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| Laye Mbunkur, 2016 JCI Cameroon President |
Presenting his
plan of action at a press conference in Yaounde on Thursday 14 January 2016,
Laye Mbunkur said he and his team intends to equip over 4,000 youths with
managerial and technical expertise to start their own businesses, “and moreover
to network with funders and angel investors.”
“This is a
project which have named the Enterprise Development Marketplace will be carried
out in five university towns. We will empower young people with the necessary
skills to start and grow their own businesses,” the 2016 JCI Cameroon president
explained.
To promote the
spirit of patriotism, JCI Cameroon the 2016 president said will recognize 10 outstanding
young Cameroonians in the course of the year.
“We have realized
that many youths do see role models; they don’t see people of values, people
who are impacting the nation positively. We will move nationwide and source for
outstanding young people who shall be nominated either by the community or by
their peers out whom 10 shall be recognized during a red carpet event here in
Yaounde,” Laye Mbunkur stated.
Business with Nigeria
In order to
strengthen business relations with Africa’s economic giant, Nigeria, the 2016
JCI Cameroon president said a delegation of 100 young businessmen from Cameroon
will in the months ahead take part in a Cameroon-Nigeria business exchange
forum in that neighboring country.
“We have a big
market next door which is Nigeria. This is a 200million market and many unexploited
trade potentials exist between Cameroon and Nigeria. In partnership with JCI
Nigeria, we are working on this exchange forum for our young and aspiring
businessmen to learn about the business opportunities in Nigeria,” Laye Mbunkur
said adding that through the exchange forum, JCI Cameroon will be able to strengthen
business ties with biggest economy of the continent “which is a major aspect of
Cameroon’s 2035 development vision.”
The president
revealed that JCI Cameroon has been a major contributor of change and
innovation to the country since its inception in 1989 by Hon. Gaston Komba.
“For 25years
today, JCI Cameroon has been dedicated to developing the business and
managerial skills of young leaders [in the Country],” Laye Mbunkur said.
The president
Holder of a
Master’s degree in Business Administration with specialization in marketing
from the Advanced School of Economics and Commerce of the University of Douala and
a professional Diploma in marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing
in London, the 2016 JCI Cameroon president, Laye Mbunkur is a certified local
trainer with the institution’s University and a small business development coach.
The Buea-based
entrepreneur is Executive Director of the Small Business Support Center and
also chief of Business for a multinational telecommunications company.
By Ndi Eugene
Ndi
