Signed on the 19 September 2025, a new partnership between the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education and the International Association of Youth in Motion for Development (AIJMD) marks a significant step forward in tackling youth unemployment and boosting entrepreneurial opportunities for young people across the nation.
The meeting room of the ministry of youth and civil education witnessed an important partnership agreement aimed at fighting youth unemployment by helping young people start businesses and develop professional skills. This alliance focused on creating comprehensive frameworks for youth development through specialized training programs and entrepreneurial support systems. The initiative specifically targets capacity building in science, technology, and industrial sectors areas identified as crucial for Cameroon’s economic development.
Minister Mounouna Foutsou emphasized the government’s commitment to creating sustainable pathways for youth socio-economic integration while acknowledging AIJMD’s role in this national effort. The partnership according to the minister will establish a “Youth Initiative Fund” with projected funding ranging from one to two million CFA francs per project, designed to finance innovative youth led ventures.
Beyond financial support, the collaboration encompasses multiple development dimensions including academic scholarships, professional internships, research opportunities, and business incubation services. AIJMD Coordinator Kengne Norong Jules Léa confirmed his organization’s alignment with the government’s vision, stating their interest to working closely with MINJEC to ensure successful implementation of various youth oriented programs.
The association per the partners will specifically facilitate training sessions for MINJEC identified youth and conduct capacity building workshops for ministry staff members. For its part, MINJEC will provide moral, civic, and entrepreneurial training for program beneficiaries while offering logistical and institutional support to enhance AIJMD’s program delivery.
The minister says this collaborative approach aims to create a robust ecosystem for youth development that combines governmental resources with organizational expertise, ultimately contributing to national development goals through youth empowerment.