Visionary Reports

An international conference dedicated to promoting women’s entrepreneurship has taken place in Douala. The conference that took place on February 12 highlighted the crucial role women play in economic and social development. Organised by the Sports Association for the Promotion of Arab Boxing (ASSPROBA), the event brought together diplomats, cultural figures, sports leaders and business stakeholders . The conference was organised as part of the first African Lion Championship explored the theme “Women’s Entrepreneurship in Cameroon: Successes, Challenges and Solutions.”The one-day conference, ASSPROBA’s first of its kind, highlighted the crucial role women play in economic and social development. It featured panels, training sessions and awareness programmes offered free of charge to ensure broad participation, said Lamine Yaro, president of the organising committee.“Empowering women entrepreneurs means investing directly in families, community stability and national growth,” Yaro said. He underscored the organisers’ belief that sport extends beyond entertainment to serve as a tool for discipline, social inclusion and personal transformation , a rationale for hosting an economic development forum under a sports association’s banner.French entrepreneur and boxing industry veteran Selma Rovini was the conference’s guest speaker. Rovini recounted her route into sports and business, urging young women not to accept “No” for an answer. She encouraged participants to persevere and remain committed to their vision as they build enterprises and careers.Intellectual property and creative sector protection were also central to discussions. Culture advocate and keynote speaker Ngo Makele Liliane reminded attendees that copyright is automatically granted under the Berne Convention and Cameroon’s laws, but she urged creators to formally register their works. “Register and protect your works so as to prevent disputes and safeguard your businesses,” she said.The initiative drew diplomatic support, notably from Barrister Dieudonné Happi, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Morocco in Cameroon, who described the project as visionary.

As chairperson of the conference, Happi stressed that women’s entrepreneurship is a vital pillar of economic growth, innovation and social justice across Africa, citing Namibia’s women-led institutions including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as an example of the transformative power of female leadership.Organisers announced plans for a second edition in November, with ambitions to stage three major sessions annually. Future editions are expected to broaden the programme to include public health awareness campaigns and international sporting competitions , elements that resonated with the predominantly female audience, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the inaugural event.As Douala prepares for subsequent editions, organisers say the conference will continue to position women’s entrepreneurship at the intersection of sport, culture and economic development, seeking practical solutions to barriers that female entrepreneurs face across Cameroon and beyond.

By Gina ESONG