TEDx Yaoundé 2025 has made history as the capital’s first-ever TEDx event, uniting influential voices under the theme “Limitless: Redefining Success.”Held at Starland Hotel on April 19, the event featured powerful talks from leaders all challenging traditional notions of success and inspiring a new generation to dream beyond boundaries.
Presided over by two prominent government officials — the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa, and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou — TEDx Yaoundé 2025 attracted key figures from across society. Among the keynote speakers were the United States Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher John Lamora; Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, President of the National Olympic and Sports Committee; and the General Manager of Touristique Voyage. Each of these influential personalities shared not just their professional journeys, but the personal convictions, obstacles, and defining moments that helped shape their paths to success. Ambassador Lamora delivered a deeply motivating message, encouraging participants to dream without limits, to believe in their visions, and to never allow others to place boundaries on their potential. For him, success isn’t just about material achievement — it’s about creating something meaningful and beneficial for others. He emphasized the importance of forging one’s path, even when no map exists, and redefining success as a collective, inclusive concept that empowers entire communities. Colonel Kalkaba shared reflections rooted in humility and personal experience. Coming from a modest village background, he reminded the youth that everyone has both strengths and weaknesses, but success stems from focusing on and nurturing those strengths. Using examples from sports, he highlighted the importance of self-discipline, belief, and a goal-oriented mindset. His message resonated with many, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, as he urged them to be the drivers of their own success stories. The General Manager of Touristique Voyage echoed similar sentiments, speaking passionately about overcoming internal limitations and embracing self-belief. He pointed out that many of today’s obstacles are mental — “virtual asymptotes” — and insisted that success is attainable for those who combine vision with determination and action. He urged participants to see beyond the notion of relying solely on external support, advocating instead for inner conviction and proactive engagement. Nadia Habsatou, co-founder of TEDx Yaoundé, traced the journey of TEDx events in Cameroon — from a modest beginning in 2019 with TEDx Ngoaikele Women to the larger-scale editions like TEDx FEBE and now TEDx Yaoundé. With over 1,000 followers online and more than 300 in-person attendees, she highlighted how the initiative has grown into a powerful platform for ideas that challenge conventional thinking. She explained that the 2025 edition aimed to inspire participants to explore new definitions of success amid global uncertainty and societal transformation. One of the standout speakers was Kouatcha Simo Flavien, CEO of Agrifrika, who used his talk to reflect on agriculture as a means to unlock human potential. His message — “Cultivate the Infinite” — emphasized the critical role agriculture plays in African development. He spoke from experience, sharing the difficulties of working in a sector that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Yet he presented agriculture as a gateway to empowerment, advocating for food sovereignty, local investment, and entrepreneurial resilience. For Kouatcha, transforming agriculture is not just about farming — it’s about creating sustainable systems that support broader economic and social development. Throughout the day, thirteen speakers from different walks of life — including entrepreneurs, thought leaders, creatives, and international guests — shared stories of resilience, bold vision, and innovation. The conversations inspired deep reflection and called on participants to rethink success not as a single destination, but as an evolving, personal, and shared journey. TEDx Yaoundé 2025 was more than just a conference. It was a transformative space where parents, students, entrepreneurs, and policymakers came together to engage with powerful ideas. It questioned long-standing norms and offered fresh perspectives rooted in audacity, leadership, creativity, and the courage to be different. By the end of the event, one thing was clear: in Yaoundé — and across Africa — success is being redefined. It is no longer measured solely by titles, wealth, or status. It is now recognized as a multifaceted, inclusive, and limitless pursuit, driven by purpose, perseverance, and the desire to make a lasting impact. The rendezvous has therefore been taken for next year for act two of TEDx Yaoundé.
