An Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) delegation carried out a field mission on April 14-15 in Maroua to review Start-up 237, a project supporting, funding, and mentoring early-stage startups.
In Maroua, nine startups were assessed on the effective implementation of funded activities, progress achieved, and pathways toward better performance and scalability. To do so, the delegation met with incubator managers and beneficiary entrepreneurs, gathered testimonies, documented good practices and innovations, and formulated practical recommendations for the future.
The review found them to have genuinely taken off. They are not only generating wealth but also creating stable, reasonably well-paid employment. In the renewable energy sector, for example, startups demonstrated their capacity to add value to local products by extending shelf life and increasing market value, contributing to job creation and the stimulation of local economies.
“We are delighted with this evaluation mission of Start-up 237, a project that has supported 100 start-ups across Cameroon. We are particularly satisfied with the results achieved by these companies, which are very promising,” said Virginie Tallio, Regional Director for Central Africa and the Great Lakes at AUF.
“Thanks to AUF’s support, we have developed sustainable solutions to meet basic needs such as electricity and water, along with actions to protect the environment,” added Lotie Djousse Vades, a renewable energy engineer and programme beneficiary.
The Start-up 237 initiative is backed by the Fonds Équipe France (FEF) with support from France. It provided financial and material support totalling €90,000 (CFA58.5 million) to nine Far North startups, with each project holder receiving €10,000 (CFA6.5 million) alongside tailored mentorship from engaged experts and mentors. The broader programme has supported 100 startups across Cameroon.
Mercy Fosoh
