WIDU Cameroon project took part for the first time in the 9th edition of PROMOTE 2024, the largest economic event in Central Africa, held from February 17 to 25, 2024 at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé.
PROMOTE, the International Trade Fair for Business, SMEs and Partnerships, is a major annual event promoting entrepreneurship, and in this sense is in line with WIDU.africa's vision: in particular, to strengthen micro and small businesses by networking entrepreneurs and helping them find alternative ways of financing and developing their activities.
Under the leadership of German cooperation, WIDU Cameroon was keen to mark its presence at the start of the 2nd phase of the project, not only to create visibility, but also to offer a showcase space to some of the entrepreneurs supported by WIDU who exhibited on its stand. Indeed, the 4 exhibiting entrepreneurs selected were from those who were not winners at the last Awards ceremony, which rewarded the outstanding entrepreneurs supported by the project on November 17, 2023 in 5 categories: agri-food, youth, innovation, green sector and crafts. As a consolation prize, the nominated entrepreneurs received additional technical support after the ceremony, but also had the opportunity to take part in PROMOTE to present their products and know-how.
WIDU's participation in PROMOTE at a glance
Since 2019, WIDU with the contribution of the Camerounese diaspora, has helped to create and maintain over 10,000 jobs in Africa, including 3,340 in Cameroon counting for the 1st phase until October 2023. In total, 1,883 micro and small businesses were supported in the development of their activities through technical and financial support, 44% of them women entrepreneurs.
Over the 9 days, the WIDU stand attracted more than 200 visitors with a particular interest in entrepreneurship - both aspiring and full-fledged entrepreneurs. In addition, WIDU was honored to count among its visitors a number of high-level guests including the Head of German Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr. Valentin Katzer, and the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Mr. Alamine Ousmane Mey, among others.
Alongside this exhibition, a series of workshops was organized by the German cooperation throughout PROMOTE week, in which the WIDU team took part to present WIDU offers to the public on February 19, 2024. This was an opportunity to discover and share with other players in the field of entrepreneurial support.
The benefits for entrepreneurs at PROMOTE
The presence of these entrepreneurs on the WIDU stand was significant. Their satisfaction was at its peak, as they were able to present their products, services and know-how to the general public during the 9-day exhibition. PROMOTE 2024 was also an opportunity for them to make contacts and develop partnerships on a national and even international scale. From the online vocational training institute BRISTOL School, to Sustainable Oganic Farm, which grows organic crops such as cayenne pepper and other varieties of market garden produce, to Extraits Cameroun, which makes artisanal body and home perfumes, and finally Quick Donuts, which specializes in the production and sale of pastry products online, each of these small businesses was able to take advantage of this major business event.
"PROMOTE 2024, which has just ended, gave me many opportunities not only to sell my products, but also to connect with other entrepreneurs and exchange ideas and good relationships for the growth of our businesses." Bunyui Ferdinand Nkwiteh, CEO of ORGANIC SUSTAINABLE FARMS based in Bamenda.
This positive feedback shows that the efforts made by WIDU, are a guarantee of a promising future for these entrepreneurs and the growth of their activities as well as the creation of jobs.
Entrepreneurs exhibitors:
- SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARM funded by Bunyui Ferdinand (Growing and processing organic cayenne pepper)
- EXTRAITS CAMEROUN funded by Kamdem Sandy (Manufacture of body fragrances, incense, perfume diffusers, scented candles...)
- BRISTOL SCHOOL, funded by Keukoua Chancelin (Professional training institute, face-to-face and online)
- QUICK DONUTS, funded Fongang Edwige (company specializing in the production and sale of pastry products online)