Amb. meets AWEP alumni in Douala

On September 8, Ambassador Michael S. Hoza was welcomed by African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) alumni at the residence of Caroline Kendem Sack, who serves as AWEP Cameroon Chapter President.

The meeting also included Chapter Vice President Maréme Malong Samb, Treasurer Fernanda Coelho Furtado, Secretary General Marie-Paule Niat, and Josiane Mbakop, who returned from the United States two weeks ago from participating in the program.

The alumni highlighted their experiences as private sector leaders and noted that Cameroonian women are increasingly breaking new grounds in entrepreneurship, which has the impact of providing greater employment opportunities for other women. Ms. Kendem Sack showcased the progress made by the team since the program was launched globally in 2010.

“We would like to work with the U.S. Embassy to ensure that the benefits of AWEP reach as many Cameroonian women as possible. As women entrepreneurs, we must bring to the table what we are capable of achieving in order to enlist the support of donors and partners,” she noted, adding that a formal launch of AWEP’s Chapter in Cameroon is planned for the near future.

Ambassador Hoza lauded the women’s leadership to empower other women, and commended their efforts to contribute to AWEP’s goals beyond Cameroon’s borders throughout the African continent. “You stand among those promising leaders who create greater economic opportunities for your fellow citizens.

Promoting women’s entrepreneurship and strengthening our partnership with you are among my highest priorities in Cameroon. The African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program is a business development platform that connects women and supports your ability to be key economic drivers in your communities and in your country. Our visit today underscores my commitment to your goals and vision,” he said.

The African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) is an outreach, education, and engagement initiative that targets African women entrepreneurs to promote business growth, increase trade both regionally and to U.S. markets through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), create better business environments, and empower African women entrepreneurs to become voices of change in their communities.