OACPS CONFERENCE-DEBATE ON YOUNG GREEN ENTREPRENEURS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN FRANCOPHONE AFRICA
The Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation presided over the opening ceremony of the conference-debate organized by the Research and Innovation Program of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), as part of the 44th Conference of Ministers of La Francophonie.
Representing the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, who was unavoidably absent, the Inspector General of MINRESI, Prof Gilbert TAGUEM FAH, presided over the opening ceremony of the Conference-Debate organized by the Research and Innovation Program of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). The conference was held on 5 November 2023 at the Djeuga Palace Hotel in Yaounde, in the context of the 44th Conference of Ministers of La Francophonie. The theme: “How to make young green entrepreneurs the spearhead of sustainable development in Francophone Africa?”
The aim of this intellectual exchange was to examine young entrepreneurs’ contribution in implementing green transition in Africa. In his opening address, the representative of the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation emphasized the central role that the Head of State, H.E. Paul BIYA, gives to youths on the path to development. In his speech addressing youths on the occasion of the 2019 Youth Day, he said that “tomorrow’s Cameroon will be built with you”. With this in mind, the representative of the minister outlined the activities and initiatives undertaken by MINRESI to promote youth entrepreneurship through innovation. In addition to the prizes awarded to junior researchers from Institutes under its technical supervision, MINRESI supports young independent researchers and innovators through the Excellence Week for Scientific Research and Innovation (JERSIC), whose eighth edition took place from 17 to 19 October 2023. MINRESI also contributed to the incubation of young start-up entrepreneurs who received funding from the French Embassy in Cameroon. Speaking specifically about green entrepreneurship, the institutes under MINRESI supervision are strongly involved in the development of environmentally-friendly products and tools.
OACPS’ action in favour of young green entrepreneurs aims to facilitate innovation and research among young people in over 70 countries. To date, 100,000 young people have been trained worldwide thanks to funding from the European Union. Many have been incubated and have gone ahead to set up their own businesses.
Translated by Celtrad/MINRESI
