies.\nHowever\, Cameroon faces major structural challenges and negative shocks including an alarming poverty level\, government remaining the largest employer\, the worsening security situation in the Nord West and South West Regions\, the conflict with Boko Haram in the North Region\, and the recent currency crisis as a result of excessive imports. In addition\, small businesses in Cameroon face major obstacles that prevent them from growing. These obstacles include high tax rates\, financial exclusion\, corruption\, and administrative tracasseries just to name but a few.\nThis debate will\, therefore\, discuss the place of competition in Cameroon’s industrialization process. The main question to be answered is: Should Cameroon prioritize market competition to spur industrialization in the country?\n Purpose of the event\nThe objective of this debate is to compare the views of different Cameroonian experts on the best way to spur industrialization in Cameroon.\nThis is a public debate on the theme: ‘‘Is Market Competition Good for Cameroon’s Industrialization?’’. Indeed\, the limited numbers of industrialization projects in the country and their inefficient management drastically reduce their effects on people’s life. That is why some observers believe the economy should be opened to competition in all sectors in order to spur industrialization\, economic growth and development. Others\, on the other hand\, support that Cameroon should protect its embryonic industries given the fact that 80% of companies die before 5 years.\nTarget audience\nThis event will bring together participants from various fields of expertise: economists\, government officials\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, humanitarian organizations\, non-governmental organizations\, academics and researchers\, students\, the general public and civil society actors.\nNumber of participants\nWe are expecting 80 participants.\nParticipation fees\nThis event is open to the target audience with no registration or participation fee. \nAreas of concern\nIndustrialization; Structural Transformation; Market Competition; Economic Development; International Trade; Economic Emergence; Public Policies.\nExpected results\nAt the end of this event\, participants should: \nUnderstand the meaning of industrialization;\nRecognize the best path for an industrialized Cameroon;\nUnderstand the benefits and challenges of market competition;\nComprehend the profits and problems of protectionism and liberalism;\nApprehend the reforms needed for a successful industrialization strategy. \n REGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/is-market-competition-good-for-cameroons-industrialization/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200220T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200220T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T123625Z
CREATED:20230824T084600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T123625Z
UID:10000281-1582189200-1582203600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:L’ouverture À La Concurrence Est-Elle Bonne Pour L’industrialisation Du Cameroun ?
DESCRIPTION:Theme: L’ouverture À La Concurrence Est-Elle Bonne Pour L’industrialisation Du Cameroun ? \nOrganisé Par : Nkafu Policy Institute (Fondation Denis & Lenora Foretia) \n.fusion-button.button-16 .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-16 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-16 {border-width:0px;border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-16 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-16:hover .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-16:hover i\,.fusion-button.button-16:focus .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-16:focus i\,.fusion-button.button-16:active .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-16:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-16:hover\, .fusion-button.button-16:focus\, .fusion-button.button-16:active{border-width:0px;border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-16:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider\, .fusion-button.button-16:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider\, .fusion-button.button-16:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-16{width:100%;}\nENREGISTREZ-VOUS\n \nNOTE CONCEPTUELLE\nLa concurrence est un pilier majeur des systèmes de marché libre. La politique de la concurrence consiste à appliquer des règles pour s’assurer que les entreprises et les sociétés se font une concurrence loyale. Cette politique encourage l’efficacité\, crée un choix plus large pour les consommateurs\, contribue à réduire les prix et à améliorer la qualité.\nSelon les libéraux\, la concurrence est inévitable et bénéfique pour les pays. Ils estiment qu’un avantage important de la concurrence est l’innovation. En effet\, l’innovation stimule l’invention de nouveaux et meilleurs produits\, ou elle contribue à créer des processus de fabrication à moindre coût. Par conséquent\, elle stimule la croissance économique\, crée davantage de possibilités d’emploi et augmente le niveau de vie. Les économies d’échelle et les transferts de technologie constituent un autre avantage de la concurrence. Les entreprises peuvent accroître leur présence mondiale en opérant sur des marchés étrangers de plus en plus nombreux. Enfin\, la concurrence peut également aider les entreprises à identifier les besoins des consommateurs\, puis à développer de nouveaux produits ou services pour répondre à ces besoins.\nContrairement aux arguments ci-dessus\, les protectionnistes estiment que la concurrence n’est pas bonne pour une économie.  Ils soutiennent que seules les grandes entreprises survivent dans la concurrence (c’est-à-dire que les petites entreprises luttent ou meurent). Selon les tenants de cette thèse\, les petites entreprises ne disposent pas de tous les avantages ou capitaux supplémentaires pour se développer et s’externaliser comme les grandes entreprises. Aussi\, les protectionnistes affirment que la concurrence diminue la part de marché et la clientèle\, surtout si la demande de produits ou de services est limitée dès le départ. Par conséquent\, les entreprises sont obligées de baisser leurs prix pour rester compétitives\, ce qui diminue leur rendement sur chaque article ou service qu’elles produisent et vendent.\nEn 2019\, le gouvernement du Cameroun a élaboré la Stratégie Nationale de Développement 2020-2030. Cette stratégie met davantage l’accent sur l’industrialisation et la transformation structurelle de l’économie car\, dans les chiffres\, le secteur secondaire ne représente que 15\,6% des entreprises alors que le secteur tertiaire représente 84\,2% des entreprises selon le deuxième Recensement Général des Entreprises (2016). Par ailleurs\, les petites entreprises dominent le tissu économique camerounais puisqu’elles représentent 98\,5% du total des entreprises.\nCependant\, le Cameroun est confronté à des défis structurels majeurs et à des chocs négatifs\, notamment un niveau de pauvreté alarmant\, une grosse présence de l’Etat dans l’économie\, la détérioration de la situation sécuritaire dans les régions du Nord-Ouest et du Sud-Ouest\, le conflit avec Boko Haram dans la région du Nord ; et la récente crise des devises causée par des importations excessives. Davantage\, les petites et moyennes entreprises camerounaises sont confrontées à des obstacles majeurs qui les empêchent de se développer. Parmi ces obstacles\, citons les taux d’imposition élevés\, l’exclusion financière\, la corruption et les tracasseries administratives\, pour n’en citer que quelques-uns.  \nCe débat portera donc sur la place de la concurrence dans le processus d’industrialisation du Cameroun. La principale question à laquelle il convient de répondre est la suivante : Le Cameroun doit-il donner la priorité à la concurrence sur le marché pour stimuler l’industrialisation du pays ?\n \nObjectif de l’événement\nL’objectif de ce débat est de comparer les points de vue de différents experts camerounais sur la meilleure façon de stimuler l’industrialisation au Cameroun.\nIl s’agit d’un débat public sur le thème : ‘‘L’ouverture à la concurrence est-elle bonne pour l’industrialisation du Cameroun ?’’ En effet\, le nombre limité de projets d’industrialisation dans le pays et leur gestion inefficace réduisent considérablement leurs effets sur la vie des populations. C’est pourquoi certains observateurs estiment que l’économie devrait être ouverte à la concurrence dans tous les secteurs afin de stimuler l’industrialisation\, la croissance économique et le développement. D’autres\, en revanche\, soutiennent que le Cameroun devrait protéger ses industries embryonnaires étant donné que 80% des entreprises créées meurent avant 5 ans. \n \nPublic cible\nCet événement réunira des participants de différents domaines d’expertise : économistes\, fonctionnaires\, orateurs\, entrepreneurs\, organisations humanitaires\, organisations non gouvernementales\, universitaires et chercheurs\, étudiants\, grand public et acteurs de la société civile.\n \nNombre de participants\nNous attendons 80 participants.\n \nFrais de participation\nCet événement est ouvert au public cible sans frais d’inscription ou de participation.\nDomaines de préoccupation\nIndustrialisation ; Transformation structurelle ; Concurrence sur le marché ; Développement économique ; Commerce international ; Émergence économique ; Politiques publiques.\n \nLieu\nHôtel Mansel (Quartier Fouda)\, Yaoundé-Cameroun.          \n \nRésultats escomptés\nÀ la fin de cet événement\, les participants devraient : \nComprendre la signification de l’industrialisation ;\nReconnaître la meilleure voie pour un Cameroun industrialisé ;\nComprendre les avantages et les défis de la concurrence sur le marché ;\nComprendre les bénéfices et les problèmes du protectionnisme et du libéralisme ;\nAppréhender les réformes nécessaires pour une stratégie d’industrialisation réussie. \n \nPanélistes \nDr. Louis-Marie KAKDEU – Economiste et Chercheur Associé au Nkafu Policy Institute\, Cameroun. (POUR)\nDr. Lamine HIMBE – Administrateur Civil et Chercheur au Ministère des Mines\, de l’Industrie et du Développement Technologique (MINDMIT). (POUR)\nDr. Joel MOUDIO MOTTO – Economiste et Chercheur à l’Université de Yaoundé II. (CONTRE)\nM. René MEZENE – Entrepreneur et PDG de ProxyServices. (CONTRE) \n \nModérateur\nDr. Fabien SUNDJO – Économiste et Chercheur Associé au Nkafu Policy Institute\, Cameroun.\n  \n.fusion-button.button-17 .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-17 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-17 {border-width:0px;border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-17 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-17:hover .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-17:hover i\,.fusion-button.button-17:focus .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-17:focus i\,.fusion-button.button-17:active .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-17:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-17:hover\, .fusion-button.button-17:focus\, .fusion-button.button-17:active{border-width:0px;border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-17:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider\, .fusion-button.button-17:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider\, .fusion-button.button-17:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-17{width:100%;}\nENREGISTREZ-VOUS
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/louverture-a-la-concurrence-est-elle-bonne-pour-lindustrialisation-du-cameroun/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Nkafu-Debate-20feb-web-fr2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200123T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200123T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T123424Z
CREATED:20230824T084608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T123424Z
UID:10000154-1579770000-1579784400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Will More Taxes Increase Fiscal Revenues In Cameroon?
DESCRIPTION:CONCEPT NOTETaxation is a means by which governments finance their expenditures by imposing charges on citizens and corporates entities. In general\, taxes can be either direct or indirect. For example\, income taxation is a direct tax while the value-added tax (VAT) on goods sold is an indirect tax.\nAccording to Arthur Laffer\, there exists a limit to which an increase in taxes leads to more government revenue. His thesis demonstrated by the Laffer curve says: “Too much tax kills to tax.” In other words\, if tax rates are too high people would not work as hard leading to less income and profits for the government to tax.\nBased on the Laffer curve\, two schools of thought can be derived. The first school supports that a favorable taxation regime acts as a catalyst for the development of start-ups\, foreign direct investment and private investment. The second school demonstrates that an unfavorable tax rate negatively affects investment decisions\, economic growth and employment.\nIn Africa\, governments tend to increase taxes in order to gain more revenues. Indeed\, falling prices in oil exports and poor economic structures have led to a rapid cycle of indebtedness hence reducing available resources to finance public goods and services. Taxation then becomes an internal strategic tool used by governments to solve this situation. However\, African countries face a dilemma. Indeed\, an excessively heavy tax burden might crush activity while an excessively low one can starve an economy of the ‘oxygen’ it needs to advance.\nIn Cameroon\, taxation remains the first obstacle to the development of entrepreneurial activities (General Census of Enterprises\, 2016). Indeed\, high taxes prevent entrepreneurs to fully establish and flourish their activities. The corporate tax (33% in total) and the value-added tax (19.25%) remains high compared to countries like Nigeria or Rwanda.\nIn addition\, each year the government of Cameroon creates ‘new taxes’. For example\, in the 2019 Budget\, a flat rate of 200 F CFA per application was created for software and application that are downloaded online via phone or tablet. Moreover\, the 2020 Budget bill projects to increase taxes on cosmetics and artificial hair just to name but a few.\nThe above situation has led to the development and the predominance of the informal sector in Cameroon. Indeed\, the majority of businesses prefer to remain informal (i.e. approximately 89% of small enterprises) to avoid being charged high taxes. Consequently\, the government cannot fully collect the projected amounts.\nThis debate will discuss the best way for governments in Africa to increase fiscal revenues with a focus on Cameroon. However\, the main question remains: Should Cameroon prioritize more taxes or high tax rates to increase fiscal revenues?\nPurpose of the event\nThe objective of this debate is to compare the views of different Cameroonian experts on the best method for optimizing fiscal revenues in Cameroon.\nThis is a public debate on the theme: ‘‘Will More Taxes Increase Fiscal Revenues in Cameroon?’’. Indeed\, some observers believe the government can maximize fiscal receipts with low tax rates (i.e. the efficient thinking). Others\, on the other hand\, support that governments should increases taxes and tax rates in order to have more fiscal revenues (i.e. the effective thinking).\nTarget audience\nThis event will bring together participants from various fields of expertise: economists\, government officials\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, humanitarian organizations\, non-governmental organizations\, academics and researchers\, students\, the general public and civil society actors.\nNumber of participants\nWe are expecting 80 participants.\nParticipation fees\nThis event is open to the target audience with no registration or participation fee.\n \nAreas of concern\nTaxation; Fiscal Revenues; Tax System; Small Business; Entrepreneurship; Economic Development; Economic Emergence; Public Policies.\n \nLocation\nHotel Mansel (Quartier Fouda)\, Yaoundé-Cameroon.\n \nExpected results\nAt the end of this event\, participants should: \nUnderstand the meaning of taxation;\nUnderstand the benefits and challenges of high tax rates;\nRecognize the best path for fiscal mobilization in Cameroon;\nComprehend the profits and problems related to tax compliance;\nApprehend the reforms needed for a good tax system in Cameroon. \n  \n.fusion-button.button-18 .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-18 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-18 {border-width:0px;border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-18 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-18:hover .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-18:hover i\,.fusion-button.button-18:focus .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-18:focus i\,.fusion-button.button-18:active .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-18:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-18:hover\, .fusion-button.button-18:focus\, .fusion-button.button-18:active{border-width:0px;border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-18:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider\, .fusion-button.button-18:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider\, .fusion-button.button-18:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-18{width:100%;}\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/will-more-taxes-increase-fiscal-revenues-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nkafu-Debate-23rd-fb-IADhry.tmp_.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR