The North West Development and Investment Fund (NOWEDIF) has officially launched its 2025 Digital Entrepreneurship Program, aimed at equipping young innovators with digital skills, funding, and market exposure.
The launch event, held at the North West Regional Assembly Auditorium, drew over 200 eager youths. The program, backed by the Assembly, seeks to transform the region's economic landscape by training 2 million youths in digital literacy, AI, and entrepreneurship by 2035.
According to NOWEDIF, the program will create 5,000 startups expected to generate 600 billion FCFA in revenue. This initiative is particularly timely, given the region's high unemployment rates, with only 30,000 out of 650,000 youths aged 20-35 in permanent employment.
"We need to valorize the skills and talents of our young people," said Prof Fru Angwafo III, President of the North West Regional Assembly. "This program will provide them with the necessary tools to transform their ideas into tangible businesses."
The program offers equity investments ranging from 5 to 60 million FCFA per startup. Top startups will also benefit from a three-month immersion in Silicon Valley, gaining access to investors and accelerators.
Cross section of participants
Applications for the program close on March 27, with acceleration starting May 1. NOWEDIF has also established a Digital Entrepreneurship Centre at Upstation Bamenda, providing fast internet and 24/7 electricity.
"This program is exactly what young innovators like me need to scale our ideas into real businesses," said Njemshu Vera, a tech innovator from the University of Bamenda.
Alain Nteff
Alain Nteff, the lead trainer, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth. "Entrepreneurship is key to unlocking the potential of our young people," he said.
The NOWEDIF 2025 Digital Entrepreneurship Program is open to ideas across every sector, with a focus on transforming the region's economic landscape. With its comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship development, the program is poised to make a significant impact on the region's economy.
As the program rolls out, NOWEDIF is calling on young innovators to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to turn their ideas into successful businesses.
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