Theme: “Scaling Up: Expanding Youth and Women-Led SMEs in Cameroon”
From 29 to 30 April 2025, our Executive Coordinator, Akwo Kelvin, represented the Youth and Gender Initiative (YOGI) at the Small and Medium Enterprise Forum (SME Forum), organized by the Small Business and Enterprise Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
This annual forum serves as a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to network, share experiences, learn from industry experts, and explore new collaborations. With a focus on fostering an ecosystem of innovation and growth, the event brought together key stakeholders committed to advancing youth and women-led businesses in Cameroon.
Convened by Dr. Denis Foretia, the Executive Chair of the Foretia Foundation, this year’s edition centered on strategies to scale up small and medium enterprises (SMEs) led by youth and women—a critical driver of economic growth and job creation. The forum featured:
- Expositions showcasing innovative business ideas
- Panel discussions with industry leaders
- Breakout sessions for in-depth learning
- Exhibitions highlighting entrepreneurial success stories
Why This Matters to YOGI
At YOGI, we are deeply committed to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship through our Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme (YEEP). This initiative provides training, mentorship, and skills development to young entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools to build sustainable businesses and contribute to economic development.
Participation in the SME Forum aligns with our mission to:
✅ Promote youth and gender-inclusive entrepreneurship
✅ Foster partnerships that amplify opportunities for young entrepreneurs
✅ Advocate for policies that support SME growth
Moving Forward
The insights gained from this forum will further strengthen YOGI’s programs, ensuring we continue to empower young entrepreneurs, especially women, to scale their businesses, create jobs, and drive innovation.
We extend our gratitude to the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation for this impactful initiative and look forward to future collaborations that advance youth and women-led enterprises in Cameroon.
Stay tuned for more updates on YOGI’s entrepreneurship programs!
For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.yogicameroon.com or follow us on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youth-and-gender-initiative-5757a029a/ and https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084852258536
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