Youth Entrepreneurship South West Region, Cameroon
Youth Empowerment Program
1. Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship Through Strategic Business Planning and Concept Design South-West Region, Cameroon (MENEPAT conference Hall)
Background
In line with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30), the Government of Cameroon prioritizes youth employment, entrepreneurship development, and inclusive economic growth as key drivers of national transformation. Through the Adaptive Safety Nets and Economic Inclusion Project (PFS-AIE), supported by the World Bank, the Business Plan Competition (BPC) has been established to support young entrepreneurs aged 18–35 years in urban areas who are operating start-ups and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Despite the availability of these opportunities, many eligible youths face significant challenges in accessing them due to limited capacity in proposal development. A large number of young entrepreneurs possess viable and innovative business ideas but lack the technical skills required to translate these ideas into well-structured concept notes and bankable business plans that meet the Business Plan Competition (BPC) and other donor standards. Hence the importance of this workshop.
Objective Of the Activity
Target groups and attendance Target Groups:
Results or outcomes
- 165 youths (100%) successfully completed training in concept note and business plan writing.
- 90% of participants demonstrated improved knowledge and skills in developing quality concept notes and business plans.
- 85% of participants developed complete and competitive business proposals suitable for submission to Business Plan Competitions (BPC) and other entrepreneurship support programs.
- 80% of participants reported increased confidence in starting or expanding their own businesses.
- 75% of participants expressed readiness to apply for entrepreneurship funding, incubation, or business development opportunities.
Dashboard
From our dashboard, we have fourteen sectors, with Agriculture at the top of the list, followed by other sectors and Technology. On the eve of registration, most participants registered (30); this was on 12 February 2026. On 6th of February, 20 participants registered. The status of business registration shows that 86 businesses have not yet been registered, while 34 have been registered. The age-range data show that most youths are 20-30 years old, while just three are between 35 and 40. This Dashboard reflects just the online registration of participants
Gallery
Conclusion
The training strengthened the confidence and entrepreneurial capacity of the participants, enabling them to develop more competitive business proposals and increasing their readiness to pursue self-employment and business development opportunities. The active participation and enthusiasm demonstrated throughout the training reflected the growing interest of young people in entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic independence.
Overall, the training contributed to the organization’s commitment to promoting youth economic empowerment by equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills needed to establish and grow sustainable businesses. Continued mentorship, business coaching, and linkages to financing and incubation opportunities will further enhance the long-term impact of the training, contributing to job creation, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth within the community.
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At the ZEF Foundation, we’re committed to fostering positive change in communities across Cameroon and beyond. Founded on the principles of education, protection, and empowerment, we strive to create a brighter future for all.