Date: November 21, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00pm (GMT+1)
Venue: Mansel Hotel (Register Now)

1. Overview

As has been generally observed in recent years, Cameroon has experienced a burgeoning startup ecosystem driven by a young, dynamic population and increasing access to technology. However, despite this potential, startups face numerous challenges, including the lack of a regulatory framework, highlighting the urgent need for a Cameroon Startup Act. To provide an in-depth overview of the situation and offer relevant policy recommendations to policymakers, the Nkafu Policy Institute has released a report titled “Status of Existing Startups in Cameroon.

The restitution workshop to disseminate the findings of this report is scheduled to take place on November 20, 2024. This timely event will serve as a crucial platform for sharing research findings, fostering dialogue, and driving policy action. Specifically, it aims to present the results of the 2024 survey conducted through a questionnaire administered to more than 50 startups in Cameroon.

By uniting key stakeholders and policymakers, including the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cameroon (MINPOSTEL), which regulates startup activities, the Nkafu Policy Institute aims to propose significant reforms for the development of a startup Act in Cameroon. Additionally, it seeks to clarify strategies for engaging policymakers in promoting the implementation of such reforms.

2. Objective

The primary objective of this restitution workshop is to provide a platform stakeholders to discuss the findings of the research. The discussion will focus on proposing reforms to be considered in the Cameroon Startup Act, as well as strategies to engage policymakers in promoting the implementation of this Act.

3. Key Points of the Event

• Overview of the Startup Ecosystem:
• Current Landscape: Number and Location of Startups Operating in Cameroon
• Current Statistics on Gender Representation: Female Founders and Their Challenges
• Funding Landscape
• Sources of Funding for Startups: Self-funding, family and friends, angel investors, venture capital, and grants.
• Challenges in Accessing Funding: Common Barriers Faced by Entrepreneurs
• Innovative Financing Solutions: Crowdfunding, Microfinance, and Public-Private Partnerships.
• Regulatory Environment
• Overview of Current Regulations Affecting Startups: Business Registration, Taxation, and Compliance Requirements.
• Discussion on Regulatory Barriers: How Regulations Hinder Startup Growth and Innovation
• Skills Development and Human Capital
• Training and Education Initiatives: Programs Designed to Enhance Entrepreneurial Skills
• The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Preparing for Future Challenges
• Infrastructure Challenges and Market Access
• Assessment of Current Infrastructure: Internet Access, Logistics, and Transportation.
• Insights on Market Dynamics: Challenges in Accessing Local and International Markets and Strategies for Market Entry and Expansion
• Competition Analysis: Understanding the Competitive Landscape for Startups.
• Support Systems and Networks
• The Role of Incubators and Accelerators: An Overview of Existing Support Organizations and Their Impact.
• Opportunities for Collaboration: Strengthening Networks among Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Support Organizations.
• Best Practices.

4. Target audience

The workshop will engage startup founders, investors, government officials, policymakers, financial institutions, representatives from incubators and accelerators. This diverse group aims to foster collaboration and enhance the startup ecosystem in Cameroon.

5. Expected outcome of the event

Participants will gain insights into the challenges faced by startups, establish valuable connections, and develop effective strategies for improving access to financing. The workshop will foster collaboration among stakeholders, enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and promote sustainable growth in Cameroon.

6. Contact details

Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54