Community Empowerment & Job Creation Initiative 

Initiative name:  1000 Jobs for Cameroon: Empowerment Through Local Innovation 
Location: Nationwide (Pilot Phase: Littoral, Centre & Northwest Regions)
Duration: 3 years
Initiative Type: Community Development / Job Creation / Social Enterprise

Stage: On going

Executive Summary

The “1000 Jobs for Cameroon” initiative aims to create 1,000 sustainable jobs for youth and women by developing community-based enterprises in agriculture, green energy, digital skills, and local manufacturing.
Through capacity building, microenterprise incubation, and access to financing, the project will empower communities to generate income, reduce unemployment, and stimulate inclusive local growth.

The initiative combines vocational training, cooperative business models, and market linkages to ensure long-term sustainability beyond initial funding.

Objectives

• Create 1,000 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs within three years.
• Train 2,500 youth and women in entrepreneurship, vocational, and digital skills.
• Establish 100 community-based enterprises (CBEs) in high-impact sectors.
• Facilitate access to microcredit and cooperative financing for small entrepreneurs.
• Promote local production, innovation, and green economy initiatives.

Key Focus Areas

I. Agriculture & Agribusiness

• Support value chains in cassava, cocoa, plantain, poultry, and aquaculture.
• Provide training in sustainable farming, food processing, and packaging.
• Establish cooperatives and small agro-industries.

II. Green Energy & Recycling

• Train youth in solar installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Develop micro-enterprises in recycling plastics and e-waste management.

III. Digital Skills & ICT

• Create local hubs for web design, digital marketing, and e-commerce.
• Provide training in basic coding, digital literacy, and business management.

IV. Local Manufacturing & Crafts

• Support women’s  and men’s cooperatives in textiles, handicrafts, and eco-friendly products.
• Develop online platforms for local product marketing.

Target Impact

• 1,000 sustainable jobs created across key regions.
• Economic independence for 2,500+ beneficiaries.
• Local value chains strengthened through production and service delivery.
• Reduced youth migration and increased social cohesion.
• Boost in local economies through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Budget 

Sustainability Plan

• Establishment of cooperatives and social enterprises with profit-sharing models.
• Integration with existing local government programs and business incubators.
• Creation of a digital platform to connect entrepreneurs with customers, investors, and mentors.
• Reinforcement through training-of-trainers approach for long-term impact.

Leadership Team 

•  Jean-Pierre Mbala: Project Director – 15+ years in business development and community empowerment.
• Gertrude Ngassa: Technical Lead
• Anastasia Massango: Expert in agribusiness and entrepreneurship training.
• Aissatou Bouba: Digital Innovation Officer: ICT educator and startup mentor.
• Princess Titti: Finance & Partnerships Manager: Specialist in microfinance and  relationship Management.