2024
SBEC ANNUAL FORUM
Theme : Strengthening Cameroon’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
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September 11
& 12, 2024
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09:00 - 17:00
(GMT+1)
Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde
While skepticism exists about the capacity of entrepreneurship to drive sustainable economic development, particularly in Francophone African countries with known lower level of entrepreneurial activity, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are globally recognized as key contributors to job and wealth creation. They play a pivotal role in fostering growth, wealth redistribution, and poverty reduction in both developed and developing nations. This significance is also increasingly recognized in Francophone African countries.
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The main objective of the 2024 SBEC National Forum is to promote policies and discussions aimed at enhancing Cameroon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for sustainable economic development. Specific focus areas include:
WHO ATTENDS ?
Agenda
Wednesday, Sempember 11
08:00-08:40 – Registration & Networking. – Foretia Foundation
Grab your welcome pack and a cup of coffee and meet fellow conference-goers.
08:40-09:00 – Welcome remarks – Mr Jean Blaise Nkonga
09:00-10:30 – Group photo & Interviews & Networking break – Communication Department
10:30-11:00 – Opening Keynote : Moving from Good to Great – Dr Merlin Mfondo
Wednesday, Sempember 11
08:00-08:40 – Registration & Networking. – Foretia Foundation
Grab your welcome pack and a cup of coffee and meet fellow conference-goers.
08:40-09:00 – Welcome remarks – Mr Jean Blaise Nkonga
09:00-10:30 – Group photo & Interviews & Networking break – Communication Department
10:30-11:00 – Opening Keynote : Moving from Good to Great – Dr Merlin Mfondo
Wednesday, September 11
08:00-09:00 – Registration & Networking.
- Participants arrive, register.
09:00-09:25 – Welcome remarks
- Dr Denis Foretia (Online)
09:25-10:00 – Keynote
- Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystem to Achieve Sustainability Through Digitalization and Innovation
10:00-11:20 – High-Level Conversation
- Public-private partnerships: improving the entrepreneurship ecosystem for sustainable development
11:20 – 11:45 – Coffee break and networking
11:45- 13:00 – Plenary Panel Discussion
- Building a Resilient and Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosyste in Cameroon: Strategies for Strengthening Economic Growth and Innovation.
13:00-14:00 – Lunch break and networking
14:00-15:15 – Plenary Panel session
Microfinance for Inclusive Development : Empowering Communities in Cameroon
15:15-16:15
Breakout session Topic 1
- Boosting the participation of Cameroonian Small and Medium Enterprises in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area
Breakout session Topic 2
- Seizing Opportunities from Multinationals to Enhance the Competitiveness of Domestic SMEs in Cameroon
Thursday, September 12
08:00-09:00 – Registration & Networking
09:00-10:00 – Distinguished lecture
- Unlocking Investment Opportunities: Equipping SMEs with Tools to Attract Viable Investors
10:00-11:00 – Panel discussion 1
- Economic Freedom: fostering the Cameroon entrepreneurial ecosystem for sustainable development
11:00-12:00 – Plenary conversation
The pivotal role of business incubators and accelerators in empowering women and youth entrepreneurs in driving economic growth in Cameroon.
12:00-12:30 – Coffee break and networking
12:30-13:30
Breakout Session Topic 1
Unlocking the Potential: The Role of Startups in Creating Employment Opportunities for Women and Youths in Local Council Areas.
Breakout Session Topic 2
- Harnessing Income-Generating Activities to Address Unemployment Among Women and Youth in Cameroon.
13:30-14:30 – Lunch break and networking
14:30 – 15:30
Breakout session Topic 1
- Amplifying Voices for Youth Entrepreneurship for a Prosperous Future in Cameroon.
Breakout session Topic 2
- AI-driven Innovation: How has AI-enabled entrepreneurs to create innovative products and services within the ecosystem?
15:30-16:00 – Award ceremony to SMEs benefiting from seed capital
16:15-16:30 – Wrap-up and Closing Remarks
- Summary of Key Takeaways
16:30-17:00 –Photos and interviews
Support Package
Individual Support
SBEC 2023 Exhibition
