Keeping promise to women, youth: Biya approves 6.59 billion FCFA for Ntui Vocational Training Centre.

President Biya, on May 4, 2026, signed Decree No. 2026/169; authorising the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Alamine Ousman Mey, to sign a loan agreement with UNICREDIT BANK Austria AG; to the tune of 10 million Euros, approximately 6.55 billion FCFA. The presidential decree indicated that the funding is for the Ntui Vocational Training Centre.

To note that the government plan, is in line with the President’s directive, to through such centres, train thousands of young people in Ekondo-Titi in Ndian Division and Fontem in Lebialem Division of the South West Region; Yokaduma, in the Mboumba and Ngoko Division of the East Region; Ntui, in the Mbam and Kim Division of the Centre Region and Ngong, Benue Division of the North Region.

The decision has sparked excitement across the Mbam and Kim Division and the other administrative units where similar centres are being highly awaited.

The general believe among many of the potential beneficiary communities is that the Head of State will also authorise the sourcing of funding for all the earmarked communities in the interest of women and youths.

According to government’s programme, each of the earmarked centres in Ekondo-Titi, Fontem, Ngong and Yokaduma will cost over 6 billion FCFA like that to soon see the light of day in Ntui.

The President’s approval adds to the ground work that had been on since the start of this year. On March 31, 2026, the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, had signed the supply contract with the Austrian company, Vace Systemtechnik GmbH in Yaounde.

The Interim Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, who is also the Minister of Youth Affairs and Physical Education, Mounouna Foutsou, signed for the government, while Johann Sesser put pen on paper for Vace Systemtechnik company. 

Among those who witnessed the sealing of the supply contract deal were the minister’s collaborators and the Focal Point of Vace Systemtechnik in Africa, His Majesty Nanje Kingsley Elangwe.

His Majesty Nanje has been the Focal Point for the Austrians since 2020. He is also the traditional ruler of Mofako Balue village in Dikome Balue Subdivision, Ndian Division.

With the President Biya’s new engagement, key actors are unanimous that vocational training across Cameroon will soon match his expectations and 2035 emergence vision.

There are those who say government should prioritise making the vocational training centres in the mentioned localities see the light of day as a panacea to galloping youth unemployment and lack of skills that remain key issues affecting young people and women.

To note that Vace Systemtechnik GmbH has continued to widen its horizon in projects of national interest. It has become one of the companies that is opening up opportunities for Cameroonians wishing to study and work in Austria.

Among key actors, the Austrian Export facility, Austrian Ministry of Finance, the Cameroon Ambassador to Germany, Ndocki Victor, the country’s technical ministries alongside the Focal Point for the Austrians in Cameroon, His Majesty Nanje have been meticulously following up the financing.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3792 of Monday May 18, 2026