In Cameroon’s West Region, the Mushroom Common Initiative Group, led by Tchasso Tchamba Michael, has turned struggle into opportunity. Once limited by slow, artisanal methods, their dream of scaling up felt distant.
With support from Global Health Systems Solutions (GHSS) under the Education
and Economic Empowerment Project (E-E-E-P) funded by the Mastercard Foundation, everything changed.
The Breakthrough
After winning 3 million CFA francs in the GHSS Regional Youth Innovation Challenge (RYIC), the group invested the award in a locally built industrial mixer crafted with foodgrade materials. This innovation revolutionized their work: production soared, quality became consistent, losses dropped, and revenues grew. The funding that enabled this breakthrough has also allowed the group to sign contracts with supermarkets, ensuring their products reach even wider markets.
At first, the group employed 6 direct staff members and 8 indirect workers. With the
support of GHSS and the RYIC award, the team has grown to 8 direct employees
and 16 indirect employees responsible for processing, packaging, marketing,
transport, and distribution. Together, they are not only tackling unemployment but
also building a sustainable future.
“This funding is not just a machine. It is an opportunity for transformation, youth
empowerment, and sustainable development. Thanks to GHSS, our dream is becoming reality, and our impact on the community grows every day,” Tchamba stated.
Milestones Achieved
RYIC award of 3 million CFA francs used to purchase the mixer and scale operations.
Modernized production with boosted harvests.
Launched new products: mushroom wine, mushroom enriched chocolates, breaded mushrooms.
Deployed mobile kiosks across Bafoussam, bringing freshness directly to consumers.
From hardship to hope, the Mushroom Common Initiative Group is more than farming — it is empowerment, sustainability, and opportunity for generations to come.
