Placed under the patronage of President, Paul Biya, economic leaders, investors and development experts attended the maiden Economic Forum from July 12 to 13, poised for action not aid.
“No one will build the North West but us,” Prof Fru Angwafo, Regional Executive Council President said. During the concluding session of the North West Economic Forum hosted at the Regional Assembly Auditorium in Bamenda, 25 entrepreneurs and small business proprietors received investment grants to support their innovative ventures. The ceremony brought to limelight exceptional achievements of the Region’s youth, with Écho securing a 10 million FCFA grant and Z-Learn receiving 5 million FCFA through the North West Digital Entrepreneurship Programme, an initiative supported by the North West Digital Association (NOWEDA).
These financial awards have added productivity steps to exceptional entrepreneurial creativity, community impact, and commercial viability. The North-West Regional Assembly initiated this programme to foster private sector development among the region’s youth population. The initiative situates the leadership goal of President Paul Biya whose vision for the country is to economically empowered communities through the decentralization process.
The grant announcements generated enthusiastic responses from the capacity audience, which included business executives, government officials, and emerging entrepreneurs. The ceremony concluded the Forum with a spirit of hope and motivation for future endeavours.
Hit by security challenges and economic setbacks, this direct investment in local business development is a strategic pivot away from government-dependent recovery models toward empowering individual entrepreneurship. For many recipients, these grants symbolize renewed confidence that homegrown talent can propel sustainable regional growth. The emphasis on digital ventures demonstrates awareness of evolving economic realities. With Écho and Z-Learn establishing themselves as pioneering tech-focused service providers, the assistance provided through NOWEDA indicates a strategic effort to synchronize regional progress with international digital developments.
Addressing the policymakers, development partners, business leaders, and community members, at the opener, Prof. Fru Fobuzshi Angwafo said the forum organised by the North West Development and Investment Fund (NOWEDIF) and the North West Digital Association (NOWEDA) is a platform for “closing deals, securing funding and changing lives.” “We are not here to seek permission. We are here to act. The blossoming of the North West is not the business of foreign donors. It is not solely the government’s burden. It is our business, our legacy, our mark on history.” he furthered.
Jennyhans Nde
