(Business in Cameroon) – Cameroon’s startup scene is receiving a structured boost through the “Start-Up 237” program, run by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) in partnership with the French Embassy. From September 22 to October 3, 2025, program staff are visiting beneficiaries across the country, AUF said.
The initiative provides €10,000 in financial and material support, along with mentorship and follow-up, to each start-up. The program targets 100 early-stage ventures, bringing total direct investment to roughly €1 million (~656 million XAF). As of November 2024, 55 start-ups had received 400 million XAF (~€610,000) in support.
Start-Up 237 focuses on entrepreneurship, employability, and innovation, promoting locally developed solutions under the “Made in Cameroon” brand, particularly among young people. The national tour represents a planned monitoring stage of the project, allowing AUF and the French Embassy to assess startup progress, provide guidance, and deliver mentorship.
Cameroon’s startup ecosystem remains relatively nascent compared to its regional peers. Disclosed funding for 2024 was estimated at under $20 million, versus $800 million in Nigeria and $600 million in Kenya, according to Partech Africa. Youth unemployment (ages 15–24) is modeled at 6.23%, while the informal sector accounts for more than 80% of economic activity.
The Start-Up 237 program demonstrates a standardized approach to early-stage support, coupling micro-grants with mentorship. The ongoing field visits will enable AUF to track outcomes, such as job creation, revenue growth, and product development, providing measurable insights into the growth of Cameroon’s emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By Cynthia EBOT TAKANG
