The Great Minds Summit 2024, held in Bamenda and Yaoundé, brought together key stakeholders to address critical challenges in renewable energy education, job creation, and entrepreneurship in Cameroon. The summit culminated in the development of a Final Manifesto, outlining strategic initiatives to bridge the skills gap, integrate solar energy solutions, and empower youth and women.
Key Achievements:
- Stakeholder Engagement: Sixty stakeholders participated, including representatives from the government (MINEFOP and MIMPMEESA, businesses, the National Employment Fund (NEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and academic institutions.
- Global Insights: Gutami Holding BV shared global solar energy trends, while UNDP emphasized the integration of solar solutions to create sustainable jobs.
- Advocacy: NEF highlighted the importance of green job training, and the University of Bamenda underscored the need for curriculum revisions to align with labor market demands.
- Mentorship Commitment: Twenty-five businesses signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs), pledging to mentor youth in practical skills development.
- Incubator Proposals: Three Green Business Incubators were proposed for Bamenda, Bafoussam, and Yaoundé to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Manifesto Development: Hope for a Better Future (H4BF) led the drafting and dissemination of the Final Manifesto, incorporating inputs from stakeholders and consortium partners.
Objectives of the Summits:
- Facilitate Dialogue: Engage stakeholders in discussions on renewable energy job creation and education.
- Empowerment: Provide mentorship and training to empower youth and women.
- Integration: Incorporate solar energy solutions into infrastructure projects.
- Global Sharing: Exchange global insights to develop localized solutions.
- Roadmap Development: Propose a roadmap for establishing Green Business Incubators.
Final Commitments:
The Final Manifesto includes:
- Green Business Incubators: Establishment in Bamenda, Douala, Bafoussam, and Yaoundé.
- Solar Integration for Jobs: Creating green job opportunities in public and private infrastructure projects.
- Mentorship Programs: Engaging 25 mentors focused on practical skills and entrepreneurship.
- Global Alignment: Aligning local vocational education and training (VET) programs with global renewable energy markets.
- Gender Equity: Ensuring a balanced 60/40 female-to-male participation ratio.
- Wide Dissemination: Reaching 5,000 stakeholders globally to drive commitments.
Indicators and Results:
| Objective | Indicator | Target | Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stakeholder Engagement | Number of participants | 60 | 60 |
| Mentorship Program | Number of mentors pledged | 25 | 25 |
| Gender Inclusion (60/40) | Percentage of female mentors | 60% | 47.5% |
| Green Business Incubators | Number proposed | 3 | In Progress |
| Manifesto Dissemination | Stakeholders reached | 5,000 | In Progress |
Lessons Learned:
- Global Perspectives: Aligning local programs with international trends enhances competitiveness.
- Solar Job Creation: Integrating solar components into infrastructure projects drives employment.
- Green Business Incubators: Vital for fostering skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Conclusion and Next Steps:
The Great Minds Summit 2024 delivered actionable outcomes, culminating in a Final Manifesto that outlines strategies to empower youth, create jobs, and promote renewable energy solutions.
Next Steps:
- Launch Mentorship Programs: Initiate programs with 25 mentors.
- Establish Green Business Incubators: Set up incubators in Bamenda, Bafoussam, and Yaoundé.
- Integrate Solar Energy Solutions: Incorporate solar energy into infrastructure projects.
- Disseminate the Final Manifesto: Reach 5,000 stakeholders globally.
For more information on the Great Minds Summit 2024 and the Final Manifesto, please visit the official event page.
To learn more about the Cameroon RenewED project and its impact, visit MasterPeace Global’s website.
For media coverage and additional insights, refer to the following articles:
- At Great Mind Summit, H4BF Engages 25 Youth-Led Projects to Resolve Energy Crisis
- Youth-Driven Renewable Energies: Empowering the Next Generation
- Cameroon Renewed Entrepreneurs Bond with Investors to Promote Inventions in Green Energy
- Cameroon Renewed Unveils Beneficiaries to Investors
For a visual overview of the summit and its impact, watch the following video: