Visionary Reports

Dr Elmine Fotabe ASSPRODEC Global President and Founder/Board Chair of Fotabe University of Cameroon( FUNIC).

The Association for the Promotion of Decent Work for Women and Girls Club (ASSPRODEC) has launched the Buyam Sellam STEM School, a new training programme aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs across urban and rural Cameroon with practical science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills and digital tools to grow their enterprises.The initiative was unveiled on February 11, 2026 on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in an interactive webinar that brought together hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds. Organisers said the timing was chosen deliberately to highlight the role of women in science and business.“Women across Cameroon form the backbone of our economy. They are engaged in farming, trading, processing and multiple other sectors. Yet despite their critical role, many women remain excluded from digital tools, structured business training and STEM education adapted to their realities. This school is designed to close that gap,” said Dr. Elmine Fotabe, global president of ASSPRODEC and CEO of Fotabe University Institute, who is the architect of the programme.She said the Buyam Sellam STEM School will teach women how to use technology practically in their day‑to‑day business activities, from using WhatsApp for sales and customer engagement to improving product materials and processes, enhancing customer service and adopting basic entrepreneurship strategies.Programme organisers emphasised that inclusion lessons will be delivered in Pidgin English and French, use short illustrated modules, and run for four to six weeks so they are accessible to women with limited time.

Trainers have already been recruited, and the school will accommodate participants who do not own smartphones, organisers said, to ensure rural women are not excluded from the digital transition.“Artificial intelligence has come to stay. Women need to learn how to make the most of both smart and basic phones to expand their businesses,” said Dr. Patricia Ngum, president of ASSPRODEC Cameroon “Every woman should take advantage of the Buyam Sellam STEM School to thrive in today’s competitive market.” She added.Dr. Lucy Eta, ASSPRODEC secretary general, described a wider ambition, to create a national, women‑led marketplace grounded in local culture. Graduates, she said, will be better equipped to call out to customers, sell products more effectively and scale activities using readily available digital tools.Organisers also highlighted the programme’s potential economic impact. By embedding STEM and digital literacy into everyday market practices, ASSPRODEC expects participants to increase profits, gain financial independence and develop sustainable income streams while inspiring a new generation of women innovators.Women interested in joining the Buyam Sellam STEM School have been urged to register immediately. ASSPRODEC said the first cohorts will begin classes soon and pledged ongoing support to help graduates translate new skills into tangible business growth.“This is not just training; it is an opportunity to reimagine what women‑led businesses can achieve,” Dr. Fotabe said. “We are laying the foundation for a future where women can compete, lead and succeed using technology and STEM skills.”

By Gina Esong