At start of hi-tech seminar in Y’de: Israeli diplomat urges 100 entrepreneurs to dream big, be solution oriented.

The diplomat made the clarion call at the official opening ceremony of the 6^th edition of the Israeli-Cameroon seminar on hi-tech, innovation and entrepreneurship held Tuesday in Yaounde.

He told the participants at the seminar that as entrepreneurs, there are expected not only to register financial successes but create lasting impact, solving real world problems as well as improve the lives of people around them.

He told the participants drawn from across the country that: “As we embark on this hi-tech and entrepreneurship seminar, we aim to inspire and empower each one of you, the young Cameroonian entrepreneurs who are the…force of change”.

He then urged them to dream big, embrace innovation, and create solutions that will shape the future and perpetuate the collaboration between Cameroon and Israel.

Throughout the seminar, he said, the young entrepreneurs “will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned Israeli and Cameroonian entrepreneurs; you will gain insights into their journey and understand the strategies they engage to overcome challenges”.

He was blunt that: “Entrepreneurship is not solely about financial success. It is not.  It is about making lasting impact, solving real world problems and improving lives of people around you”. 

“…I urge you to be bold, resilient and to persevere,” he continued. Earlier, Anan Zen had noted that the ongoing seminar marks a significant milestone in “our collective journey towards fostering innovation and creating thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem”.

While inspiring the participants with the success stories of his country, Anan Zen boasted that: “Israel, a small nation in the heart of the Middle East has achieved tremendous success in the field of technology and innovation”.

He said despite its geographical limitations, Israel has emerged as a global powerhouse in the hi-tech industry, captivating the world and its cutting edge technologies, groundbreaking discoveries and a vibrant start up culture.

He said Israeli’s success story is linked to a combination of factors. The diplomat who will soon come to the end of his diplomatic mission to Cameroon, disclosed that: “Israel possesses a vibrant entrepreneurial culture that encourages risks taking and celebrates failure as a stepping stone to success”.

He said Israelis are known for their audacity to dream big and pursue those dreams relentlessly. 

“Secondly, Israel boasts of a unique ecosystem which fosters innovation. The government plays a significant role in supporting research and development, creating an environment that encourages collaboration between academia, industry and entrepreneurs,” he explained, stating that: “Israeli possesses a high level educated and skilled workforce”. 

He said the countries universities, research institutions constantly produce top actors in the field of science and technology, engineering and mathematics. 

“Israel understands the power of diversity and inclusiveness. It is a nation that embraces people from all walks of life, regardless of their gender, religion or background,” he concluded.

Fruitful relations

Israel and Cameroon share a long history of excellent bilateral relations, and cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, education and cultural exchanges.

While it is difficult to improve on an already excellent cooperation, there is much potential for both sides to strengthen the content of their cooperation. 

Cooperation between the two states in the field of training and access to high technology, in particular, has a good track record.  Indeed, investment in training is one of the focuses of the Israeli Embassy in Cameroon. 

The "Israel-Cameroon Seminar on High Tech, Innovation and Entrepreneurship" is one of the flagship projects of the Israeli Embassy in Cameroon. In its 6^th edition, the seminar is organised as part of the celebration of 75 years of the State of Israel. 

The seminar, which has become a tradition, has been contributing to strengthening the already excellent bilateral relations between Israel and Cameroon.