On November 24 and 25, 2024, Douala hosted the 7th edition of the MTN Business Academy. This annual event provided training for local entrepreneurs, with a focus on digital transformation and strengthening managerial skills. An initiative that aims to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs, essential to the national economy, in a changing economic environment.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) occupy a crucial place in the Cameroonian economy. They constitute 99.8% of businesses and generate 54% of jobs while contributing 36% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, these structures face many challenges: an alarming survival rate of 20% after five years, a lack of training for managers, and difficulties in accessing financing. It is to address these issues that MTN Cameroon created the MTN Business Academy, a learning platform designed to support local entrepreneurs in developing their skills and the digital transition of their businesses.
The 7th edition of the MTN Business Academy made available to participants six modules focused on strategic themes: Entrepreneurship and leadership, Finance and accounting, Frugal marketing, Digital marketing, Artificial intelligence, Fundraising techniques.
These training courses, delivered in partnership with Cerame of ESSEC Business School in Douala, help improve managerial and entrepreneurial skills. At the end of the two days of training, each participant received a recognized certificate, proof of the concrete impact of this program.
This initiative is also part of the “SME Go Digital” program, launched by MTN Cameroon, which aims to support SMEs in their digital transition. In a world where digitalization has become an imperative, this type of training gives entrepreneurs the tools they need to remain competitive and innovative.
For Dr. Thierry Mindjos, Senior Manager MTN Business: “Contributing to the development of entrepreneurial initiatives through these trainings is both a social requirement and a pleasant duty for MTN Cameroon. This equips entrepreneurs with relevant skills for managing their businesses.” The participants’ testimonies highlight the importance of this support. Some mention a better structuring of their businesses and an increased mastery of digital tools.
With over 1,000 entrepreneurs trained since the launch of the academy, MTN Cameroon is consolidating its position as a key player in entrepreneurial development in Cameroon. This program illustrates its commitment to promoting the competitiveness of SMEs, the real driving force of the national economy. The success of this 7th edition of the MTN Business Academy is a testament to the relevance of these training courses and their impact on the local economic fabric.
