Society

At launch of Youth Connekt Convention: Gov’t pushes patriotism, entrepreneurship among young Cameroonians.

by Mercy Fosoh
15 Dec 2025 19:25
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Youth affairs minister (L) & others during launch ceremony

The Government has through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, MINJEC, called on young Cameroonians to be patriotic and entrepreneurial.
This was during the launch of the sixth edition of the Youth Connekt Cameroon Convention on December 8.

The opening ceremony held at the esplanade of the National Museum in Yaounde.

The convention, to run till December 13, brings together entrepreneurs, students, institutions, partners and members of the diaspora. It is under the theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Socio-Economic Insertion of Youth: Opportunities and Challenges”.

The opening was marked by a symbolic flag-raising and a minute of civism, setting the tone for a week-long programme dedicated to national pride, innovation and youth empowerment.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, told participants that the public sector cannot absorb all employment demands. He urged citizens to embrace entrepreneurship as a solution.

The minister encouraged young people to start even with small income-generating activities, stressing that civic commitment and entrepreneurial drive must go hand in hand. The ceremony, he explained, was designed to reinforce both patriotic values and entrepreneurial spirit.

The minister further urged young entrepreneurs, especially those from the diaspora, to explore opportunities across all ten regions of Cameroon. He said such investments would help develop local economies and strengthen national growth.

Activities include academic challenges, networking spaces, conferences, beauty contests, health screenings and live shows, all aimed at showcasing opportunities and success stories while promoting civic values.

According to the organisers, new features mark this sixth edition, with school and university challenges introduced to promote academic excellence.

Since its launch in 2019, Youth Connekt Cameroon has mobilised young entrepreneurs, startups, public and private institutions, development partners and the diaspora around a common goal of transforming challenges into lasting opportunities for the nation’s youth.

This year’s programme spans the National Museum and the Yaounde Conference Centre. It offers a unique blend of economy, culture, civic engagement and innovation.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3652 of Thursday December 11, 2025