Yaoundé, Republic of Cameroon, March 21, 2025 – The first edition of The Okwelians Summit was held from March 19 to 21, 2025, in Yaoundé. The event, organized by the Think Do Tank The Okwelians, recorded a participation rate of nearly 200%, bringing together over 300 participants from more than 20 nationalities, including representatives from the public sector, private sector, civil society, as well as a dozen development partners. The objective was to catalyze a collective dynamic around the sustainable transformation of the Cameroonian economy.
The discussions highlighted the importance of rethinking both collaboration frameworks among stakeholders and economic models: particularly by integrating sustainability at every stage of economic transformation and paying close attention to the valorization of endogenous knowledge, the support of vulnerable populations, and the preservation of ecosystems. The sessions also emphasized the need for alignment between local industrialization, export strategies, and economic diplomacy. A “Green Book” will be published to formalize the main strategic orientations discussed.
In addition to the participation of about twenty start-ups and a significant representation of women and young people, the event received coverage from more than forty media outlets, reflecting the national and international interest generated by the summit. All major public administrations were represented, and four full ministers took part in the discussions. In total, the event mobilized nearly 40 partners and sponsors.
The conclusion of the summit was marked by three major commitments:
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Eurocham and the Groupement du Patronat Francophone (GPF);
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Cameroon Industrialists Union (SYNDUSTRICAM) and Huawei;
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Okwelians and the National Council of Traditional Chiefs.
Jacques Jonathan Nyemb, President of The Okwelians, stated:
“Sustainability is no longer an option, but an imperative requirement for building a prosperous and truly inclusive economy. This summit demonstrates by example that co-construction between all stakeholders in society is the only way to realize this ambition.”
Building on this success, The Okwelians intends to implement these commitments in service of the sustainable transformation of Cameroon, in preparation for the next edition of The Okwelians Summit, scheduled for March 17, 18, and 19, 2027.
About the Think Do Tank The Okwelians
The Okwelians is a Cameroonian Think Do Tank dedicated to promoting social innovation. Leveraging action research, training, and the incubation of impact-driven projects, this multidisciplinary organization brings together actors from diverse backgrounds to advance the sustainable transformation of Cameroon.
Through its publications, activities, and programs, The Okwelians fosters constructive dialogue among decision-makers from all spheres to develop sustainable and innovative solutions. The organization focuses on ethics, collaboration, and excellence to develop initiatives centered on the common good, while stimulating the engagement of young leaders. Its “think-do” approach combines strategic reflection with concrete action.
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