Global Health Systems Solutions (GHSS), with support from the Mastercard Foundation, successfully organized the first-ever Youth Innovation Challenge in Buea and Douala, Cameroon, an inspiring initiative under the Education and Economic Empowerment Project. Held from August 28 to 30, 2025, and from September 4 to 6, 2025, in Buea and Douala respectively, the event brought together young innovators who displayed groundbreaking ideas across categories such as Agri-Tech, Digital Solutions, Health & Wellbeing, and the Green Economy. From innovative initiatives like the Eru cutting machine and mental health consultancy in Buea to Agric-Connect and Honeycomb in Douala, participants pitched their projects before expert judges, and the winners took home cash prizes ranging from 1,000,000 CFA Francs to 3,500,000 CFA Francs. The prize award ceremony took place recently in Bonamoussadi, Douala, bringing together winners from the South West and Littoral regions. The Director of Operations for Global Health Systems Solutions, Madam Nelly Agoambin, chaired the prize award ceremony. She encouraged the young entrepreneurs to be resilient and to never give up in their business endeavours.
More than just a competition, the challenge offered mentorship, investor connections, media visibility, and government engagement —empowering young people with the tools to thrive. The winners were further enjoined to remain optimistic in their entrepreneurial journeys and to be aware that progress comes through persistence and perseverance. With regional trade and SME delegates present to show support, the event marked a decisive step toward GHSS’s mission to empower 15,000 youths across Cameroon. Whether winners or not, every young entrepreneur who competed in the innovation challenge walked away with knowledge, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose to drive change in their communities.
