Yango Fellowship brings together tech talent from six African countries to build locally rooted solutions
Source: Journal du Cameroun (EN) · Arnaud Nicolas MAWEL ·
© Yango Fellows from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, Ethiopia and Mozambique pitch tech projects addressing transport, health, finance, employment, waste and water access across Africa Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire - 21st September 2026: Yango Group has concluded the Pan-African Yango Fellowship 2026 programme with a two-day Graduation programme and Pitch Day in Abidjan, bringing together 24 Fellows from six African countries to present the tech projects they developed over the course of the programme. The cohort included fellows from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, Ethiopia and Mozambique, selected from more than 600 applicants. Over the 12-week programme, fellows worked in six mixed-country teams, moving from problem framing and research through solution design, business modelling, prototyping and final pitching. The resulting projects span cashless payments for informal transport, digital financial identity for informal merchants, medicine supply visibility for community health workers, cross-border job matching, smart waste collection and recycling, and low-cost water-quality testing for rural communities. The closing programme in Abidjan combined project development with exposure to technology and business leaders. Fellows joined a session on AI for impact with Celina Lee, co-founder of Zindi, took part in hands-on public speaking and pitch coaching, and met Yango Group leaders from several African markets to discuss career growth, entrepreneurship and building technology businesses in different local contexts. At the final Pitch Day, fellows presented six team projects and selected individual projects to a jury of technology, investment and industry experts. The event concluded with an awards ceremony, with a total prize fund of USD 12,000 recognising the strongest team and individual projects. Africoded took the top group prize of USD 4,500 for its AI-assisted platform connecting African job seekers with cross-border employment, remote work and career-development opportunities across the continent. Harambee placed second, receiving USD 2,500 for a smart waste collection and recycling platform connecting households, waste collectors and recyclers, while Bloom took third place and USD 1,500 for its African Transit Payment Revolution, a cashless fare-collection system designed for informal public transport across East and West Africa. In the individual category, Fredrick Mwepu of Zambia won the USD 1,500 Best Individual Project award for RoboCore Zambia, a locally developed robotics platform designed to make practical STEM education more accessible and affordable. Ghana’s Meshack Kwame Nartey received the USD 1,000 runner-up prize for Shuttle Smart Ghana, an app that tracks university shuttles and gives students real-time information on their arrival. Oulimata Rose Dia received the USD 1,000 Best Technical/AI Contribution award for Smart Bin Collection, a solar-powered system that monitors bin fill levels in real time and uses 2G connectivity to support more efficient waste collection. "600 applications for 24 places doesn't tell you Africa lacks talent, it tells you how much talent is waiting for structured access to mentorship and opportunity. Africa has no shortage of brilliant young people. What's harder to find is a mentor, a network, and the opportunity to test an idea against a real problem. That's the specific gap this Fellowship exists to close" said Shashi Singh, Director of Operations, Yango Ride MEA & Asia. "Growing up, hands-on STEM tools were something I only saw in videos — RoboCore Zambia exists to close that gap, so the next student who wants to build something doesn't have to wait for the chance I almost didn't get, I am excited that my project got to see the light of day and it was a wonderful experience to travel, meet other fellows from all other countries and learn directly from experts and leaders in Tech and AI. This is an experience I will never forget" said Fredrick Mwepu, Zambian STEM student and winner of the Best Individual Project award for RoboCore Zambia, his locally developed robotics platform designed to make practical STEM education more accessible and affordable. The programme responds to a wider reality across the continent: digital growth depends on people, not only infrastructure. Building and scaling technology locally requires engineers, entrepreneurs and technology professionals with practical experience — and people who understand the realities of their own markets. For Yango Group, investing in that talent is closely linked to how the company builds across Africa: different markets have different infrastructure, behaviours and needs, so strong local businesses require strong local expertise. The Fellowship is one way Yango helps strengthen that talent pipeline while building connections across Africa’s wider technology ecosystem. About Yango Group Yango Group is an international tech company, transforming globally sourced technologies into everyday services that are tailored to local communities. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we reshape and enhance leading cutting-edge technologies from around the world into seamlessly integrated daily services for diverse regions. Yango Group provides its digital services, including mobility, delivery, foodtech, entertainment among many others, across 30+ countries in Africa, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, South Asia and other regions. For more information please contact: pr@yango.com Cet article Yango Fellowship brings together tech talent from six African countries to build locally rooted solutions est apparu en premier sur Journal du Cameroun.
Read the full article on Journal du Cameroun (EN)Related — Cameroon
CameroonRosaline Obah honoured with 2026 Martin Luther King Freedom Award
© Laarry Times Cameroonian-British journalist, strategic communication specialist, and peace advocate Rosaline Obah has been awarded the prestigious Martin Luther King Freedom Award 2026. She received the distinction on September 19, 2026, during the second edition of the Peace, Freedom, and Human Rights International Award ceremony that took place at the historic Norman-Swabian Castle of Sannicandro di Bari in southern Italy. Organized by the Foundation for World Peace alongside the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Academy and the Academy of Arts and Philosophical Sciences, the event took place ahead of the International Day of Peace on September 21, assembling an international cohort of peacebuilders, academics, and human rights advocates. About the Award The Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award honors individuals who embody the vision, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through civil rights advocacy, public safety initiatives, community leadership, and dedicated efforts toward equality and justice. Because these awards are hosted by various local governments, regional councils, and advocacy groups, the specific nomination criteria and scope naturally adapt to fit different community contexts. At the local and regional levels, distinctions like Louisville’s Keepers of the Dream award or county-level Freedom Medals focus on grassroots leaders, public safety personnel, and volunteers who directly improve neighborhood welfare and affordable housing. On an international scale, institutions such as the National Civil Rights Museum grant Freedom Awards to prominent global figures whose lifelong achievements have profoundly shaped and advanced civil and human rights. Principal organizers Massimo Massa and Cheikh Tidiane Gaye commended Obah and her fellow honoree, Marta Lescano of Argentina, who received the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award 2026, for their exceptional contributions. The panel of recognitions, inspired by the historical legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela, celebrates foundational efforts toward non-violence, freedom, and human dignity on local and global stages. Reflecting on her achievement, Obah emphasized that the honor serves a purpose greater than personal recognition. She noted that international awards act primarily as critical bridges between nations, connecting people who share universal aspirations for equality, dignity, and peaceful coexistence despite differing regional contexts. Her career, which bridges professional journalism, strategic communication, and grassroots peacebuilding, underscores the crucial role media plays in mitigating conflict and strengthening social cohesion within divided societies. Beyond the formal presentation of accolades, the gathering at Sannicandro di Bari served as an active collaborative forum for delegates from Italy, Cameroon, Argentina, and beyond. Attendees exchanged operational methodologies, forged professional networks, and discussed practical strategies to promote social inclusion and defend human rights globally. Acknowledging the efforts of the organizing GPLT team, participants reaffirmed that building sustainable peace requires sustained cross-border partnerships and institutional cooperation. Ultimately, Obah’s recognition on the global stage elevates Cameroonian and African peacebuilding perspectives into broader international discourse. As communities worldwide observed the International Day of Peace, the event reinforced the necessity of continuous dialogue and shared knowledge in tackling systemic inequality. Obah's award stands as a springboard for ongoing cooperation, connecting advocates across Africa, Europe, and Latin America in their shared mission to advance freedom and human dignity. Cet article Rosaline Obah honoured with 2026 Martin Luther King Freedom Award est apparu en premier sur Journal du Cameroun.
CameroonCulture: Maëllys Ngo Mboui crowned Miss Cameroon 2026
© Cameroon Actuels The Yaounde Conference Center played host on September 19, 2026 to the historic event that witnessed the coronation of Maëllys Ngo Mboui as the 2026 beautiful queen of Cameroon. Competing as candidate number one, the 20-year-old beauty queen defeated a field of 23 top finalistes representing regions across Cameroon and the diaspora to claim the prestigious national title of Miss Cameroon during the 19th edition of the competition. The emotional highlight of the grand finale arrived when Cameroon’s First Lady, Mrs. Chantal Biya, personally affixed the golden crown upon Ngo Mboui, bestowing her with the mantle of the nation's foremost cultural and beauty ambassador. Representing Miss Diaspora France while maintaining heritage rooted in the Northwest Region, Maëllys Ngo Mboui made history as the first candidate from the Cameroonian diaspora to win the coveted national crown. Beyond her physical poise and elegance on stage, Ngo Mboui stood out for her remarkable academic background. Holding dual degrees in Economics & Management as well as Mathematics & Computer Science, her strong educational resume brought a modern, multifaceted profile to the national stage, showcasing the vibrant talent and connection of the Cameroonian diaspora living abroad. The theme for this year's pageant, "Fighting Cybercriminality," aligned directly with Ngo Mboui’s academic expertise and civic advocacy. Throughout the competition, she championed causes geared toward digital literacy, youth empowerment, and women in technology, including her initiative "Cameroonian Girls in STEM". She articulated a vision to utilize her platform to combat online threats, promote safe digital spaces, and encourage young women to excel in science, innovation, and leadership, giving the 2026 pageant a distinct social and educational purpose. Succeeding outgoing titleholder Audrey Moutongo Black, Ngo Mboui’s victory marks a fresh chapter for the Miss Cameroon platform. Alongside the coveted crown and the keys to a brand-new official vehicle, her win grants her the opportunity to represent Cameroon on major international pageant stages such as Miss World. With her coronation uniting the diaspora and the homeland, Maëllys Ngo Mboui steps into her reign as a symbol of intelligence, grace, and modern Cameroonian leadership. Cet article Culture: Maëllys Ngo Mboui crowned Miss Cameroon 2026 est apparu en premier sur Journal du Cameroun.
CameroonTraditional Pharmacopeia: MINESUP paves the way for scientific and industrial valorisation
© MINESUP The Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, and Chancellor of Academic Orders, Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, presided over on September 17, 2026, at the University of Yaounde I, the official opening ceremony of the National Symposium on the Valorization of Cameroonian Traditional Pharmacopoeia. Held under the theme "Valorization of traditional pharmacopoeia: A strategic lever for promoting Made in Cameroon," the event brought together university researchers, traditional healers, healthcare professionals, and government representatives at the Amphitheater 700 of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to explore ways to transform ancestral knowledge into a modern economic force. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, the Secretary-General of MINRESI highlighted the vast potential of local traditional remedies to bolster national health self-reliance and preserve cultural heritage. She urged stakeholders to step up scientific research, secure legal protection for indigenous knowledge, and establish strong synergies between traditional practices and modern medicine. In his keynote address, the Minister of State situated the conference within the policy directions set by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya, regarding healthcare development and the optimal use of national resources. Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo emphasized that traditional pharmacopoeia spans multiple sectors including public health, academic research, innovation, industry, and commerce. He also insisted on applying rigorous scientific standards to traditional medicine. He specifically stressed the imperative of characterizing active ingredients, establishing standardized dosages, identifying side effects, and upholding strict ethical guidelines. This initiative comes at a pivotal moment, following the landmark legislation passed on December 23, 2024 (Law No. 2024/018), which regulates the practice and organization of traditional medicine in Cameroon. The keynote lecture, delivered by Emmanuel Albert Mpondo Mpondo, Emeritus Professor of Pharmacognosy, addressed the development of the national pharmaceutical industry through university training, targeted research, and entrepreneurship focused on local medicinal plants. The symposium concluded with the adoption of 55 action-oriented resolutions structured around four primary thematic axes. These measures aim to strengthen the legal framework, accelerate research and development, and integrate traditional pharmacopoeia into mainstream national healthcare and industrial strategies, helping propel Cameroon toward its 2035 Emerging Nation vision. Cet article Traditional Pharmacopeia: MINESUP paves the way for scientific and industrial valorisation est apparu en premier sur Journal du Cameroun.
CameroonCulture: The Mvog Manga Cultural festival to attain official recognition
© Minac The Mvog Manga Festival of the people of the Center region had been officially presented to the Cameroonian population. This was done during a high-level audience granted His Majesty AMOUGOU Serge, 3rd-Degree Traditional Chief and National President of the Anyang Mvog Manga Cultural Association by the Minister of Arts and Culture Pierre Ismael Bidoung Nkpwat on September 16, 2026. Held in the reception hall of the National Museum, the meeting focused on the official presentation of the Mvog Manga Cultural Festival, a formal request for its inclusion in Cameroon's National Directory of Cultural Festivals, and a plea for technical support from the ministry. Determined to safeguard their rich heritage, the Mvog Manga community aims to preserve, promote, and transmit their ancestral customs to future generations. His Majesty AMOUGOU Serge was accompanied by a large delegation of traditional custodians who highlighted the vital importance of registering their identity-defining cultural practices. Beyond seeking official recognition, the delegation presented the active preparations for the inaugural edition of the Mvog Manga Festival while soliciting institutional and technical backing from the Ministry of Arts and Culture. In response, the Department of Cultural Heritage outlined the strict administrative requirements necessary for inclusion in the National Directory. To qualify, the festival must demonstrate deep historical and cultural roots tied to a founding myth or sacred rite rather than commercial motives. Furthermore, it requires a fixed periodicity, a legitimate traditional organizing committee endorsed by the chieftaincy, and broad community participation. The event's content must also showcase living heritage, including original rites, dances, oral arts, traditional medicine, native wrestling, and storytelling in the mother tongue, supported by a comprehensive technical file. To guarantee effective support for this initiative, the Minister issued firm instructions to the ministry's technical units. The resulting recommendations mandate immediate structuring to finalize the registration file within the coming week. Additionally, technical teams were directed to conduct an official inventory of all intangible cultural heritage elements associated with the festival. This documentation will facilitate the signing of the official decree and ensure the festival’s inclusion on the ministry’s digital promotion platforms. The audience ended on a symbolic note with the presentation of traditional gifts to the Minister by the Mvog Manga chiefs. The Minister received a fly-whisk, representing authority, alongside a Mvet, the iconic musical instrument of the Beti culture. This exchange marked a powerful alliance between state institutions and traditional leadership, paving the way for the enduring celebration of Mvog Manga heritage on the national stage. Cet article Culture: The Mvog Manga Cultural festival to attain official recognition est apparu en premier sur Journal du Cameroun.
CameroonCameroonian Youth mobilize for climate action at LCOY Cameroon 2026
© JDC Fifty dynamic youth representatives from across all ten regions of Cameroon gathered in Yaounde at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung office for the Local Conference of Youth - LCOY 2026. Organised by Support Humanity Cameroon - SUHUCAM alongside a coalition of seven partner youth-led non-governmental organizations, the two-day conference brings together young climate advocates, youths from indigenous communities, and policy stakeholders. Under the theme “Turning commitment into action: Youth leading climate solutions for resilient communities,” the gathering served as a vital forum for capacity building, peer learning, and collaborative strategy formulation to elevate youth perspectives in national and global climate governance. The event benefited from significant technical and financial support provided by the United Nations Development Programme - UNDP Cameroon, UNICEF Cameroon, and the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development - MINEPDED. During the opening ceremony, institutional leaders highlighted that meaningful youth inclusion is essential for sustainable climate mitigation and adaptation. Timothee Kagonbe, MINEPDED's UNFCCC Focal Point for Cameroon, stressed that because young people will bear the long-term impacts of climate change in the coming decades, they must be actively equipped with technical policy knowledge, accredited, and integrated into official government delegations to global climate summits. Highlighting the distinct vulnerabilities across Cameroon's diverse geographic zones, Mrs. Juliette Haeni, Deputy Representative at UNICEF Cameroon, emphasized that local youth are uniquely positioned to spearhead community-level resilience. Inclusivity and targeted vulnerability assessments formed a core pillar of the summit's deliberations. Disability advocate and conference participant Nguini Simone called attention to the disproportionate dangers extreme weather events present to persons living with disabilities, particularly regarding inaccessible infrastructure during sudden floods in major hubs like Yaoundé and Douala. Simone emphasized that organizations representing persons with disabilities must be formally consulted during disaster risk reduction planning to ensure inclusive emergency response strategies that protect the most vulnerable populations. Local community adaptation strategies were vividly illustrated by Sufyaan Ibrahim, a climate advocate from the Mbororo pastoralist community. Ibrahim shared how shifting weather patterns and traditional land disputes sparked by eucalyptus planting severely threatened livestock productivity and traditional livelihoods. To address these challenges without resorting to long-distance transhumance, his community revolutionized grazing by cultivating drought-resistant Brachiaria grass across multiple hectares, significantly reducing cattle travel distances and mitigating farmer-grazier tensions a concrete example of indigenous-led climate adaptation shared during the conference. Despite the impact of these grassroot initiatives, youth advocates face persistent structural barriers, particularly around funding mobilization and institutional trust. Queeniver Ngwangung, Youth and Advocacy Lead at SUHUCAM and Land Youth Negotiator, noted that resource constraints often hinder youth-led climate organizations because external partners prioritize legacy experience over active competence. However, by pooling resources within an eight-organization coalition, LCOY 2026 successfully demonstrated the collective strength and organizational capacity of youth-led networks to secure funding and drive impactful policy dialogues. Aime Kamga representing UNDP shared the various opportunities that exist for young people with the institution while acknowledging that youth action serves as a vital platform to empower young people, who represent about 65% of the population, to lead the fight against climate change through innovation, entrepreneurship, and active governance. Furthermore, he presented the commitment of the 2027–2031 program geared towards investing in green jobs, education, and climate resilience, recognizing that sustainable solutions stem from local communities and young visionaries. Kamga concluded by reaffirming government stand of empowering youth to be solution providers. Looking forward, LCOY Cameroon 2026 serves as the focal point of an expanded national consultation process encompassing regional discussions, thematic workshops, and capacity-building tracks. According to Tuombouh Sandra, LCOY 2026 Cameroon Focal Point, the primary deliverable of the conference is the drafting of the National Youth Statement. This policy document will consolidate the priorities of Cameroonian youth, feed into the global Conference of Youth - COY in Turkey, and be submitted to YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC and MINEPDED negotiators to directly shape government positions ahead of COP31. Cet article Cameroonian Youth mobilize for climate action at LCOY Cameroon 2026 est apparu en premier sur Journal du Cameroun.
CameroonFar North Region: Hundreds flee homes after armed group raid kills 15
Hundreds of people have fled their homes after an armed group killed 15 people in the village of Madegoua near the town of Makary in the Far North region of Cameroon. The attack on Wednesday triggered a wave of displacement from 10 nearby villages. Several hundred people fled towards Kousseri and others went farther afield…
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