His Excellency Achille Bassilekin III, the Minister of Small & Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) officially launched the incubator on Friday, 29th April 2022. During his opening speech during the launch of BBIncubator, he said:

“The objective is not only to create jobs but beyond that to have the youth being part of the transformational agenda of our country. This is what President Paul Biya has envisioned and that is what Mr Boris Ngala is looking to achieve here. This is precisely how a young entrepreneur is putting his own contribution to the development of his country.”

H.E Bassilekin III was accompanied by a 14-person delegation, which included his 1st adviser Mme Mainanga, his Chief of Protocol - Mr Yannick Zonga and Ms Emmanuella Muna who is in charge of Incubators at MINPMEESA, and his communications team.

His Excellency Achille Bassilekin III, the Minister of Small & Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) officially launched the incubator on Friday, 29th April 2022. During his opening speech during the launch of BBIncubator, he said:

“The objective is not only to create jobs but beyond that to have the youth being part of the transformational agenda of our country. This is what President Paul Biya has envisioned and that is what Mr Boris Ngala is looking to achieve here. This is precisely how a young entrepreneur is putting his own contribution to the development of his country.”

H.E. Bassilekin III was accompanied by a 14-person delegation, which included his 1st adviser Mme Mainanga, his Chief of Protocol - Mr Yannick Zonga and Ms Emmanuella Muna who is in charge of Incubators at MINPMEESA, and his communications team.

The Canadian Ambassador to Cameroon His Excellency Richard Bale stopped by the incubator before the arrival of the Minister of SMEs. He was given a tour of the building and was serenaded by the Wimbum Women’s Community dancing and singing.

The Littoral Regional Delegate for MINPMEESA was present and the Littoral Governor’s H.E. Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua representative, the Member of Parliament for Wouri West Honourable Gabriel Fandja (Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement Party), Honourable Gerard Ngala (Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement Nkambe Central), Honourable Nourane Foster (Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation), Honourable Joshua Oshi (Social Democratic Front party), Honourable Bénilde Djeumeni for Mungo South (Social Democratic Front Party) and Honourable Marie-Louise Nguenkam (Union of Social Movement Party).

Also present was the 1st Deputy Mayor of Douala IV Council Bonaberi - Mr Raymond Biri, the Sub-District Officer for Bonaberi IV and the Chief of Sodiko Bonaberi.

With regards to Media, present at the launch were Equinoxe TV, CRTV Douala, the Guardian Post, Cameroon Tribune, My Media Prime, Dash TV and Hi TV Buea.

From the business community, Orange Cameroon and Douala Port Authority who were sponsors were in attendance. CCC Bank was in attendance and hoisted banners whilst Orange Cameroon mounted stands with 5 hostesses.  

During his speech, Dr Edouard Herve Moby Mpah - the Mayor of Douala IV acknowledged all protocol present and welcomed attendees to his municipality. He highlighted that Douala IV urban area was proud to harbour several industrial companies, with BBIncubator crowning it all. Dr Mpah said he was proud to see BBIncubator providing a permanent solution to unemployment and poverty amongst the youth of Cameroon in his urban area. He promised Douala IV’s municipality’s full support for BBIncubator and promised the council will accompany the incubator to fulfil this wonderful mission in the life of the youth of Cameroon.

Honourable Gabriel Fandja, the member of parliament for Wouri West thanked the founder of BBIncubator Boris Ngala and his team for inviting him to the official launch of the incubator. He expressed that as a member of the parliament for Wouri West circumscription, in particular, he was honoured for 2 reasons; first, such a beautiful and pleasant structure can be established in his electoral district. Secondly, the body of activities of BBIncubator is in close synergy with a structuring pillar of his mandate programme titled “Have more confidence and hope for the youth".

Dr Joybert Javnyuy, the Training Manager of the Mentorship Programme at the incubator, gave an elaborate speech on the importance of institutions like BBIncubator in the Cameroonian economy. He said institutions such as this, convert ideas into institutions in Cameroon that require more than money and a good idea to make a good business. He indicated the need for exposure, skills, knowledge, and support. Dr Javnyuy said BBIncubator provides solutions which will be used to bring up companies that in turn pay taxes and develop the economy of Cameroon as a whole. Through institutions like BBIncubator he emphasised, Cameroonian youths will be transformed into active citizens.

Finally, Mr Boris Ngala gave a welcome address. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the presence of the Minister, all the officials, the chiefs and all the invitees present. He explained the vision and mission of BBIncubator, discussed the SMEs present and how BBIncubator intends to transform the lives of many youths in Cameroon through rigorous training.

“We are here to hold young Cameroonians who are passionate about business and entrepreneurship, to lead them through their development, in assisting to create jobs and alleviating poverty. And that can only be realised through shared knowledge and facilities, like the one offered by BBIncubator.” Mr Ngala emphasised.  

He concluded by pleading with the Minister of SMEs to approve certification for a smooth running of the incubator.

By Pamela Bongkiyung - Communication & Corporate Strategy, BBIncubator

and  Agnes Anjofei  - Executive Assistant & Receptionist, BBIncubator