The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Mountain Hub, Ayuk Etta Akum is a groundbreaker in Africa’s tech ecosystem, driving innovation and empowering entrepreneurs. His vision for sustainable development has transformed ideas into impactful businesses, inspiring a new wave of change-makers across the continent
Ayuk Etta stands out as one of Cameroon’s most inspiring figures in technology and entrepreneurship, embodying the spirit of innovation and determination that defines the continent’s rising tech landscape. As an entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader, Ayuk has dedicated his career to building a sustainable ecosystem that fosters innovation and empowers underfunded entrepreneurs in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Ayuk’s journey is marked by his foundational role as the Founder and CEO of Mountain Hub, a premier innovation and technology center in Cameroon’s southern region and in other parts of the country. At Mountain Hub, Ayuk has created a platform that provides business creation, incubation, and acceleration services to entrepreneurs. His vision for Mountain Hub goes beyond providing resources; it aims to act as a co-founder, partnering with innovators to transform their ideas into high-growth companies that address real-world problems.
Through this initiative, Ayuk has supported countless startups, proving that local solutions can solve global challenges. In addition to Mountain Hub, Ayuk is the President of Mountain Angel Network, an investment company that supports technology projects in Cameroon and beyond. His leadership has not only attracted investment into promising startups but also cultivated a culture of angel investing, encouraging local business leaders to reinvest in their communities.
Ayuk’s efforts in building this financial backbone for entrepreneurs demonstrate his strategic foresight in creating a sustainable tech ecosystem. Ayuk’s entrepreneurial spirit first came to light with his co-founding of Skylabase in 2015, a software development company focusing on microfinance and healthcare solutions. As Skylabase’s CEO, Ayuk led initiatives that streamlined operations in these sectors, making essential services more accessible to underserved populations.
This milestone set the stage for his future endeavors in tech innovation and social impact. His academic journey began at the University of Buea, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer software engineering in 2014. This technical foundation laid the groundwork for Ayuk’s professional career, which started at Diligent Bilingual Foundation in 2010. Here, he played a pivotal role in setting up computer labs, showcasing his early commitment to enhancing digital literacy.
By 2013, Ayuk had joined ActivSpaces, one of Cameroon’s most prominent tech innovation hubs, as a software engineer. These early experiences cultivated his expertise in technology and positioned him as a future leader in the sector. In 2017, Ayuk joined Kuelap, a fintech company, where he initially served as a partner before becoming the Managing Director for Africa in 2019. His role at Kuelap solidified his reputation as a fintech expert, capable of addressing complex financial challenges through innovative solutions.
Among Ayuk’s most celebrated contributions is the establishment of the Cameroon International Tech Summit, CITSCM. This annual event has become a cornerstone of Cameroon’s tech ecosystem, bringing together innovators, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to share ideas and drive collective progress. The summit has not only enhanced Cameroon’s visibility as a hub for innovation but has also inspired a wave of collaborations that are shaping the future of African technology.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ayuk is a mentor and advocate for sustainable development through technology. He believes in the power of innovation to solve pressing societal issues, from poverty alleviation to healthcare access. His work reflects a commitment to creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs, empowering them to dream big and build solutions that have a lasting impact. Under his leadership, Ayuk has helped position Cameroon as a beacon of technological progress in Africa. His dedication to fostering innovation has been recognized internationally, and his work serves as a model for how technology can drive development in emerging economies.
Ayuk’s influence extends beyond the borders of Cameroon. As a thought leader, he frequently participates in global forums, sharing insights on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. His ability to bridge local challenges with global opportunities has made him a respected figure in the international tech community. Through initiatives like Mountain Hub, Mountain Angel Network, and CITSCM, Ayuk Etta is not just building companies, he is building a future where African innovation leads the way in solving global challenges.
His story is a testament to the transformative power of vision, resilience, and commitment. For Ayuk, the journey is far from over; it is an ever-evolving mission to ensure that Africa’s best ideas are brought to life and shared with the world. With a legacy still in the making, Ayuk Etta continues to inspire generations to come, proving that Africa’s potential is limitless when driven by passion and purpose. His work is not just about innovation but about creating a better, more sustainable future for all.
