The Embassy of France in Cameroon, together with its implementing partner the Francophone University Agency (AUF), launched a series of field visits on Monday, September 22, as part of the Start-Up 237 project an initiative also referred to as “100 made-in-Cameroon projects.”
The delegation launched this initiative with its first stop in Douala. Led by Professor Alain Kiyindou, Regional Director of the AUF for Central Africa and the Great Lakes, the mission visited several start-ups benefiting from the project, all of which are incubated at the National Advanced School of Engineering of Douala. The tour began on the school’s campus, where the team from Yii Industry, a project specialized in producing local drinks, presented its progress.
Thanks to financial and material support from the Fonds Équipe France (FEF), which is part of the Start-Up 237 project, this young company founded by Gnassiri Simon has been able to structure its production chain and plan for expansion. It now markets the “Gnass” range of drinks, which includes beer, natural fruit juices, wine, and liqueur.
The visit continued in the Logbessou area at the offices of the start-up Dev AI, which is hosted within the Labred laboratory. This technological structure, focused on applied artificial intelligence, impressed the visitors with a practical demonstration of its capabilities, such as manufacturing signage, technical engraving, and automation solutions.
This project is a prime example of digital technology’s potential to drive industrial transformation in Cameroon. Finally, the team led by Professor Kiyindou visited the premises of Lamana, an agri-food company specialized in manufacturing infant cereals sold under the brand name Blesolac.
These products are made from local ingredients like plantain, sweet potato, wheat, soy, and honey. This young company, which aims to revolutionize local infant nutrition, benefits from comprehensive support that includes mentoring, close monitoring, and logistical assistance.
A Structuring Project for Innovation
With an overall budget of 2 million euros, the Start-Up 237 project is funded by the Embassy of France in Cameroon, with several technical partners: the AUF, the Institut français du Cameroun, the French Development Agency (AFD), Expertise France, Business France, the OFII, and several Cameroonian ministries (Minesup, Minresi, Minpmeesa, Minefop, Minjec), along with the Regional Council of the Far North.
Each beneficiary start-up receives initial support of 10,000 euros, with the possibility of additional funding. The project teams will continue their visits until October 3, 2025, in other cities across the country, including Dschang, Bamenda, and Ngaoundéré.
The goal is to evaluate the concrete results of the support provided, identify best practices, document the challenges encountered, and encourage the sharing of experiences.
