U.S. Embassy welcomes 2015 YALI fellows

On May 18, the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde welcomed two 2015 Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellows for a meeting on promoting business and entrepreneurship.

They included Calvin Soh, founder of DiscoverWire Solutions, who will conduct his fellowship in business and entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada in Reno and Marilyn Nguemo, Managing Director of Zaati Consulting SARL (LLC), who will conduct her fellowship in business and entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin in Stout.

Also visiting was Patrick Bekono, who serves as Ms. Nguemo’s business associate. They were welcomed by Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz II, Cultural Affairs Assistant Gladys Mukam, and Commercial Assistant Christopher Ekom.

Mr. Quiroz lauded the group’s professional achievements and observed: “As Ambassador Michael S. Hoza said last week during the 2015 YALI orientation, the United States of America is proud to partner with young leaders who are promoting development in Cameroon and African nations through your own immense talents and ideas, and – most especially - in partnership with your fellow citizens.

Private sector growth is essential to ensure expanded economic opportunities and jobs for Cameroonians, and this embodies the goals of Cameroon’s “Vision 2035,” which starts today with the contributions of young leaders like you.”

During their meeting, Commercial Assistant Christopher Ekom encouraged the visitors to promote greater trade opportunities, and noted: “The United States offers strong opportunities for expanded trade.

There are small business administration and trade offices within each of the 50 states, and they are dedicated to expanding trade opportunities in collaboration with foreign markets.”