It was with a mix of amusement and surprise that administrators, visitors, and fellow students strolled through the exhibition stands of 25 young innovators determined to solve Cameroon’s energy challenges while ensuring sustainable environmental protection. Their projects, brimming with creativity and potential, were the highlight of the Great Mind Summit held in Bamenda on Friday, 22 November 2024.
The summit, carrying the tagline “Empowering Youths in Renewable Energies, Driving Economic Growth and Social Progress,” showcased the promising role of renewable energy in addressing Cameroon’s chronic energy deficiencies.
Attendees were treated to an impressive array of innovative solutions at the exhibition stands, which featured technologies harnessing solar, wind, biogas, and hydro energy. The young exhibitors explained their projects with clarity and passion, capturing the attention of local and international stakeholders. Leaders and stakeholders listened intently as students detailed their project ideas, each designed to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. From solar-powered irrigation systems to biogas innovations for cooking and lighting, the projects reflected a blend of ingenuity and practicality. The students’ work emphasised the potential of renewable energy to transform communities while providing sustainable livelihoods.
Group picture with administrators Among the notable stakeholders and dignitaries present were Ndifon Peterson, Divisional President of the Cameroon National Youth Council for Mezam, Ngangjo Cliff, Northwest Regional Delegate for the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; Rene Soubo, representative of the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam; and Professor Fru Angwafo III, President of the North West Regional Assembly.
President of the North West Regional Assembly, Prof Fru Angwafo III
During their different interventions, they lauded the initiative, highlighting the importance of empowering youths to lead renewable energy projects. They noted that such efforts align with Cameroon’s broader goals of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy sufficiency.
A detailed presentation of the Cameroon Renewed Project delivered Ngo Abdulai Banfogha outlined its mission to engage young people in renewable energy initiatives as a means of promoting economic and social progress. He disclosed that beyond the region, the initiative is at the national level with same vision and objectives.
A keynote presentation by Dr Njimboh Henry Alombah, a senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Bamenda titled “Exploring Solar, Wind, and Hydropower Potentials in Cameroon,” highlighted the vast opportunities available in the renewable energy sector, particularly in a country grappling with major energy deficits. Dr Alombah stressed the need for investment in these areas, not only to address energy needs but also to create job opportunities for Cameroon’s growing youth population.
Dr Njimboh Henry speaking Discussions during the summit focused on critical issues such as bridging the gap between vocational education and the labour market, and fostering entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector. These discussions, moderated by Tah Kenneth Konsum, Founder and CEO of SOPISDEW, brought together experts and state representatives to explore actionable solutions.
Panel discussion The panellists examined strategies for aligning vocational education institutions with industry demands, creating hands-on learning and employment opportunities in renewable energy, and ensuring gender balance in the sector. They also emphasised the importance of supporting women and girls in pursuing careers in energy and technology and explored market opportunities for green startups led by youth and women from conflict-affected regions.
While raising funding issues, panelist, Dr Ngwa Lesley of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) urged policymakers to design renewable energy initiatives and projects that will provide employment opportunities for the youth
The summit concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between 25 mentor institutions and the selected students. This agreement indicates the commitment of all parties to support and nurture the next generation of renewable energy innovators.
The event was part of the Cameroon Renewed Project, a collaborative initiative spearheaded by Hope for a Better Future (H4BF), the Society for the Promotion of Initiatives in Sustainable Development and Welfare (SOPISDEW), and Forestry and Agroforestry Promoters (FAP NGO). It was supported by key partners, including the European Union, Noorderpoot from the Netherlands, Masterpeace from the Netherlands, and Apro Formacione from Italy. Realisation collaboration was facilitated by the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC) Northwest and the NexGen Consortium of Youth Organisations.