U.S. Embassy Hosts Women’s Business Seminar

By August 31, 2015Blog, In The News, News
On June 9, the U.S Embassy in Yaounde hosted a women’s entrepreneurship seminar led by U.S. Speaker Ms. Angelle Kwemo, who is a Cameroonian American entrepreneur. The program was attended by 50 women from microfinance institutions, faith-based associations, and U.S. government exchange program participants, including from the Africa Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) and International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). Organized by Cultural Affairs Specialist Gladys Viban, the seminar welcomed the exchange of ideas between Cameroonian women entrepreneurs, and expanded their networks to promote partnerships for economic development. Welcoming the guests, Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz II lauded their achievements and noted: “As Ambassador Michael S. Hoza has said, promoting the empowerment of women and girls, and welcoming their immense talents and contributions in all sectors, are essential to promote development in every nation. You exemplify that spirit by investing your energies and talents towards expanding private sector growth here in Cameroon, and greater job opportunities for your fellow citizens. Your work demonstrates that to promote the goals of ‘Vision 2035,’ citizens must contribute to Cameroon today. Angelle Kwemo’s story is similar to yours. As a native of Cameroon, she shares your passion to promote women’s entrepreneurship.” Ms. Viban introduced AWEP alumna Mrs. Josiane Mbakop, CEO of the microfinance MUDEF, who shared her experiences and lessons learned during the program in 2014. “Thanks to the economic principles we learned, we reduced the rate of credit default in our microfinance institute by 10%. African women now have tremendous opportunities to advance and we are fortunate to establish networks to mentor and help one another as well as young women interested in entrepreneurship as a career to contribute to their communities and to Cameroon,” she said. Ms. Angelle Kwemo lauded the group for their experience and openness to share their knowledge with Cameroonian women. Underscoring the immense opportunities for women to increase their leadership roles in enterprises, she urged them to overcome failures and face risks until they succeed: “Study after study has shown that the economic empowerment of women leads to poverty alleviation. Yet the business potential of women is far from being fully realized. Women entrepreneurs can improve their chances of success by networking, improving business skills, recruiting a mentor, and seeking greater access to capital.” Participants exchanged ideas on how to promote business growth and product exports from Cameroon to international markets. The event was closed by Cultural Affairs Specialist Gladys Viban, who encouraged each woman present to “light up the candles of the many women who were not present here at the seminar, and who will see in you an example to follow. Take advantage of all of the opportunities offered by the networks you have established, and from the U.S. Embassy through the programs we organize. Alone you can achieve something, but together we can achieve greater things.” Ms. Kwemo is the founder and chair of “Believe in Africa,” an African diaspora-led initiative founded by former U.S. congressional staffers and African-American leaders in the United States to empower young Africans, promote the role of the African private sector, harness the power of the African diaspora, educate policy makers and the public about African economic growth, and highlight the continent’s gradual rise in the global community. Ms. Kwemo is also the President & CEO of Astrategik Group, LLC. is a U.S./Africa based global consulting firm specializing in the provision of strategic advice to multi-dimensional entities, allowing them to effectively compete globally, and at the same time building in-roads into the US, Africa and other emerging markets. A native of Cameroon, Ms. Kwemo started her career in France at Bestaux Law firm. In Douala, Cameron, she served as the Chief of the Maritime Claims and Disputes Department, and later as the General Counsel for Bollore Technology Group and Geodis Overseas. Read the original article on Facebook : U.S. Embassy Hosts Women’s Business Seminar