For years, conversations about youth unemployment, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion have dominated conference halls, policy documents and public debates. Yet, for many young Cameroonians, one question has remained unanswered: When will these conversations translate into concrete action?
On Saturday, July 4, that question received a significant response as more than 700 participants converged at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) in Yaounde for the maiden edition of the National Youth Economic Forum (NAYEF) 2026.
More than a platform for dialogue, the gathering culminated in the signing of a Youth Economic Commitment—a landmark declaration that organizers hope will influence national policy when it is tabled before Parliament during the November parliamentary session.
Organized by the Cameroon Youth Awards in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the theme “Youth Enterprise, Investment and Inclusive Growth,” the forum assembled an unprecedented mix of young entrepreneurs, start-up founders, policymakers, government institutions, financial institutions, private sector actors, investors, development partners, civil society organisations, innovators, media professionals and changemakers united by one objective: redefining the role of young people as architects of Cameroon’s economic transformation.
Although the Ministry’s conference hall accommodates about 300 people, the event attracted approximately 712 participants, underscoring the growing demand among young Cameroonians for meaningful engagement in shaping the country’s economic future.
Turning Youth Aspirations into National Priorities
At the heart of the maiden edition of the National Youth Economic Forum 2026 was the signing of the Youth Economic Commitment, a document that seeks to move youth priorities beyond recommendations into the national legislative agenda.
The commitment focuses on five key pillars considered essential for unlocking the potential of Cameroon’s youthful population. It advocates for stronger support for youth-led enterprises and innovation, improved access to investment and financial resources, enhanced education and vocational training that responds to labour market demands, expanded opportunities within the digital economy through digital literacy and technology, and inclusive economic growth that guarantees equal participation for all young people, particularly those from marginalised communities.
For many participants, the significance of the commitment lies not only in its content but in the intention to present it before Parliament, providing an opportunity for youth voices to directly influence national policy discussions.
Young People are the Drivers, Not the Beneficiaries
Delivering remarks during the forum, Martin Hart, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Cameroon, challenged conventional perceptions of youth development.
“Cameroon’s greatest wealth is not found in the soil or its natural resources but in the creativity of its youth,” he said.
Describing the forum as more than another conference, Hart emphasised that young people should no longer be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development programmes.
“They are its drivers. Together, we must build an enabling environment where youth can truly thrive.”
He encouraged participants to remain solution-oriented despite prevailing challenges.
“Your future will not be defined by the troubles you face but by the solutions you propose. Be bold and never accept a system that limits you. Cameroonian youth will not wait for the future—they will build it.”
His message resonated with the broader vision of the forum, which sought to reposition young people as active contributors to economic growth rather than passive recipients of support.
Beyond Conversations to Practical Action
According to Ngwane Denzel, Founder of the Cameroon Youth Awards and Convener of the National Youth Economic Forum, the initiative was deliberately designed to bridge the gap between dialogue and implementation.
“The forum was organized as a strategic national platform designed to strengthen dialogue, collaboration and practical engagement between youth entrepreneurs, public institutions and development partners while promoting meaningful youth participation in national economic transformation,” he explained.
He noted that the forum aligns with Cameroon’s national priorities on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth while contributing to ongoing discussions around investment readiness, enterprise development and sustainable economic participation.
For Denzel, NAYEF 2026 was never intended to end with speeches and panel discussions.
Instead, he said, the forum seeks to create practical connections between public policy, investment opportunities and youth enterprise ecosystems, while generating actionable recommendations capable of advancing inclusive economic growth across the country.
A Forum built around Solutions
Throughout the day, participants explored practical pathways for strengthening youth participation in the economy through discussions that reflected the diverse opportunities and challenges facing young Cameroonians.
Sessions examined how to unlock the potential of young people, place youth at the centre of innovation and nation-building, improve access to finance and investment readiness, strengthen mental well-being as a foundation for productivity, harness opportunities within the digital economy, promote leadership and entrepreneurship, and unlock wealth creation through the creative economy encompassing arts, culture and entertainment.
The conversations consistently returned to one central message: Cameroon possesses a youthful population rich in ideas and ambition. What remains essential is creating policies, partnerships and investments that enable those ideas to flourish.
As the forum drew to a close, the signing of the Youth Economic Commitment served as more than a ceremonial gesture. It symbolised a growing determination by young Cameroonians and their partners to ensure that youth aspirations are reflected not only in conference declarations but also in national policy.
Whether the commitment ultimately translates into legislative action will become clearer when Parliament convenes in November. Until then, the document stands as a reminder that sustainable economic transformation will depend not only on investing in young people, but also on trusting them to lead it.