Investment Forum: Cameroon to step-up e-business

17/05/2016The on-going International Economic Conference in Cameroon will amongst other things, be an opportunity for the country to improve on electronic business.

The conference which opened this Tuesday, 17th May 2016 has brought together business magnates from Africa and beyond to discover investment opportunites in Cameroon.

With electronic business (e-business) being a latest form of exchange on the international market, the participants are sure to evoke the topic.

Cameroon is yet to fully embrace and embark on e-business with statistics from Salon Afrikebiz of April 2015 indicating that just two per cent of Cameroonians buy and sell on the internet.

Experts say this slow pace is due to limited and high cost internet in the country.

That notwithsatanding, the Director of Google for Africa, Tidjane Deme says Cameroon has potentials in the domain of e-business due to its excellent university training, high literacy rate and bilingualism.

It is worth mentioning however that some e-business start-ups have sprouted in the country in recent years.

Since the digital economy, with its innovations like e-business, demands the presence of experts, the necessary hardware and adequate training, discussions during this International Economic Conference will tackle these aspects and lay concrete groundwork towards a better use of the electronic business by Cameroonians.

Photo credit: http://www.ici.edu.au

Eleanor Ayuketah CRTV

Investment Forum: Cameroon to step-up e-business

17/05/2016The on-going International Economic Conference in Cameroon will amongst other things, be an opportunity for the country to improve on electronic business.

The conference which opened this Tuesday, 17th May 2016 has brought together business magnates from Africa and beyond to discover investment opportunites in Cameroon.

With electronic business (e-business) being a latest form of exchange on the international market, the participants are sure to evoke the topic.

Cameroon is yet to fully embrace and embark on e-business with statistics from Salon Afrikebiz of April 2015 indicating that just two per cent of Cameroonians buy and sell on the internet.

Experts say this slow pace is due to limited and high cost internet in the country.

That notwithsatanding, the Director of Google for Africa, Tidjane Deme says Cameroon has potentials in the domain of e-business due to its excellent university training, high literacy rate and bilingualism.

It is worth mentioning however that some e-business start-ups have sprouted in the country in recent years.

Since the digital economy, with its innovations like e-business, demands the presence of experts, the necessary hardware and adequate training, discussions during this International Economic Conference will tackle these aspects and lay concrete groundwork towards a better use of the electronic business by Cameroonians.

Photo credit: http://www.ici.edu.au

Eleanor Ayuketah CRTV

Investment Forum: Cameroon to step-up e-business

17/05/2016The on-going International Economic Conference in Cameroon will amongst other things, be an opportunity for the country to improve on electronic business.

The conference which opened this Tuesday, 17th May 2016 has brought together business magnates from Africa and beyond to discover investment opportunites in Cameroon.

With electronic business (e-business) being a latest form of exchange on the international market, the participants are sure to evoke the topic.

Cameroon is yet to fully embrace and embark on e-business with statistics from Salon Afrikebiz of April 2015 indicating that just two per cent of Cameroonians buy and sell on the internet.

Experts say this slow pace is due to limited and high cost internet in the country.

That notwithsatanding, the Director of Google for Africa, Tidjane Deme says Cameroon has potentials in the domain of e-business due to its excellent university training, high literacy rate and bilingualism.

It is worth mentioning however that some e-business start-ups have sprouted in the country in recent years.

Since the digital economy, with its innovations like e-business, demands the presence of experts, the necessary hardware and adequate training, discussions during this International Economic Conference will tackle these aspects and lay concrete groundwork towards a better use of the electronic business by Cameroonians.

Photo credit: http://www.ici.edu.au

Eleanor Ayuketah CRTV

Investment Forum: Cameroon to step-up e-business

17/05/2016The on-going International Economic Conference in Cameroon will amongst other things, be an opportunity for the country to improve on electronic business.

The conference which opened this Tuesday, 17th May 2016 has brought together business magnates from Africa and beyond to discover investment opportunites in Cameroon.

With electronic business (e-business) being a latest form of exchange on the international market, the participants are sure to evoke the topic.

Cameroon is yet to fully embrace and embark on e-business with statistics from Salon Afrikebiz of April 2015 indicating that just two per cent of Cameroonians buy and sell on the internet.

Experts say this slow pace is due to limited and high cost internet in the country.

That notwithsatanding, the Director of Google for Africa, Tidjane Deme says Cameroon has potentials in the domain of e-business due to its excellent university training, high literacy rate and bilingualism.

It is worth mentioning however that some e-business start-ups have sprouted in the country in recent years.

Since the digital economy, with its innovations like e-business, demands the presence of experts, the necessary hardware and adequate training, discussions during this International Economic Conference will tackle these aspects and lay concrete groundwork towards a better use of the electronic business by Cameroonians.

Photo credit: http://www.ici.edu.au

Eleanor Ayuketah CRTV

Investment Forum: Full Programme

17/05/2016The International Economic Conference has opened this 17th May 2016 at the Yaounde Conference Centre. Below is the official programme of the two-day forum.

MAY 17th

Welcome speech
By Mr. Gilbert TSIMI-EVOUNA, Government Delegate to the Urban Community of Yaounde

Opening speech
By His Excellency Mr. Paul BIYA, President of the Republic of Cameroon, Head of State

Keynote speech
Strengthen the economic partnership between Europe and Africa and stimulate European investment in the African Continent.
By Mr. José Manuel BARROSO, President, European Commission (2004-2014); Prime Minister, Portuguese Republic (2002-2004)

Keynote speech
Lessons from Korea: economic growth with shared growth in mind
By Dr. Un-Chan CHUNG, Prime Minister, South Korea (2009-2010)

Keynote speech
Economic philosophy of Africapitalism: serving customers and financing added-value projects in
Cameroon
By Mr. Tony ELUMELU, Group Chairman, UBA

FIRST ROUNDTABLE

Cameroon’s macroeconomic situation: growth perspectives

Cameron’s economy is thriving, with annual growth reaching 5.9% in 2015. It has been remarkably resilient to the impact of the region’s security and humanitarian crises, sluggish global growth and trade, and more recently the drop in raw materials prices, especially oil.

Economic growth continued at a strong pace throughout 2015, driven by the increase in oil production, expanded supply in energy and agricultural goods, the launch of two new cement plants, and a series of ongoing major strategic projects in key sectors, including energy (hydroelectric dams), building, construction and infrastructures (Kribi port, roads, dams, hotels), and more.

Launched in October 2015, the three-year emergency investment plan (2015-2017) aims to inject 925 billion CFA Francs into priority projects in seven key sectors: urban development, healthcare, agriculture & livestock, road infrastructure, energy, water and security.

According to forecasts, Cameroon’s growth rate is expected to remain strong in 2016 and once again exceed 5%. The country should see a further decline in its poverty rate, especially since inflation (domestic or imported) remains low at around 2.2%, giving people more spending power.

What conditions need to be met to ensure even stronger economic growth and create more jobs?

How can we ensure that growth translates into development?

Which sectors offer the strongest growth opportunities?

Moderator: Pr. Roger TSAFACK NANFOSSO, Rector, University of Dshang

Speakers:

Mr. Louis-Paul MOTAZE, Minister of the Economy, Planning, and Spatial Planning, Republic of Cameroon

Mr. Isaac TAMBA, Director of Economics, Ministry of the Economy, Planning, and Spatial Planning, Republic of Cameroon

Mr. Kadima KALONJI, Resident Representative in Cameroon, IMF

Mr. Racine KANE, Resident Representative in Cameroon, African Development Bank

Mr. Lucas ABAGA NCHAMA, Governor, Central Bank of West African States

SECOND ROUNDTABLE

Intersecting views on the role played by the private sector in Africa’s growth

While foreign direct investment (FDI) has largely declined worldwide in the last several years, inflows to Africa have remained stable, amounting to $54 billion in 2014.

The private sector is an engine of growth and development. As well as helping to create jobs, increase tax revenues, and provide essential funding for projects and business, it is a key source of innovation.

What is the real impact of private firms on the economic and social development of countries and their attractiveness? Who has written Africa’s success stories?

What are the impediments to more foreign investment? What are the roles and responsibilities of states, international financial institutions and businesses?

Moderator: Pr. Bruno BEKOLO EBE, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Douala

Speakers:

Mr. Daniel COHEN, Professor & founding member, Paris School of Economics

Mr. Pascal LAMY, Director-General, WTO (2005-2013); President emeritus, Jacques Delors Institute

Dr. Donald KABERUKA, 7thPresident, African Development Bank (2005-2015)

Dr. Acha LEKE, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company

Mr. Ade AYEYEMI, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

THIRD ROUNDTABLE

Cameroon : private sector, growth dynamic

Private investment in Cameroon is growing. In 2014 foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows amounted to $6.5 billion.

Foreign investment is providing a significant boost to the national economy, spurred by the government’s favorable financial, administrative and customs initiatives and the creation of various bodies to support the private sector (Investment Promotion Agency, SME Promotion Agency), as well as a one-stop shop to provide a fast-track business creation process. Certain sectors in particular have gained from foreign investment, such as the building and construction industry, which has doubled its cement production capacity in just a few years.

Which sectors are benefiting most from private investment? Who has written Cameroon’s success stories?

Infrastructure, energy availability, business climate: how can we remove the last remaining impediments?

What can be done to enable public and private organizations to work better together? What can be done to boost PPP projects?

Moderator: Pr. Touna MAMA, Special advisor to the Prime Minister

Speakers:

Mr. Jean-Paul MELAGA, General Manager, Whitestone Finance

Mr. Henry ASZKLAR, Chief Executive Officer, Globeleq

Pr. James MOUANGUE, Associate Professor of Law, University of Douala

Mr. Protais AYANGMA, Coordinator, private sector platform; President-founder, ECAM

FOURTH ROUNDTABLE

Cameroon’s financial attractiveness

In addition to pursuing a moderately expansionary fiscal policy, the government has sought to mobilize tax revenue and improve the returns on public expenditure. Poorly targeted subsidies have been significantly reduced and projects have been defined more realistically.

In addition, the increase in private investment and the robust performance of the services sector have had a positive impact on Cameroon’s financial situation.

However, the country’s budget balance declined in 2015. Revenues were hit by the drop in oil prices and at the same time public expenditure had to be increased to fund the country’s large-scale infrastructure projects and meet rising security spending.

In November 2015 the government issued bonds on the international market for the first time, ranking Cameroon among the fifteen African nations to conduct this type of operation.

What is the state of Cameroon’s budget?

What is the short and medium-term outlook?

How does the international financial community perceive the African continent and what are its future intentions?

What strategic budgetary and monetary priorities should Cameroon set itself?

Moderator: Mr. Serge Yanic NANA, Chief Executive Officer, FINANCIA Capital

Speakers:

Mr. Alamine OUSMANE MEY, Minister of Finance, Republic of Cameroon

Mr. Baudouin PROT, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, BNP Paribas (2003-2014) ; Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group

Mr. Paul FOKAM, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Afriland First Bank

Mr. Mohamed EL-KETTANI, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Attijariwafa bank

FIFTH ROUNDTABLE

Digital economy and growth

The Cameroonian economy is a transition economy committed to driving innovation.

The country is home to an extensive pool of innovative small businesses.

Furthermore, Cameroon boasts a large number of business and innovation award winners. From eHealth to eCommerce and peer-to-peer marketplaces, entrepreneurs and start-ups are burgeoning and have already given a significant boost to whole industry sectors.

At the same time, digital giants are strengthening their footprint.

The mobile penetration rate in Cameroon grew from 10 to 70% between 2004 and 2014, and there are currently more than 16 million mobile subscribers out of a total population of 20 million. With an Internet penetration rate of approximately 25%, there is also significant potential for further development in this area.

The digital revolution has already proved to be a powerful engine of inclusive growth for Cameroon, enabling productivity gain for private industry, facilitating connectivity and opening up regions, giving people access to essential services (eHealth, eLearning), and modernizing the state (e-Administration).

Cameroon, an emerging nation? Cameroon, an innovation-driven nation?

What is the real impact of digital technology on growth and development in Cameroon?

What obstacles need to be removed to accelerate the country’s digital transformation? How can Cameroon rise to the infrastructure challenge? What are the roles and priorities of public and private organizations?

Moderator: Mrs. Ele ASU, News Anchor & Presenter, Canal+, D8

Speakers:

Mrs. Minette LIBOM LI LIKENG, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Republic of Cameroon  Mr. Bruno

METTLING, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Orange Group & Chairman, Orange Middle East and Africa

Mr. Arthur ZANG, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Himore Medial

Mr. Jiguang LI, Vice President, Huawei Western and Central Africa

Mr. Constant NEMALE, Founder & President, Africa24

Mr. Nino NJOPKOU, Chief Executive Officer, Kerawa.com

MAY 18th

Investors workshops* on different themes  :

Energy

Transportation & Urban Development

Agriculture

Communication and Information Technologies

*Investors only can attend and registration is required

Closing session – On invitation only

Source: http://www.conferenceinvestiraucameroun.com

Photo credit: https://pbs.twimg.com

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Cameroon Investment Forum: Speakers encourage “Shared Growth”

17/05/2016Among the many issues highlighted the strategy of shared Growth as key factor to development was over emphasized.

According to the Korean Former PM Chian Chung, development can best be envisaged in a country if entrepreneurs learn to work in partnership.

The message was reechoed to a country like Cameroon which is beginning to experience a rise in the number of middle class personalities with a strong growth rate of over 4% in a population of over 20million.

Shared Growth also entails a favourable business climate for partners.To this, the Cameroon Government recently put in place some modalities to encourage companies that embark on new ventures in the country  one of them being tax relief on foreign entrepreneurs based on specific requirements.

The phenomenon of shared Growth was also highlighted by the Chief Executive officer of the United Bank of Africa Tony Elumelu who pointed out the need for a very strong partnership between the private sectors and the Government so to ensure a favourable business climate.

He also expressed the need to partner with the Cameroon Government through his foundation which is out to empower young African Entrepreneur. So far, 44 young Cameroonian Entrepreneur will benefit from his 100million US Dollars offer for serious African Youths for a ten years duration.

Among the entrepreneur’s numerous customers doted around the world, Cameroon is the second in Africa and 1st in the Central African Sub region. Presently, Cameroon hosts 14 branches of the Financial Institution with many Cameroonians employed to serve at higher levels - 3 of them as Chief Executive Officers.

While lauding the spirit of innovation and dynamism in Africa, the  speakers underlined the need for sufficient electricity, education, health, the reduction of migration rate in search for greener pastures, the promotion of local entrepreneurship to attract investment, taking into consideration the frequent terrorist threats.

Irene Mbang Tata CRTV
 

International Economic Conference: opening speech by H.E. Paul BIYA, President of the Republic of Cameroon

Opening speech by H.E. Paul BIYA, President of the Republic of Cameroon at the International Economic Conference of Yaounde organised on the theme "Investing in Cameroon: Land of Attractiveness" on 17th May 2016

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to express my profound gratitude to all the personalities from the world of politics, business and finance gathered here today. I wish to thank you for accepting our invitation.

Cameroon highly appreciates your presence at this conference. To us, this clearly marks your interest in the modernization of our economy and improvement of the living conditions of our people.

Permit me now to recall the objective, or rather, objectives of today’s conference.

Its purpose is firstly, to review the key components of Cameroon’s economy; to determine the private sector’s potential contribution to its expansion; and thereafter, assess the country’s real opportunities that would ensure its integration into the global economy, in a more judicious and helpful manner.

The findings of this review will be highly instrumental in implementing our economic policy. They could, perhaps, be useful to other African countries facing a situation similar to ours.

Secondly, and this will certainly mark the highpoint of our conference, we will facilitate meetings between public and private project initiators alike, and foreign as well as local investors. To borrow from economic lingo, this conference affords an excellent opportunity to create a veritable “investment market” right here. 

It is not my place here to give you an overview of Cameroon’s economy. Certainly, that will be done during the roundtable devoted to the macro-economic situation and growth prospects.

For my part, I would rather highlight some salient facts of a general nature in a way that would reveal our innermost views as well as our genuine aspirations for lasting prosperity in the current geostrategic context.

I will start off with a few words about our continent:

The continent that in the sixties was considered “doomed” has become, according to some observers, a “continent of the future”...

Of course, I am sincerely delighted, but at the same time, I must admit that I remain rather cautious about the overly optimistic and unqualified forecasts made by some people.

They highlight the growth rates ranging across countries from 5% to 10% over the years.

However, we must recall that growth is not an end in itself. Moreover, it has been acknowledged, even by the most prominent international economic institutions, that we must go beyond the quantitative measurement of growth rate, to seek a tangible improvement in people’s living conditions.

What matters here is, first of all, our ability to actually put people at the centre of our economic endeavours.

Serving the human person and his overall well-being should constitute the be-all and end-all of our investment choices, and our priorities for wealth creation.

Similarly, it is only through sustainable management of global resources that we can ensure true prosperity.

This is a global obligation, but it particularly concerns Africa, considering that it has to catch up and also the numerous inequities of the global context often affecting the continent, which lacks the real wherewithal to defend itself.

Obviously, its marginal position spared it from the full impact of the shocks of the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. Nonetheless, the continent has suffered its delayed effects such as the collapse of oil and other commodity prices, the slowdown in investment, etc.

Admittedly, Africa is gradually entering globalization. One could even envisage that the continent’s role would be increasingly prominent in the global economy as the years go by.

Its high population growth and expanding middle class create conditions conducive to   market attractiveness in terms of mass consumption and infrastructure development.

The youthfulness and dynamism of its population are reasons for optimism. The African youth, in particular, are a major asset for the continent. They should be at the forefront of technology to ensure that Africa   hooks up to an economy where innovation is, now more than ever before, a decisive factor of competitiveness.

To this should be added the abundant and diverse natural resources, which progressively should be processed locally in order to be more beneficial to our economies.

Undoubtedly, all these features will make Africa a partner that is constantly coveted by the most advanced countries in their quest for resources to reboot their economies.

In a world marked by ever-growing economic and social interdependence, the challenge is to develop genuine areas of shared prosperity. This involves forging new types of economic and socio-political relations based on the idea of mutual benefit between partners.

In this type of relationship, some contribute their financing capability and their technology, while others offer unique opportunities to be seized, and rare resources to be tapped, all in a fair and equitable exchange. 

Such is the new type of relationship that we should seek in economic partnership agreements with the European Union, for instance, and also with any other partners…

The private sector should play a key role in such a set up. Africa, where the State often occupies a prominent position in the economy, will need to foster business development. 

Such is what Cameroon is seeking. It will pursue efforts in that direction to lend the best possible support to domestic and foreign investments. 

Here too, it is important to promote the establishment of true win-win partnerships between local businesses and major international firms.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As you are aware, Cameroon’s objective is to become an emerging country by 2035. This ambition, I believe, is largely shared by our people who have transformed it into a national cause. All our public policies and, particularly our public finance management are geared towards achieving this objective. 

Our expansionary budget is based on a fiscal policy which prioritizes expenditure quality. Our public debt, contained at around 25 % of GDP, is closely monitored. It must remain constantly at a sustainable level, while providing us with productive financing resources.

We are optimistic that the consolidation of these conditions will endear us even more to investors.

Moreover, I am fond of saying that Cameroon, Africa in miniature, is not coming empty-handed to this give-and-take forum. Indeed, it has abundant assets, hence its attractiveness: 

The most populated country in the CEMAC zone sharing a more than 1 500 km-long border with Nigeria, Africa’s leading economy, Cameroon stands out thanks to its strategic position at the crossroads between West and Central Africa and at the intersection between the ECOWAS and CEMAC zones.

 Its Atlantic coastline, its rail network, its three international airports and 50 000 km of road all of which are constantly developing foster its integration into regional and global trade.

 It abounds with natural resources and its varied soils, climates and natural environments are suitable for agriculture.

 With Africa’s second hydro-electric potential and huge natural gas reserves, Cameroon has embarked on varied and large-scale energy infrastructure construction. The phased commissioning of such infrastructure is opening up bright prospects for the availability of sustainable, adequate and permanent energy.

 Additionally, the country is endowed with an expanding and diversified industrial fabric with many small and medium size enterprises and industries (SMEs/SMIs) ready to enter into subcontracting and co-contracting agreements.

 There is abundant, young and qualified labour force for a country with one of the highest school enrolment rates in sub-Saharan Africa.

 Above all, Cameroon is determined to encourage private investment. An appropriate legal framework has been put in place to that end. 

Based on the law on investment incentives, the framework will enable the development of priority high-impact sectors which are:

- agribusiness;

- transport infrastructure;

- energy;

- low-cost housing and urban development;

- the extractive industry; and

new technologies.

All these measures bear sufficient testimony to Cameroon’s strong determination to attract more and more productive investments on its soil so as to accelerate economic growth and prosperity for its people.

Cameroon is a haven of peace, respecting    the rule of law and a country of liberty. Its institutions are stable, functional and harmonious. They are capable of adapting to societal trends to ensure social peace, the security of persons and property and the country’s political stability at all times. 

In today’s world, and particularly in Africa, this, we believe, is a major asset for investors. 

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your presence here expresses your determination to contribute towards fulfilling our country’s legitimate aspirations. 

Cameroon will bear that in mind. 

I wish everyone fruitful discussions for mutually beneficial partnerships, and of course, I wish our numerous visitors, a pleasant stay in Cameroon. 

Thank you.

Investment Forum: Keynote speakers recommend Cameroon’s healthy economic atmosphere

17/05/2016Three keynote speakers from booming economic zones have use the Cameroon’s International Investment Forum to invite potential investors to invest in Cameroon, a land of attractions they say.

These well-known personalities took to the rostrum to face hundreds of local and foreign participants, after a welcome address from the President of the Republic of Cameroon, Paul Biya.

The first speaker, Jose Manuel Barroso former President of the European Commission (2004-2014) said Cameroon like Africa is an economic reserve that needs to be effectively exploited for the economic interest of her citizens.

He insisted that a favourable investment zone in which Cameroon is battling for, should have good investment policies that favours investors.

Jose Manuel Barroso also called on the Cameroon government to ensure good governance, security and open their doors to local investors which will in turn attract foreigners.

On his heels was Dr. Chung Un-Chung, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea who won hearts of many investors with Korean successful story, a story that help transited Korea from a very poor cycle to the seventh biggest economic power in the world.

He said Cameroon should encourage shared growth and prosperity in a bid stop the vicious cycle where the rich get richer and the poor poorer.

Adding to what the Korean PM said, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu expressed the need of expanding UBA banks engagement in Cameroon.

The philanthropist encouraged the Cameroon government to ensure capital investments in domains like telecommunications, agriculture, and commerce.

He has pledged to partner with the Cameroon government in his Tony Elumelu foundation that encourages 10000 young African business start-ups.

Many speakers in the timetable are schedule to showcase Cameroon’s investment opportunities during working sessions.

Benly Anchunda CRTV

May 17 on an Awareness Battle

ICT entrepreneurs and start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a particularly relevant role in ensuring economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Involved in the development of innovative ICT-enabled solutions with a unique potential to make a long-lasting impact in global, regional and national economies and as an important source of new jobs, especially for youth, in the current knowledge economy, they join counterparts across the globe to mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD-2016) with focus on the theme: “ICT entrepreneurship for social impact”

Theme 2016: ICT entrepreneurship for social impact

The theme for WTISD-16 is in line with ITU’s work in unlocking the potential of ICTs for young innovators and entrepreneurs, innovative SMEs, start-ups and technology hubs as drivers of innovative and practical solutions for catalysing progress in achieving international sustainable development goals, with a focus on SMEs from developing countries.

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Information_Society_Dayfor more details on the annual commemoration every May 17. 

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to this issue, is also marked on May 17.
recent findings reveal that, in almost 80 countries around the world, loving someone of the same sex is still considered illegal, and in many more countries still, citizens are denied their right to live according to their preferred gender identity. Reports hold that legal discriminations, social homophobia and transphobia  deny millions of people across the world their basic human dignity. 

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to this issue. The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. 

Everyone can take advantage of the day to take action against injustice served persons with Homophobia and Transphobia. The day  is now celebrated in more than 100 countries, in all world regions and in places as diverse as Australia, Iran, Cameroon or Albania. It has received official recognition from several States and such international institutions as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.

LGBTI organizations, governments, cities, human rights organizations, corporations and celebrities have all taken action on May 17th to:

◦Draw media attention to the issue of homophobia and transphobia
◦Organise events which mobilize public opinion
◦Demand attention from policymakers and engage in lobbying activities
◦Network with like-minded organizations and develop new partnerships, at home or beyond
◦Mobilize existing constituencies and address new audiences 

What do you intend to do in your community?

Suffering rejection of course can subject one to stress which is an open door to heart related diseases, one of which is marked on May 17 as well. 'Know your numbers' with the goal of increasing high blood pressure awareness in all populations across the globe, is this year's slogan for World Hypertension Day. 

http://ish-world.com/public/world-hypertension-day.htm

Knowing your pressure is a cost effective way of preventing the life ravaging disease that knows no age.

http://ish-world.com/news/a/World-Hypertension-Day-2015/

http://www.worldhypertensionleague.org/

Rhumba King's secrets brought to the open?

Barely hours after continental respect was attributed to the Congolese born Rhumba king, rumours speculate that his mistress is an expectant mother.

La vie est Belle certes, mais va t-on croit en cette revelation? is one billion CFA question every World citizen is pondering on.

What if her revelations were true?

Mother's Day Inspirational Sayings from Cameroon-born Daughters and Sons

My Mum, My Source of Inspiration. My first Supporter, My Number 1 Promoter. She is what she is to me like other mummies to all of us around the globe. Best Mother in the World, Happy Mother's Day. Njobert CHUBA

 

"M" is for the million things she gave me,

"O" means only that she's growing old,

"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,

"H" is for her heart of purest gold,

"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

"R" means right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell

"MOTHER."

A word that means the world to me.LOVE U MUM Gwendoline NCHANG  

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE WOMEN, MOTHERS, AND ESPECIALLY THE SINGLE MOTHERS.

On this very special occassion when the world is celebrating Mother's Day, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all the women of Cameroon, especially the single mothers. But a very special appreciation go to the mother of my children, Princess Linda Mekolle Ekosso. She is the finest, she is the most pretty, most opulent, gracious, and most caring of mothers on the surface of the earth. She has made my world more peaceful and strengthened, she knows what it is to not just be the mother, but also the friend, wife, lover, and to a greater extent, very possessive and protective as a wife. I use this opportunity to thank you, and to appreciate your loyalty, and you have earned the respect of becoming the first Anglophone First Lady in Cameroon. I love you. Thanks to all the mothers and women in Cameroon and in the world at large, God bless you, and may God bless your families.

Happy Mother's Day. Prince Michael EKOSSO 

My Mum, My Source of Inspiration. My first Supporter, Ma No 1 Promoter. She is what she is to me like other mummies to all of us around the globe. When you shoot a lion and presents to your mother, these tears are unavoidable. Its natural. Me and My Mum holding the 2degrees Champions Award from UK. Thank You Mummy for being there to encourage me, support and inspire me. You are ma everything Donga Mantung Eye

 

EVERYDAY IS A MOTHER'S DAY BUT THANK GOD TODAY WE REMEMBER JUST AS WE'RE REMEMBERED AND APPRECIATED. I LOVE YOU ALL THE MOMS IN THE HOUSE AND IN MY HEART. GOD GRANT EVERY WOMAN THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB LIA LORD IS ABLE

 

STUBBORN CHILD IS MOTHER’S CHILD…HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL MUMS

She was always there when it was said your son is ‘stubborn’. Very stubborn. She toiled and worked the farms with her bare hands to send me to school. Oh Yes, I remember how she became a bayam sellem, selling what she could buy and the excess she could produce from the farms to get all of her children educated. Like many other woman of course! She is loving to all, and always willing to share the little she has.

She suffered to bring up her ‘stubborn’ son and has not given up! She trudged but keeps going. She made me who man I am; a real inspiration. I weep at times and feel her trauma, after bloodhounds launched their onslaught on me in the name of xenophobia. She is yet to recover from her weeping in fear that, I could die. And she was shocked when I retorted…’they can take my body but not my soul. I would keep the Faith!’

Today on Mother’s day, I remember the long hours we spent in the farms, tiling the soil and discussing what it takes to be a mum. Then she said : “Not only because you witness labour room pains. But a woman, a mother, a mother and a mother must care, must love, must be gentle and well behaved and was ready to make the necessary sacrifices for all humankind.”

Happy Mother’s, day to my mother Confort Zeh Atanga. To my dearest sweetest of hearts, Ranibelle Sato the lone woman and mother who understands this at times, very controversial person that some describe me to be. To my five sisters, aunts, cousins, nieces, daughters and all our sisters on social media and where ever they may be. We count so much now on you our mothers and women. I AM THE ‘STUBBON’ CHILD, YET STILL MY MOTHER’S CHILD. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY OUR DEAR MOTHERS Solomon AMABO  

No mothers Day message can thank you for what you have done for me. But I can't miss you to sending this lovely Mother's day picture to wish all that is best today! Happy Mothers Day to you and all the fantastic mothers out there. Addy Timany I am who I am and able to achieve greater heights because of these two women; first my mom who gave me life Mrs Victorine Ngayi, and also my mom by marriage Mrs Therese Mbe. For the sleepless nights that you both stay up to hold me up in prayer, or being there for my kids so that I can go for my dreams and reach for the stars. Words cannot express the way I feel about you two and thank God each day for you, praying that He continues to give you strength to do what you do. I love you both immensely! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Sheila Ngayi Melone  

My first ever say Poem that tell my story, I memorized it till date "My Mother" by Ann Taylor...

I was in class 1, Presbyterian Primary School, (P.S Ntenako, Ndekwai) a very remarkable poem and even still memorized especially when ever I missed this woman. I tried to imagine how this widow did it from when i'm two with my only sister who was 2 weeks by then, when my mother lost my dad....no other husband, no other kids because of the love for her husband which she will ever missed, r.i.p dad, your wife is a true house hold material, she kept her promised to u, bc i am a father n husband today too, Thanks mum....a memory i will never forget "My mother,..

Who sat n watched my infant head, when sleeping on my cradle bed, And tears of sweet affection shed? My mother... When pain n sickness made me cry, who gazed upon my heavy eye, and wept for fear that i should die? My Mother.... Who taught my infant lips to gray, and love God's holy book n day, And walk in wisdom's pleasant was? My mother... And can I ever cease to be,affectionate n kind to me, my mother...Ah, no! the thought i cannot bear, And if God please my life to spare, i hope i shall reward thy care, my mother...when thou art feeble, old n grey, my healthy arm shall be thy stay, And i will so the thy pains away my mother, widow n father ...Happy mother's day to the IRON LADY, Ma Alice Ayuk Takang n wifie Monic Ojong Takang. Eugene TAKANG  

Sweet mother I no go forget you for this suffer we u suffer for me oohh Chris ADE ABORINGONG 

So sad, but heartwarming and reassuring.

It's Mother's Day and almost everyone is posting pictures of their mother.

I thank God for all that my mom, Mrs. Ache Serah, taught me through the years we spent together . She is a portrait of a Godly mother, and I’m proud to be her son. ... And I pray that all parents can learn from my mom’s example and impart these same truths to their children.

I remember thinking a long time ago that it was impossible to have an agape sort of love—a love that is absolute and all encompassing—an unconditional love—a love that transcends all else, love for an only child. I found it with my Mother. I am at a loss of words to describe my Mother. My mother was everything to me…..my teacher, my counselor my cheerleader, my caretaker; but most of all, my best friend.

Although she left me 17 years ago, her love and unending smiles stay with me.

I LOVE YOU MUM. I ALWAYS WILL. A.T Azohnwi

Mothers' Day Tribute to my mothers. Thank you for every step along the way.

Wishing a Mother's Day to all the Mothers (“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” — Oprah Winfrey) on the globe, we invite you to give a description of your mum in three words on the 4th post of this link https://www.facebook.com/amy.banda1