Supporting SMEs through Growing Your Business Approach: UNDP Equips Young Entrepreneurs, Consultants

Supporting SMEs through Growing Your Business Approach: UNDP Equips Young Entrepreneurs, Consultants

The newly trained cohort of 45 young entrepreneurs and consultants was officially handed over end-of-course certificates on August 21, 2025, in Yaoundé.   The Supplier’s Development and Growing Your Business-SDP/GYB approach, put in place by the United Nations Development Programme-UNDP, is a dedicated business support process for entrepreneurs and businesses to improve their financial, managerial, and production skills. This programme, implemented by the UNDP in Latin America and the Caribbean, is out to empower small and medium-sized businesses by aligning their offerings with market demands, transforming them into strategic, sustainable, and competitive suppliers. This, by strengthening their financial, productive, and management capacities, the approach fosters their professionalization, integration into value chains, and adoption of innovative practices. Taking the floor to welcome officials, participants, and to unveil the stakes of this programme, Martin Hart Hansen, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Cameroon, indicated that the training is aimed at building successful enterprises for a sustainable economy. He saluted the active participation of trainees, experts from other countries, as well as his colleagues from the UNDP office in Latin America and the Caribbean, who showed proof of dedication during the three-month training session. According to UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative, the success of this programme in Cameroon is also thanks to the government, which has vested its support and involved all the key ministries concerned in this programme. Said: During the interview session, Martin Hart Hansen added: “We have a very talented group of consultants who have been sitting through these three months of training, and now it’s time for them to take the newly acquired skills and the methodologies to start working with real businesses or enterprises out there in the different regions of the country and to really try to help them grow their businesses, to become a more professional set up in their individual companies. This, in a sense, is only the beginning; we now have a cohort of talented consultants who are starting to go out and work with real individual businesses. They will take on two, three, or four businesses each and really work with them so that we can multiply the number of businesses that get this support and advice. This is why we think we can contribute to building the economy and building the nation, in fact.” On her part, Ximena Gonzalez Fernandez, inclusive value chain specialist in the UNDP office in Latin America and the Caribbean, described the just-ended training session as one of the best opportunities for SMEs that wish to expand in Africa and worldwide. Ximena Gonzalez Fernandez stated: “This is an open door for new opportunities for SMEs not only in Cameroon but in the African region. So, for the UNDP office in Cameroon, in collaboration with UNDP in Latin America, we are promoting the SDGs value chain programme, which is a methodology that focuses on boosting SMEs in different aspects, that is, their management, their sales, and their financial education, and obviously, their connections to new clients and new markets. So this is a new opportunity to have a new cohort of consultants that we will use all these methodologies, and they will be equipped to replicate these methodologies in Africa, and specifically in the country of Cameroon.” This three-month training session took place both online and in-person, with a total of 45 participants who are young entrepreneurs, experts, and consultants in the mining and agro-industrial sectors. As underscored by Mariette Bissene, spokesperson of the participants, this training programme is an added value to what many of them were already doing in the field. She said the programme not only permits them to acquire new methodologies that will be used to revamp their businesses but also serves as an opportunity to meet new people with whom they liaise and share some knowledge and best practices. And thanks to the newly acquired lessons, they are ready to brace up for new challenges in the business market. In his keynote address, Interim Minister of Mines, Industries and technological development, Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry, first praised this initiative, which, according to him, marks the beginning of a long and fruitful series of trainings for young entrepreneurs exercising in the mining and agro-industries fields. He said the newly trained cohort of entrepreneurs can be described as pioneers in the Sub-region as they are handed certificates demonstrating their involvement and engagement in a training granted so far to only two countries in Africa, that is: Zambia and Botswana. According to the government’s representative, this programme comes at a moment when Cameroon is in dire need of restructuring the industrial and mining sectors with dedicated young entrepreneurs. He said: “This training session just brings Cameroon to the level of Botswana and Zambia, who have benefited from this programme, coming at a time our sectors need a lot of inputs from Cameroonians, where we should transform our products. We believe that the mining sector in particular will conceal business entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises moving from the rudimentary artisanal mining to why not semi-mechanized mining, and the agro-industrial sector wants to see young entrepreneurs and other people. And by the way, even in governance, as many of the participants who are service providers to the nation will improve. I want to heartily thank and implore the participants to make good use of the training that they have acquired to make governance and youth business better in Cameroon.”   Elise Kenimbeni

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 Protection des Populations Clés et Vulnérables au Cameroun : CAMFAIDS et les Membres du RAIL-KPV Intensifient le Plaidoyer

Protection des Populations Clés et Vulnérables au Cameroun : CAMFAIDS et les Membres du RAIL-KPV Intensifient le Plaidoyer

C’était au cours d’une réunion de suivi et évaluation des actions et de partage d’expériences des membres du RAIL-KPV, organisée le Jeudi, 14 Aout 2025, à Yaoundé. Représentants des institutions étatiques, force de maintien de l’ordre, organisations de la société civile, leaders d’associations et médias qui constituent le réseau des acteurs d’intervention locales en direction des populations clés et vulnérables (RAIL-KPV), ont pris part à la réunion de suivi et évaluation des actions et partage d’expériences, qu’a organisé la Cameroonian Foundation for AIDS (CAMFAIDS). Les Populations clés et vulnérables aussi appelées « Key populations-KPs » sont constituées en majorité des travailleuses de sexe, les Hommes ayant les rapports sexuels avec les Hommes, les transgenre, les consommateurs de drogues injectables et les personnes transgenres pour ne citer que celles-ci. Il est donc important au vu des politiques mises en place par le gouvernement et les partenaires de développement de s’assurer que ces groupes ont un accès équitable aux services de santé et aux programmes de protection sociale, et de surmonter les obstacles spécifiques qu’ils rencontrent, tels que la stigmatisation, la discrimination et la violence. C’est dans cette optique que la CAMFAIDS et ses partenaires techniques et financiers œuvrent davantage pour la protection des KPs, le respect et le suivi de leurs droits. La rencontre du 14 Aout 2025, était une fois plus l’occasion pour les membres du RAIL-KPV de revisiter leurs notes afin de voir les bons et mauvais points. Cette réunion tel que souligné par les organisateurs, se tient au moment où le Cameroun fait face à de nombreuses difficultés et de défis dans l’accélération de la riposte contre le VIH/SIDA. En effet, la réunion du RAIL-KPV a permis aux différents membres de mettre en place de nouvelles stratégies pour lutter contre la stigmatisation et la discrimination qui sont des violations des droits humains et qui freinent l’atteinte d’ici 2030, les trois « 95 » à savoir : 95 % des personnes infectées par le VIH sont diagnostiquées. 95 % des personnes diagnostiquées sont sous traitement antirétroviral et 95% des personnes sous traitement antirétroviral ont une suppression de la charge virale sous traitement. Il était question au cours de cette rencontre coordonnée par la CAMFAIDS d’analyser les actions menées par les acteurs du RAIL-KPV et du cadre de concertation ; de documenter des récits pertinents de changement, et d’optimiser les efforts de plaidoyer pour le renforcement de la protection des populations clés et vulnérables au Cameroun. Ebenezer Munkam, Directeur des Droits Humains à la CAMFAIDS a indiqué qu’il est nécessaire de faire un brainstorming des actions entreprises ici par les différents membres du réseau et de mettre en œuvre de nouveaux jalons pour faire avancer le plaidoyer. Il dit :« Il s’agissait pour nous de faire un suivi et évaluation des actions des membres du réseau des acteurs d’intervention locales en direction des populations clés et vulnérables. Et à l’issu de cette évaluation il était aussi question de présenter la stratégie nationale de plaidoyer de la CAMFAIDS ; de relever les principales bonnes pratiques que peuvent mettre en œuvre les différents acteurs ; les difficultés et de formuler des recommandations et voir comment ensemble on peut renforcer le travail de collaboration, de partenariat sur le terrain afin de  faire à ce que les politiques nationales et les lois en vigueur soient respecter et mise en œuvre dans le sens de la protection des droits humains de façon générale et notamment des populations clé et vulnérables. » En ce qui concerne les perspectives il s’est appesanti sur des nouvelles pistes de collaboration. « Pour les prochaines étapes nous souhaitons dans un premier temps voir comment renforcer la collaboration entre les différents acteurs du RAIL-KPV ; renforcer la collaboration avec les autres institutions étatiques. Il a été relevé au cours de nos échanges et comme recommandation de voir comment élargir la collaboration avec d’autres ministères afin de ne pas rester focaliser par exemple sur un ou deux ministères, pour dire que les acteurs sont multiformes et il faudrait aller partout. Et voir comment de façon concrète on peut sensibiliser les cibles pour lesquelles nous travaillons pour lutter contre l’auto stigmatisation parce que ça été relevé. Nos cibles s’auto stigmatisent plus part souvent et ne partent pas dans les services qui même aujourd’hui sont souvent ouverts. En ce qui concerne les médias, il faut renforcer les capacités des jeunes journalistes… » dit-il. Il est à noter que le Rail-KPV, qui est le Réseau des Acteurs d’Intervention Locale en direction des Populations Clés et Vulnérables) a été créé en 2020 après une fusion de deux anciens réseaux que sont : le Comité d’Intervention Locale Mixte (CILM) et le Réseaux des Acteurs Clés (RACC). Le RAIL-KPV est à ce jour composé d’une trentaine de personnes issues des institutions étatiques, des associations, organisations a base communautaires et médias dont le rôle est de lutter contre les Violences Basées sur le Genre (VBG) et protéger les victimes notamment les KPs.   Elise Kenimbeni  

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 Elecam Promotes Peace, Inclusive Dialogue Ahead of October 12 Presidential Poll

Elecam Promotes Peace, Inclusive Dialogue Ahead of October 12 Presidential Poll

The call was made by Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe, Chairperson of the electoral board of Elecam, during the fourth Session as of the Right held on August 12, 2025, in Yaounde. After the publication of the list of candidates to compete in the upcoming October 12 presidential election, which was later examined by the constitutional council for final release, the 18 members of the electoral board of the elections governing body in Cameroon, Elecam, met in Yaounde on Tuesday 12th of August 2025. The meeting described as the fourth session as of Right of the electoral board of Elecam, was aimed at adopting the decisions rendered by the constitutional council; analyzing difficulties encountered by members of the electoral board who went on field trips, and setting the pace for a good number of strategies that will be laid for a smooth, fair, peaceful and inclusive electoral process. Speaking at the start of the session, Chairperson of the electoral board, Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe, saluted the engagement and commitment of all board members at this point of the electoral process, which is seen as very crucial given the stakes and challenges. “Following the close of pre electoral disputes at the Constitutional Council, the purpose of this session, as you well know, shall be essentially dedicated to the acknowledgement of the decisions rendered by the Constitutional Council on petitions filed against the resolution of the Electoral Board to draw up and publish the list of accepted candidates in view of the 12 October 2025 presidential election. Our deliberations of today shall also involve conducting an in-depth analysis of the recommendations made by each Member of the Electoral Board with regard to the difficulties or challenges identified in the field. These are contained in the mission reports from the field trip that was carried out across our regional branches. While these reports provide a general assessment of the level of operational preparedness, they will also serve as a guideline for any adjustments to our strategic plan of action in the next phase of the electoral cycle.” He said As indicated by the Chairperson, Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe, this session was also geared towards putting in place some key strategies that will enhance the participation of all stakeholders in the October 12, 2025, presidential election. “Furthermore, we will review and adopt the Terms of Reference for the next field trip, aimed at intensifying our control and supervision of field operations, in order to be effective and proactive, and also to remain consistent in line with our planned objectives. Finally, Dear Colleagues, we shall examine and validate the various capacity-building programmes for ELECAM staff, media professionals, and civil society organizations. In a constantly changing political and technological environment, investing in the continuous training and empowerment of our staff is no longer an option, but a necessity. By strengthening their expertise and know-how, we are thereby enhancing the credibility and performance of our institution as a whole.” In his keynote address, Dr. Enow Abram Egbe seized the occasion to announce the holding in the weeks ahead of a national consultation meeting between Elecam and different actors engaged in the electoral process. He said, as per tradition, this national consultation will help promote inclusive and constructive dialogue for a hitch-free election. “The primary objective of this national consultation is to create, as is traditional, an inclusive and constructive platform for dialogue between political parties, civil society, the media, traditional and religious authorities, government agencies, and the electorate. The ultimate goal is to ensure credible, secure, inclusive, and peaceful elections throughout the country, including in areas facing major security constraints.”   The fourth session, as of Right of members of the electoral board of Elections Cameroon, ended up with the drafting of a final resolution taking into account the final publication of the list of 12 candidates standing for the October 12 presidential election.   Elise Kenimbeni

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 Over 1.4 Million Women and Girls in Africa Left Without Contraception as U.S. Orders Destruction of Global Supply

Over 1.4 Million Women and Girls in Africa Left Without Contraception as U.S. Orders Destruction of Global Supply

6 August 2025 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has learned that over $9.7 million worth of US-funded contraceptives are now set to be incinerated in France. Seventy-seven percent of these essential supplies were earmarked for five countries in the Africa Region – including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mali – many of which are already facing severe humanitarian crises.   The incineration of these contraceptives will deny more than 1.4 million women and girls access to life-saving care. Rather than reaching the communities who need them most, these essential medical supplies, many of which don’t expire until 2027 to 2029 – are being needlessly and egregiously destroyed.   IPPF Member Associations in the affected countries were due to receive a share of these contraceptive stocks. Instead, they are now facing a sharp decline in supply following the decision to incinerate them.   More than 40% of the total value of the contraceptive stockpiled in Brussels was allocated for shipment to Tanzania alone. Dr Bakari, Project Coordinator at UMATI, IPPF’s Member Association in Tanzania, said: “We are facing a major challenge. The impact of the USAID funding cuts has already significantly affected the provision of sexual and reproductive health services in Tanzania, leading to a shortage of contraceptive commodities, especially implants. This shortage has directly impacted clients’ choices regarding family planning uptake.”   This development adds a new layer of outrage to what is already a cruel political decision. These contraceptives were already manufactured, packaged, and ready for distribution. IPPF offered to take them for redistribution at no cost to the US taxpayer, but this offer was declined. The actions of the U.S. administration make it clear that politics trump economics, given the additional costs necessary for transportation, storage, and incineration of these products. “This decision to destroy ready-to-use commodities is appalling and extremely wasteful. These life-saving medical supplies were destined for countries where access to reproductive care is already limited, and in some cases, part of a broader humanitarian response, such as in the DRC. The choice to incinerate them is unjustifiable and undermines efforts to protect the health and rights of women and girls,” said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, Africa Regional Director of IPPF. IPPF’s local partners in Africa will now face increased challenges in delivering essential and life-saving care. According to RHSC, the loss of these supplies is projected to result in 174,000 unintended pregnancies and 56,000 unsafe abortions: Tanzania: 1,031,400 injectable contraceptives and 365,100 implants will not be distributed. These products represent over 50% of USAID’s annual support to Tanzania’s health system and a terrifying 28% of the total annual need of the country. Mali: 1,100,880 oral contraceptives and 95,800 implants will be denied, 24% of Mali’s annual need. Zambia: 48,400 implants and 295,000 injectable contraceptives will be denied to women. Kenya: 108,000 women will not have access to contraceptive implants, 13.5% of its annual need. Nelly Munyasia, Executive Director for the Reproductive Health Network in Kenya (IPPF Member Association): “In Kenya, the effects of US funding disruptions are already being felt. The funding freeze has caused stockouts of contraceptives, leaving facilities with less than five months’ supply instead of the required 15 months; reduced capacity building for health workers; disrupted digital logistics and health information systems, and caused a 46% funding gap in Kenya’s national family planning program. These systemic setbacks come at a time when unmet need for contraception remains high. Nearly 1 in 5 girls aged 15–19 is already pregnant or has given birth. Unsafe abortions remain among the five leading causes of maternal deaths in Kenya.” Sarah Durocher, President of Le Planning familial (IPPF’s French Member Association): “We call on the French government to take responsibility and act urgently to prevent the destruction of USAID-funded contraceptives. It is unacceptable that France, a country that champions feminist diplomacy, has remained silent while others, like Belgium, have stepped in to engage with the US government. In the face of this injustice, solidarity with the people who were counting on these life-saving supplies is not optional: it is a moral imperative.” “We will not stay silent while essential care is destroyed by ideology”, continued Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry. About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. We are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries.   Building on a proud history of 70 years of achievement, we commit to lead a locally owned, globally connected civil society movement that provides and enables services and champions sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, especially the under-served.   We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity – no matter what.   IPPF Africa Region

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 Enhancing Women’s Access to Land in Cameroon: “Horizons Femmes” Intensifies Campaigns

Enhancing Women’s Access to Land in Cameroon: “Horizons Femmes” Intensifies Campaigns

Non-Governmental Organization, “Horizons Femmes” has launched divisional workshops in some regions of the country as the project dubbed: “Women and land rights” unfolds. In Cameroon, women’s ownership of land remains a taboo subject. Several women mostly widows find themselves deprived of their land rights due to misogynistic customary laws. In order to address such challenges, non-governmental organization- “Horizons Femmes”, leading women’s issues in Cameroon has put in place a national scheme with the financial support of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). The project dubbed: “Women and land rights” targets three main regions of the country notably: Center, Littoral and West, where for several years now, women were upskilled on their rights and the processes to undertake to claim their lands. For positive impacts on the field, series of regional meetings with administrative authorities, community leaders, traditional chiefs, civil society organizations, the media and women, were undertaken by “Horizons Femmes”. The launch of divisional workshops that enters within the framework of Phase II of the project aims at pushing forward ground discussions and advocacy actions. After the first divisional workshop launched on the 30th of July 2025 in the Mbam and Inoubou, the second took place on July 31, 2025 in the Lekie division of the Center region of Cameroon. In Monatele, chief town of the Lekie division, Center region, more than 50 rural women were mobilized for the workshop chaired by Yannick Mbia Monty, Representative of the Senior Divisional Officer alongside other authorities. Speaking during the workshop, the project manager and director of programs at “Horizons Femmes” praised the support of administrative authorities and community leaders who have played a key role in pushing forward the project. Mrs. Toche Carole said the success of the project relies on collective efforts and called for more combined actions and sensitization that will greatly impact on the field. Despite the strides recorded by the project as underscored by Mrs Toche Carole, women particularly widows still face significant challenges accessing and securing land tenure. The spokesperson of “Horizons Femmes” during this divisional workshop acknowledged the fact that, despite constitutional and legal provisions for gender equality, customary laws often undermine women’s land rights, mostly in rural areas, where they are frequently dependent on men for access to land. Reason why the project that entered phase II is out to strangle some of the hindrances to its full implementation. She decried the socio-cultural norms that still exists in several communities and which affect the perceptions of women’s roles and capabilities, impacting their access to and control over land.  Carole Toche however advocated that national laws guaranteeing gender equality in land ownership are effectively implemented and enforced for the benefit of women who are victims of all types of marginalization. While presenting some key figures and success stories of the project, Armand Dicke, monitoring and evaluation officer at “Horizons Femmes” said thanks to the project thousands of women were trained on land rights’ issues. He also pointed the fact that, thanks to project, they were able to grant technical and financial support to over 300 women in need of land titles and more than a hundred are already in possession of their documents. During the workshop, some women who have benefited from trainings on land rights shared their experiences and thanked “Horizons Femmes” for its crucial role in helping women in land safeguarding. Laurence Ngono, on of the beneficiaries said the project has helped her regain confidence in her and today, thanks to the NGO “Horizons Femmes” she is one of the community leaders who move door to door to sensitize other women who still lack information on government’s provisions and about their rights on land ownership. Taking the floor for his keynote address, Yannick Mbia Monty, Representative of the Senior Divisional Officer of the Lekie said women are the pillars of the society and they have equal rights as men. Marginalization and discriminatory acts are not tolerated in the Lekie division. He said there is no room for discriminatory laws in the Lekie division as firm instructions were given by his hierarchy concerning a fixed amount for the registration of land issues. According to Mr. Mbia Monty, the Senior Divisional Officer of the Lekie has held series of talks with traditional chiefs and different stakeholders on the issue, paving the way to no marginalization and corruption. Mr. Mbia Monty also seized the occasion while exchanging with media practitioners to salute the numerous efforts undertaken so far by “Horizons Femmes” that has embraced a taboo societal issue which need to be resolved. Non-governmental organization “Horizons Femmes” created in 2003, is a Cameroonian-based organization that works for the education, training and socio-economic integration of vulnerable women.     Elise Kenimbeni

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 Projet Femmes et Foncier : Horizons Femmes Mobilise dans le Mbam et Inoubou, les Acteurs Communautaires Amplifient leurs Voix

Projet Femmes et Foncier : Horizons Femmes Mobilise dans le Mbam et Inoubou, les Acteurs Communautaires Amplifient leurs Voix

La première phase des ateliers départementaux a débuté à Bafia, dans le Mbam et Inoubou le mercredi 30 juillet 2025. Bafia, chef-lieu du département du Mbam et Inoubou dans la région du Centre au Cameroun était au cœur du plaidoyer que mène l’ONG Horizons Femmes à travers son projet dénommé : « Femmes et Foncier : mobilisation communautaire et plaidoyer pour la sauvegarde des droits fonciers des femmes et veuves dans les régions du Littoral, Centre et de l’Ouest du Cameroun ». Un projet qui depuis son lancement dans les régions du Centre, Littoral et de l’Ouest a permis d’outiller de nombreuses femmes leaders, d’où le slogan : « Les Femmes à l’école du foncier ». Dans la ville de Bafia, il était donc question de toucher du doigt les réalités du terrain dans le cadre de ce projet qui fait des émules depuis sa mise en œuvre par l’ONG Horizons Femmes qui bénéficié de l’appui financier de l’African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). Des femmes venues des différents arrondissements du département du Mbam et Inoubou ainsi que les autorités administratives, leaders communautaires et chefs traditionnels, ont été mobilisés le mercredi 30 juillet 2025, à la salle des fêtes de la ville, dans le but d’intensifier le plaidoyer en cours et de faire des témoignages sur le vécu des femmes en ce qui concerne l’accaparement des terres et la marginalisation que plusieurs d’entre elles subissent dans le cercle familial. Angeline Madong épse Dang, une sexagénaire originaire de ce département fait partie de ces femmes qui ont reçu les enseignements de l’ONG Horizons Femmes dans le cadre de ce projet salvateur. Elle est à ce jour une bénéficiaire qui impacte d’autre femmes sur le terrain avec sa casquette de para juriste. Issue d’une famille où il ya plusieurs hommes, elle a été marginalisée par ses frères au point d’être « mendiante » des biens de ses parents tel qu’elle l’a indiqué. Cette femme relate la marginalisation que subissent plusieurs femmes dans cette partie du pays juste parce qu’elles sont des femmes et n’ont pas droit aux terres léguées par leurs parents. Selon Mme Dang, plusieurs femmes qui deviennent veuves et veulent se réfugier par la suite dans la maison familiale sont souvent chassées, car elles n’ont plus rien de ce côté, tout comme dans les familles de leurs feus époux. Des situations tristes et précaires qui justifient le bien-fondé de ce projet qui met du baume au cœur. Au cours de son témoignage, elle a remercié « Horizons Femmes » qui a joué un rôle clé à travers les nombreuses formations qui l’ont permise de connaitre quelles sont les démarches à entamer lorsqu’on est victime de ce type de situation. Grace à ce projet, elle a été outillée pour faire face à ses frères, dit-elle. Mme Dang Angeline souligne toutefois qu’il est important que les autorités accompagnent davantage les femmes pour que celles-ci ne se sentent plus marginalisées à cause des us et coutumes. Elle dit : « Nous avons hérité de quelque chose de nos parents qui disaient que les filles ne peuvent pas hérites des biens, et ceci a infecté toutes les familles au point où une femme reste sans repère. On dirait que c’est la femme qui choisit de naitre femme dans une famille, ou alors c’est le parent qui choisit le sexe de l’enfant avant de naitre. C’est un véritable problème et c’est ceci qui fait qu’avec l’arrivée d’Horizons Femmes, beaucoup de choses ont changé. Il fallait d’abord aller sur le terrain, commencer à sensibiliser et ce n’est même pas facile parce que certaines femmes restent encore réticentes de nos jours, elles ont peur des représailles dans leurs familles…Il est important de mettre un accent sur les enseignements d’équité, d’égalité et de changement de comportement. » Cependant, le projet mis en place dans ce département comme dans plusieurs autres, va bon train. Les autorités en charge des questions de la femme telles que le Délégué département de la promotion de la femme et de la famille dans le Mbam et Inoubou a, à son tour relevé que plusieurs mécanismes ont été mis sur pieds pour accompagner les femmes dans les procédures liées à l’accès à leurs terres. Charles Mbarga Amougou indique que : « nous sommes au service du peuple. Et lorsque nous avons certaines situations de ce genre nous accompagnons les femmes à saisir les autorités administratives pour certaines facilités liées aux descentes sur le terrain. Nous ne nous arrêtons pas juste aux procédures administratives, nous allons jusqu’à sensibiliser les femmes sur le sujet car il est dit que mon peuple péri faute de connaissance. Alors nous enseignons aux femmes qu’elles ont autant les mêmes droits que les hommes en ce qui concerne la terre… » Cette rencontre animée par des échanges et le partage des « sucess stories », par Monsieur Ticke Armand, Responsable suivi et évaluation de l’ONG Horizons Femmes, a donné lieu à un partage d’expériences, notamment avec les cas de certaines femmes dans le département du Mbam et Inoubou. Dans sa prise de parole, Carole Toche, Chef de projet et Directrice des Programmes à Horizons Femmes, a souligné l’importance de ces activités de la phase 2 du projet qui se veut être une rencontre de terrain avec toutes les femmes et les acteurs qui œuvrent pour son bon déroulement.  Et tel que l’a indiqué Mme Toche, l’idée est de toucher davantage ces personnes qui vont faire avancer le plaidoyer pour un impact plus positif. D’après le Chef de projet, par ailleurs Directrice des Programmes, il est plus que nécessaire de faire appel à une mobilisation accrue, sensibiliser les femmes notamment les veuves et lutter contre la marginalisation dont celles-ci sont victimes. Carole Toche dit : « Ce projet s’inscrit dans la continuité de notre engagement stratégique en faveur de la promotion des droits fonciers des femmes et des veuves, et plus largement dans notre Axe stratégique n°3, qui vise l’autonomisation des femmes et des jeunes filles à travers la réduction de la pauvreté, la promotion de la sécurité alimentaire et le développement de l’économie solidaire. Malgré leur contribution essentielle à l’agriculture,

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 Biodiversity Finance Initiative: Cameroon Takes Steps Forward

Biodiversity Finance Initiative: Cameroon Takes Steps Forward

A global initiative of the United Nations Development Programme that tackles the challenge of financing biodiversity conservation by providing technical support to develop and implement effective biodiversity finance strategies. Cameroon has officially launched the Biodiversity Finance Initiative-Biofin, on July 29, 2025, in Yaoundé, marking a significant step towards sustainable financing for biodiversity conservation. The event, organized by the ministry of Finance (MINFI), the ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), took place under a two-day national launch workshop. This national launch workshop of the Biofin Cameroon project aimed at formalizing the government’s and its partners’ institutional commitment to implementing the initiative by integrating biodiversity finance into the country’s strategic priorities, notably the National Development Strategy 2030 (NDS30). A crucial Programme to close financing gaps During the official launch of the Biofin scheme, government officials, experts, and mayors of some councils made some high-level interventions that will help advance Cameroon’s ecosystem. UNDP’s Resident Representative in Cameroon, Mathieu Ciowela, highlighted the multiple threats that affect nature. Mathieu Ciowela said: “As you know, our planet is facing its sixth mass extinction of species, with consequences that will undoubtedly affect life on Earth today and for centuries to come. Humans have destroyed or degraded vast areas of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems, pushing many of them toward irreversible ecological tipping points. Since 1990, primary forest, which includes some of the most biodiverse habitats, has declined by more than 80 million hectares (an area larger than Turkey). More than one million plant and animal species—a quarter of the world’s species—are threatened with extinction. This decline is largely due to changes in land and sea use, overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and the spread of invasive alien species.” According to UNDP’s country Representative, this initiative is a clear response to address the numerous challenges in which Cameroon is entangled. “Cameroon is recognized as a country with exceptional biodiversity, notably because it is home to more than 92% of Africa’s ecosystem categories, particularly in terms of variety, quantity, ecosystems, and genetic resources, with a high degree of endemism considered a natural capital, a fundamental pillar of food security, and its climate resilience in favor of sustainable development; Cameroon has the second largest forest massif in the Congo Basin, with forests covering approximately 45% of the national territory. This biodiversity contributes significantly to the well-being of populations, economic development, as well as scientific and medicinal research.” He added.   The Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, acting as the technical agent in this project, outlined the positive impact of Biofin as the country enters into the practical phase. Taking the floor to address officials and participants at the national launch workshop, Minister Hele Pierre made a national assessment of key statistics that need to be taken into account. The patron of the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development stated: “According to the National Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services validated in 2022, Cameroon has 92% of Africa’s ecosystem types. Its biodiversity includes more than 9,000 recognized plant species, more than 10% of which are endemic, and it is home to more than 3,500 animal species, more than 271 of which are endemic. Not to mention the mushroom species, which number more than 1,150. However, these different species are threatened daily. Some say this is due to the influence of deforestation, the impact of forest industries, or even poaching and bushfires…” He mentioned the mechanisms put in place by his ministerial department to tackle the degradation of the ecosystem and the conservation the biodiversity, as well as the financing gaps that this project is coming in to curb. Chairing the ceremony, Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, saluted the fruitful cooperation that exists between the government of Cameroon and development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He said this project comes in as a solution-based approach to address threats that have been triggered by climate change and other natural factors. Minister Louis Paul Motaze also emphasized on the importance of this innovative financing and its role in boosting the green economy. Elise Kenimbeni

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 Religion : « Christ from Africa University » Consacre l’Apôtre René Joly Belinga, les Apôtres Badama Marie et Narcisse Symphorien Todom Dr. Honoris Causa

Religion : « Christ from Africa University » Consacre l’Apôtre René Joly Belinga, les Apôtres Badama Marie et Narcisse Symphorien Todom Dr. Honoris Causa

Ils ont été distingué le Samedi, 26 juillet 2025 au siège de l’Union des Ministères pour l’Évangélisation Globale (UMEG), de Yaoundé, en collaboration avec l’université Christ From Africa University(CFAU). Ladite cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence du Président André Bidao, accompagné du collège des anciens, des membres du Conseil d’Administration et des fidèles, dans un temple qui a fait le plein d’œuf pour la circonstance. Trois profils différents, mais une cause commune, celle de servir le Seigneur et de partager la parole de l’évangile partout où besoin se fera ressentir. On les appellera dorénavant Dr Honoris Causa, il s’agit notamment du Dr Apôtre René Joly Belinga ; Dr Apôtre Badma épse Badama Marie, et du Dr Apôtre Narcisse Symphorien Todom. Une récompense après plusieurs années de service dans leurs ministères respectifs, qui vient magnifier un parcours academico-sociaux dans l’œuvre de Dieu, « Christ From Africa qui est un instrument entre les mains du Seigneur pour équiper les serviteurs de Dieu dans cette grande commission que Christ nous a donner à trouver bon de distinguer des personnes qui ont fait preuve dans leurs ministères en accord avec les pairs de l’évangile ici au Cameroun. C’est pour leur donner une possibilité de servir, de pénétrer le corps de Christ un peu partout.  L’église est en train de perdre, il y a une puissance dans l’évangile, et avec tout ce qui se passe, nous sommes en train de conscientiser les hommes et femmes de Dieu et ceux que nous venons de distinguer à garder leur attachement à la parole pour que l’évangile du Seigneur ne soit pas compromis au point où Christ ne sera pas frustré. », explique le Président de CFAU, André Bidao. Dr Apôtre René Joly Belinga : 36 ans de vie dédiée au service de l’éternel Après 36 ans consacré à répandre les œuvres du Seigneur que ce soit au Cameroun (où il a implanté une vingtaine d’églises) mais aussi à l’étranger notamment en Ouganda (7 églises), au Burundi et ailleurs, voilà des actes forts significatifs qui lui confère ce titre de Dr Honoris Causa. C’est donc un acte de reconnaissance qui va lui ouvrir davantage de portes pour l’expansion de l’évangile, « Dans la Bible il est écrit : « votre travail n’est pas vain devant le Seigneur. » Alors si nous sommes honorés par les Hommes, cela est une émanation de ce que Dieu a déjà arrêté. Je ne suis pas un nouveau serviteur de Dieu, nous avons commencé l’œuvre au Cameroun, et maintenant davantage de portes nous sommes ouvertes à l’étranger. Il y a des endroits où nous pouvons utiliser cet outil pour atteindre des sommets, parce que nous sommes appelés à prêcher l’évangile dans les 6 dimensions : les perdus qui sont en haut, les perdus d’en bas, les perdus de gauche, de droite, devant et derrière, et cela peut nous être utile. » Confie le Dr Apôtre René Joly Belinga. Dr Apôtre Badma Marie : Plus de 50 ans dans l’œuvre de Dieu Depuis sa tendre enfance a l’âge de 8 ans jusqu’à ces 63 ans bien entamé à ce jour, la native de Maroua dans l’Extrême-Nord Cameroun, ne sait pas faire grand-chose que de servir le Seigneur depuis déjà plus de 50 ans. Fille de pasteur, cette distinctions académique et spirituelle sonne pour elle comme une concrétisation de son engagement envers Dieu, car, cette dernière a connus tous les combats et les braver avec brio depuis des lustres avec la CFAU, « J’ai été primé par rapport à tout le travail que j’ai fait dans la maison du Seigneur. J’ai travaillée très tôt dans l’œuvre de Dieu à l’âge de 12 ans je servais déjà le Seigneur avec les enfants et les jeunes. Je suis formée à CFAU, et voilà que le Seigneur est en train de me valoriser. Nous avons subi une formation en Eschatologie, en théologie et dans d’autres domaines. J’ai été honoré, je suis dans la joie, et maintenant je vais préserver pour être Professeur, j’aimerais continuer avec les études tout en servant le Seigneur sur tous terrains parce que nous sommes déjà dans 26 pays, et je pourrais apporter l’offrande de Dieu partout où il me demande d’aller. » Argue la Dr Apôtre Badma épse Badama. S’agissant du Dr Apôtre Narcisse Symphorien Todom, lui a bravé les kilomètres de distances pour se rendre au Cameroun afin de recevoir cette distinction. En provenance du Canada, ce guide et bâtisseur dont la foi n’a plus d’égal a conquis les terres européennes, franchi les plus hautes épreuves pour faire connaitre le CFAU, ceci, par son courage, et son abnégation. En rappel, cette cérémonie de distinction s’est déroulée en marge de la Convention qui a débuté le 24 juillet dernier et qui va s’achever ce dimanche 27 juillet à UMEG sous le thème : « retour à Dieu et aux œuvres parfaites devant Dieu. »   Myriane Djamegne    

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 Elecam Publishes List of 13 Candidates to Run Presidential Election in Cameroon

Elecam Publishes List of 13 Candidates to Run Presidential Election in Cameroon

The Electoral Board of Elections Cameroon published an official list of 13 candidates who will run for the October 12, 2025 presidential election. On Saturday, July 26,2025 in Yaounde, the Electoral Board of the elections governing body in Cameroon-Elecam, officially published the list of candidates who will stand for the presidential race. The list of 13 candidates out 82 files received during the registration process was unveiled by Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe, Chairperson of the electoral board. According Elecam’s electoral board chairperson, the 13 candidates are those whose files respected all the criteria requested. On the race we have incumbent President, Paul Biya of the CPDM seeking for another mandate; Ateki Seta Caxton of the political party PAL; Bello Bouba Maigari of NUDP; Jacques Bougha Hagbe of MCNC; Hilaire MACAIRE Dzipan of the PM; Issa Tchiroma Bakari of the national salvation front; Samuel Hiram Iyodi of FDC; Kwemo Pierre of UMS; Cabral Libii Li Ngue of the PCRN; Serge Espoir Matomba of the PURS; Barrister Akere Muna Tabeng of Univers party; Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front and Mrs. Ndam Njoya Tomaino Patricia. All these 12 challengers will face Mr Biya Paul of the CPDM who has been in power since 42 years as Head of state of the country. As outlined by electoral code in Cameroon, rejected candidates have 72 hours (3 days) to appeal to the Constitutional Council. The final list of candidates will therefore be released by the constitutional Council latest on August 10, 2025, paving the way to the electoral campaign ahead of the highly expected October 12 presidential election. Elise Kenimbeni

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 Presidential Election in Cameroon: Elecam Examines 82 Files

Presidential Election in Cameroon: Elecam Examines 82 Files

The Directorate General of Elections Cameroon has officially handed-over files of 82 aspirants to the the Electoral Board as outlined by the Electoral code.   As members of the Electoral Board of Elecam gathered on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Yaounde, for their second session as of right, the Director General of Elections Cameroon, Dr. Erik Essousse handed over the 82 files received from aspirants of the October 12 presidential race. The board meeting in its second session as of right is expected to start scrutinizing and validating candidacies for the October 12,2025 presidential election.   Speaking at the start of the session, Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe, chairperson of the Electoral board praised the directorate general and all the staff of Elecam for conducting the registration process of candidates in a smooth and transparent way. The chairperson of the electoral board also pointed out the significant challenges, he and his team have to overcome with regards to the numerous expectations from the people and all aspirants to the presidency of the republic. Dr. Enow Abrams Egbe said: “The stakes of a presidential election cannot be overstated. It is the highest and most consequential expression of the people’s sovereignty. The session of today marks a significant turning point in this important election. In keeping with the provisions of Section 10 sub 1 of the Electoral Code, our primary responsibility is to ensure compliance with the electoral law by all candidates for the purpose of guaranteeing regular, impartial, free, fair, transparent and credible elections.” Dr. Abrams Egbe and other board members have immediately gone on duty as there is no time to waste. “The duty bestowed upon us today is both delicate and decisive, as we need to uphold the uprightness of the law and to ensure that only eligible and law-abiding candidates are accepted, in strict respect of the legal and regulatory framework in force. In this regard, the task of examination of candidacy files, requires from us objectivity, rigour and impartiality in our deliberations.” He added. As members of the electoral board of elections governing body in Cameroon-Elecam enter into duty, the list of hopefuls to the presidential race is expected to be published on Saturday 26th of July 2025. Elise Kenimbeni

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