Through the Rise Up Challenge 2026, the Rise Up Women programme showcases young Cameroonian women with innovative projects. Based on training, mentoring and entrepreneurial support, this initiative aims to transform ideas into viable businesses that create jobs and make a positive impact, whilst fostering a new generation of female leaders in Cameroon.
Nineteen young women presented their entrepreneurial projects during the final of the Rise Up Challenge 2026, the flagship event of the Rise Up Women programme dedicated to the economic empowerment of women in Cameroon. Following the jury’s deliberations, Leslie Pharelle Nguionza stood out with a snail farming project, recognised for its job creation potential and sustainable business model. Alongside other innovative initiatives, her project reflects the programme’s commitment to nurturing businesses led by young women capable of addressing the needs of their communities while contributing to the country’s economic development.
« The projects presented today were highly innovative. I believe the first word that comes to mind is innovation. I think this third edition has benefited from excellent guidance, and the participants have clearly been able to apply all the skills they acquired during the training to the development of their projects. »
Léandre Kouotou, Chair of the Jury – Cameroon
Led by the L’Arche d’Elijah association, Rise Up Women goes far beyond a simple pitching competition. The programme is built on three core pillars: training, mentoring, and support for entrepreneurship or professional integration. Over several weeks, participants strengthen their skills in business management, leadership, communication, finance and project development before presenting their ideas to a panel of professionals. This approach enables projects that are still at the concept stage to be transformed into well-structured business initiatives, ready to seek investment and establish themselves sustainably within the economy.
« This is such a commendable initiative, not only for supporting project holders but also for assisting entrepreneurs already working in the field. We regularly meet business owners who are facing difficulties, as we work closely with them on the ground. Through this programme, it is also possible to support those entrepreneurs and help them grow. »
Messi Angong Clergé, Representative of the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) – Cameroon
« I presented the project on conventional snail farming. It’s a project that’s already being implemented. It will generate significant income and create jobs, as the goal is to help young people escape unemployment […] I am very happy to have had the opportunity to win this third edition, and I encourage many young women not to give up on their dreams, because it is through hard work that we achieve success. »
Leslie Pharelle Nguionza, Winner of the Rise Up Challenge – Cameroon
Through Rise Up Women, the organisers are pursuing a long-term vision: to foster a new generation of women entrepreneurs capable of building sustainable businesses that create jobs and deliver social impact. Beyond the awards ceremony, the winners receive continued support to help turn their projects into reality and gain access to funding opportunities. By investing in the entrepreneurial potential of young women, the programme aims to make a lasting contribution to their economic empowerment while establishing female entrepreneurship as a key driver of Cameroon’s development.
