Welisane Mokwe Nkeng flies Cameroon’s flag internationally again!.

This was at the prestigious Forty Under 40 Africa Award ceremony, which held in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 30, 2024. 

After careful evaluation by a panel of prominent African business and thought leaders, Welisane Mokwe Nkeng, was declared winner in the Philanthropy and Charity category, where she was nominated alongside over 100 excelling young Africans.

The burgeoning Cameroonian women’s empowerment star was also celebrated during the ceremony with an Honorary Award for her outstanding achievements in empowering the girl child.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries of the Kenyan government, headed by Cabinet Secretary of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon Ababu-Namwamba; members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives, business tycoons and young leaders from Africa and around the globe.

The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, it should be said, is an initiative meant to identify, honour and celebrate a cross section of the continent’s most influential and accomplished young business leaders, under the age of forty, from a wide range of industries, and who are committed to business growth, professional excellence and community service. 

Putting the spotlight on the young achievers, organisers said, will not only celebrate them but also build a strong platform for them, by giving a voice and opportunities to the next generation of industry pacesetters; while building a positive attitude in the youth to strive for excellence at a tender age.

Pledges to do more amidst challenges

Speaking shortly after receiving the recognition, Welisane Mokwe Nkeng, said it was encouraging to have emerged winner in a category that had several young people with “very strong profiles”. 

“I am totally blown away and ecstatic because there were several young people in my category with very strong profiles. For me to emerge this successful, meant the jury and voters found something extra and encouraging in my endeavours,” Welisane said. 

Welisane, who has been fearless in her campaigns to stand by people going through challenges for years, said the awards are more than just accolades; but a testament to her dedication, commitment and validation of her dreams.

“The work we do is sincerely to create an impact and make a difference in the lives of girls and women. This award just comes to encourage us to keep going, amidst challenges,” she said. 

The award, Welisane added, “comes to add to the other plethora of awards we received over the years”.

Shares experience on her journey 

Welisane Mokwe, it should be said, also participated at the "Under 40 Champions Summit", held on the sidelines of the award ceremony.

In her outing at the Summit, Welisane Mokwe spoke about her journey and experience in addressing issues that block girls and women from advancing in the society. She particularly cited gender empowerment, through the Welisane Foundation. 

The Summit was also an opportunity to listen to voices of leaders across Africa, especially on issues related to pursuing one’s vision with passion and perseverance.

Insights gathered at the summit, she noted, also touched on refusing to be held back by cliches and hogwash, celebrating little wins and people, to be good, upright and have values as well as having no one to blame but oneself, not focusing on money and standing for something. 

Welisane received by Yaounde’s envoy to Kenya 

After the triumph at the continental award ceremony, Welisane Mokwe Nkeng, it should be said, was received in audience by the Head of Mission of the Cameroon Consulate, in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr Vivian Nain Kuma.

The envoy of Yaounde to Nairobi, heartily congratulated Welisane, for the added honour the award brings to the nation.

Dr Vivian Nain Kuma encouraged the award winner to keep empowering and mentoring African girls. 

At the end of the audience, Welisane Mokwe, said: “It was an honour to listen, not only to a senior colleague but a mentor and big sister”. 

Flashback on Welisane’s activities 

Welisane Mokwe, has through a series of lofty activities, carried out through her foundation for the past six years, become a beacon of hope for under-resourced communities, underprivileged persons, and a model in supporting the common good and empowering the girl child. 

The towering civil society actor has, against all odds, changed the story of many, including breast cancer patients and survivors, Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Cameroonian refugees living in dire conditions in Nigeria. 

The Welisane Foundation has organised annual mentorship programs for girls, themed: “Lead Girls Lead Now”, donated menstrual hygiene products “Dignity Kits” to IDP girls and Cameroonian girls in refugee camps in Nigeria. 

The Foundation has also organised holiday campaigns, dubbed: “Vacances Sans Grossesses,” to fight against teenage pregnancy.

The Foundation has also donated didactics and tuition fees to girls displaced by Anglophone crisis and girls with disabilities through the “One Girl, One Dream” scheme.

The Welisane Foundation has been a major voice in crusading awareness on breast cancer and bringing hope to those battling the disease as well as survivors. It also raises awareness on Gender-based Violence, infertility stigma and illegal immigration among other issues.