Stakeholders brainstorming on the execution of the second phase of the Adaptive Safety Nets project
The Adaptive Safety Nets and Economic Inclusion Project has officially launched activities for its second phase in the North West Region, with a technical workshop held in Bamenda to present the project and establish a Regional Jury, responsible for selecting beneficiaries.
The initiative targets young Cameroonian entrepreneurs in urban areas who already operate micro or small businesses with strong growth and job-creation potential. In the North West Region, 150 young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35 will be selected to benefit from grants ranging from an average of 5.5 million FCFA to a maximum of 11 million FCFA, depending on the nature of their business activities.
Achuamang Muna Emmanuela
Speaking during the workshop, Achuamang Muna Emmanuela, Manager of the Business Plan Competition, said the project focuses on real, existing businesses operating in both the formal and informal sectors. She explained that the goal is to generate tangible economic impact by supporting enterprises that can scale and create jobs.
“This is not about business ideas kept in drawers,” she said. “We want businesses that exist, with clear business models, so that the support we provide translates into real economic growth.”
She announced that the application platform will open in March 2026, with youth required to submit a summary business plan online. To ensure inclusiveness, physical registration centers will also be available to assist applicants facing connectivity or technical challenges. Independent evaluators will assess applications anonymously to guarantee transparency and traceability throughout the process.
Stakeholders
The competition will follow a multi-stage process, including verification of existing businesses, training sessions to improve business plans, anonymous evaluation, and a final pitch before a regional jury. The pitch will account for 20 percent of the final score. Selected beneficiaries will receive grants in installments and be assigned business coaches for 18 months to ensure effective fund use and sustained growth.
Members of the jury
To strengthen governance and credibility, a seven-member Regional Jury Committee was established during the workshop. The jury includes representatives of a public incubator, the Regional Delegation of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC), the Regional Delegation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, the Regional Delegation of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), the Chamber of Commerce, private incubators, and youth associations.
Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique (M)
The Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, praised the initiative as a timely intervention for youth empowerment and poverty reduction, calling on stakeholders to uphold transparency, professionalism, and good governance. He urged future beneficiaries to make responsible use of the funds provided through the Safety Nets program.
Prof Fru Angwafo III
Prof. Fru Angwafo, President of the North West Regional Assembly, described the project as a fulfillment of the Head of State’s commitment to youth employment and economic inclusion, noting that it will stimulate entrepreneurship and improve local economic resilience.
Tamfu Simon Fai
Also the Public Independent Concialator for the North West Tamfu Simon Fai commended the project’s accountability mechanisms, stressing that empowering youths is key to building a stable and prosperous future for the region.
The second phase of the Adaptive Safety Nets and Economic Inclusion Project covers six regions: the Far North, North, North West, South West, Centre, and Littoral. Officials expressed confidence that the initiative will further strengthen entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and create sustainable employment opportunities across Cameroon.
By
Ndi Tsembom Elvis
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