Date: July 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 am (Cameroon time)
Venue: Mansel Hotel, Yaoundé (Register now)

Background

Cameroon has what it takes to become a thriving startup hub in Africa, despite many obstacles, most notably poor infrastructure. According to StartupBlink (2023), the country’s startup ranking in 2023 remained stable at 116^th globally and 2nd in the Central African region. Although the startup ecosystem is booming, many people are still unaware of all the resources available, the differences between them, or which ones are best for them. To remedy this situation, it is necessary to create an appropriate regulatory framework for the deployment of these structures to help them identify useful local resources. At this level, a well-developed start-up law is needed to facilitate the creation and development of start-ups in the country. The key would be to provide them with a regulatory framework for easy access to capital, mentoring and networking opportunities and to create more jobs, as the Startup Act comprises a set of policies, incentives and support initiatives aimed at fostering an environment conducive to startup growth, innovation and entrepreneurship. In this context, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, is organizing a panel discussion on “Why does a Startup Act Matter in Cameroon?

Objectives

The main objective of this panel discussion is to examine the urgent need to enact a startup act in Cameroon, with the aim of strengthening the startup ecosystem. More specifically, it will :

• Present the limitations of the existing legal and regulatory framework for startups,
• Present the startup act as a catalyst for startup development and economic growth in Cameroon,
• Identify key areas for change,
• Propose some important reforms to consider for a growing Cameroonian startup ecosystem.

Target audience

• Startups incubator and accelerators
• Ministry of Post and Telecommunication
• Financial sector
• Startupers
• Trainings schools and centers
• Ministry of employment (Fond National de l’Emploi, FNE)
• Ministry of scientific research and innovation

Expected outcomes

Overall expected outcomes of the panel discussion could contribute to a more supportive environment for startups in Cameroon, leading to economic growth, job creation, and innovation. This includes:

• Increased awareness among the general public about the Startup Act and its potential benefits for the Cameroonian economy;
• Improve collaboration and networking among entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and support organizations;
• Increased investment and funding; and attract investors interested in the Cameroonian startup scene.

Contact details

Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, Opposite Collège Jésus-Marie Simbock B.P. 13415 – Yaoundé, Cameroon
Telephone: ( 237) 654 86 72 54
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.foretiafoundation.org / www.nkafu.org