Cameroon - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Spark Link Africa is a social organization in Cameroon dedicated to igniting innovation, promoting lifelong learning for all, providing humanitarian aid, and empowering children, women, and youths to become changemakers in Africa.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Spark Link Africa is a Cameroonian social organization dedicated to igniting innovation, promoting lifelong learning for all, providing humanitarian aid, and empowering children, women, and youths to become changemakers, who will build resilient African communities. Our goal is to unlock the potential of children, women, and youth through our programs, bridging the gap and bringing about the change Africa needs as a continent. We focus our initiatives on education and training, humanitarian aid, career development and mentorship, and business and management consulting. We partner with human rights organizations, public and private stakeholders, and international organizations to implement our projects and build resilient African communities. The organization is anchored on seven main pillars; innovation, collaboration, empowerment, sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, and excellence defining our uniqueness and commitment to building resilient African communities.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Spark Link Africa tackles a complex issue: the lack of opportunity and resources that hinder progress in African communities. This manifests in limited access to education, difficulties for women and youth to reach their full potential, and a vulnerability to crises. We equally recognized the challenges brought by rapid technological advancements and a shifting job market. The skills gap is widening, traditional business models are being disrupted, and youth unemployment is on the rise. By igniting innovation, promoting lifelong learning, and providing humanitarian aid, Spark Link Africa aims to empower individuals, particularly children, women, and youths. This empowers them to become changemakers who can build stronger, more resilient communities across Africa.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Children, women, and youths can expect a multi-pronged benefit from Spark Link Africa's programs. Education and training programs will equip them with knowledge and skills, while career development and mentorship programs will guide them toward fulfilling careers. This empowers them to achieve financial independence and contribute to the community's economic growth. Humanitarian aid programs address immediate needs, ensuring necessities are met. This creates a stable foundation upon which participants can build their futures. Finally, business and management consulting programs foster entrepreneurial spirit and equip them with the tools to navigate the business world. This empowers them to create jobs, contribute further to the economy, and become agents of positive change.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Children: Through education and training programs, children will build a strong foundation for their future and receive valuable guidance from mentors. Women: Spark Link Africa's programs will empower women to achieve financial independence by equipping them with career skills and potentially addressing basic needs through humanitarian aid. They will also start or grow their businesses through business consulting programs. Youths: Youths will gain job-ready skills through education and training, become entrepreneurs with business consulting programs, and develop leadership qualities through mentorship, empowering them to become changemakers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-10-20

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

10

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

6

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Felix Fomengia holds an MSc in Cybersecurity and Forensics at the University of Westminster. Felix is an innovative tech entrepreneur and innovator from Cameroon, passionate about solving problems around his community using ICT and inspiring and empowering the younger generation nationwide. George Neba is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur and personal branding strategist, with a focus on brand clarity, identity, visibility, impact, and monetization. He is the founder of Brandway Academy and a YALI Network Ambassador. Harshal Chavhan is a passionate professional with a strong background in leadership, public policy, and community engagement. Obasi Elias one of the most renowned entrepreneurs in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon is the founder of Obasi Communication LTD a Mobile Money company and mentor to many small businesses that exist today in Buea. He is my coach and a consultant to Spark Link Africa.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https//sparklinkafrica.org

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Social Enterprise

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

We partner with other Civil Society Organizations, international organizations, and private and public stakeholders to fight against poverty in Africa. Our humanitarian aid programs are designed to help underprivileged children, women, and youth overcome poverty through our empowerment programs. Our empowerment programs focused on self-development and entrepreneurship. These programs provide guidance and mentorship to children, youth, and women helping them to acquire income-earning skills, empowering them to create small businesses that will promote their well-being and that of their immediate families, assist them in their children's education.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By promoting agribusiness projects in our network, we are indirectly contributing to ending hunger. Young Africans in our network going through our empowerment programs have projects in Agribusiness that we are helping them establish. Another way we contribute to zero hunger is to provide our community with employment opportunities. We help young people to gain employment which can either be online or onsite. This will permit them to have money to fend for themselves and family. It will contribute to zero hunger.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

As much as we have young people in our empowering youths in entrepreneurship program with projects in agribusiness, we have some young people with projects in health that we are working with a network of consultants in their field to promote their projects. Because of these projects, we are contributing to our communities' Good health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Quality education is one of the main SDGs we promote. One of our programs at Spark Link Africa is education and training. We help children, youth, and women to learn new skills that will help them to scale high in society and achieve academic and career success. We extend our humanitarian work to sponsoring out-of-school children from our funders. We collaborate with educational institutions to deliver inclusive training programs that bridge the knowledge gap across demographics. These programs equip young Africans with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Even though we are not into direct practice of gender equality, we are equally not discriminatory when it comes to those who attend our programs no matter their race, sex, color, or religion.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Our empowerment programs are tailored to developing individuals with business ideas to have decent work and achieve economic growth. We provide career orientation, mentorship programs, and youth and women empowerment for various economic activities that promote decent work and economic growth. We prioritize initiatives that reduce unemployment and promote sustainable economic development. Recognizing the crucial role of innovation, we champion.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

We empower young Africans to implement innovative solutions that create decent work opportunities and drive economic progress. Focusing on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) isn't just about cool tech and fancy buildings. It's about building a better future for everyone. Innovation fuels economic growth by creating new ideas and industries, while upgraded infrastructure keeps everything running smoothly. This translates to more jobs, a stronger economy, and a higher standard of living. Our initiatives are innovative striving to use the existing infrastructures to build resilient communities. But SDG 9 goes beyond economics. Innovation can also lead to sustainable solutions that protect our environment, while strong infrastructure connects people to essential services and bridges the digital divide. By promoting SDG 9, we're working towards a world that's prosperous, and sustainable, and ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Reducing inequality benefits everyone. A more equitable society fosters stability, improves social cohesion, and creates a more level playing field for economic growth. It allows everyone to reach their full potential, which is what we are promoting at Spark Link Africa. Again, this goal is crucial for achieving many other SDGs. For instance, reducing income inequality can empower children, youth, and women to access quality education and healthcare (SDG 3 & 4). Income inequality is a growing global challenge. The richest 10% control a vast portion of global wealth, leaving many behind. Addressing this disparity is essential for a just and sustainable future, especially in Africa. SDG 10 tackles various forms of inequality – income, gender, race, access to resources, etc. This allows us to focus on specific areas that resonate with us. By working towards SDG 10, we're contributing to a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world for all which is our ultimate goal.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The main reason I chose this goal is because of its interconnectedness. SDG 11 impacts and is impacted by many other SDGs. Working towards sustainable cities improves health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), economic opportunity (SDG 8), and climate action (SDG 13), to name a few. Another thing that makes me consider this goal is due to its environmental sustainability. SDG 11 promotes green spaces, sustainable transportation, and resource efficiency, all of which contribute to combating climate change. Considering projects that will fight climate change in the future and through a network of young African entrepreneurs who already have sustainable projects in this domain allows us to be vulnerable to this goal. Lastly, there is Innovation and Technology with SDG 11. Creating sustainable cities often involves cutting-edge solutions in areas like renewable energy, waste management, and smart infrastructure. Africa still needs innovative systems that will foster continental development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

There are three key areas in this goal that strike my concern; Innovation: Shifting to a circular economy requires innovation in product design, material science, and business models. This can lead to exciting new developments which Spark Link Africa is promoting. Efficiency and Reduced Waste: A circular economy focuses on getting the most out of resources and minimizing waste. This can lead to significant cost savings for businesses and consumers. We empower our network to minimize waste and try to reuse or put to other use materials that can help them save costs for their businesses and homes. Social Equity: Another reason is that the circular economy can promote fairer access to resources and reduce environmental burdens on disadvantaged communities.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Three main things strike my attention in this goal as well. The urgency of Action today: We are taking significant steps to limit global warming and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Every bit of warming we can prevent means less suffering, less economic disruption, and a more stable future. This is why we promote initiatives within our network that are having projects in SDG 13. There is also interconnectedness with other SDGs: Climate change undermines progress on many other SDGs, like poverty eradication, hunger, clean water and sanitation, and good health. By tackling climate change, you're strengthening efforts to achieve these other critical goals. Innovation and opportunities that it presents. The transition to a low-carbon economy is driving innovation in clean energy technologies, sustainable practices, and green infrastructure. It is helping young Africans to create new jobs and economic opportunities while protecting the environment.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

4

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

4

05.08 Justification

Oour social enterprise in Cameroon stands out by offering a one-stop shop for businesses. Our combine education, IT, and business consulting, saving clients time and resources. Furthermore, our social mission attracts purpose-driven clients and allows us to develop a local talent pool through our education arm. Beyond these core strengths, we can benefit from government support for social enterprises, motivated employees who share your social goals, and a community that trusts your commitment to positive change. By highlighting our impact and collaborating with local partners, we solidify our competitive advantage in the African market starting from the Cameroonian market.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Some of our competitors based in Cameroon are; African Capability Network, PwC Afrique Francophone SubSaharienne, STRATEGIES! Sarl, Global Invest Consulting, INVESTIR Cameroun. In Africa as a continent, we have Boston Consulting Group, JTB Consulting, Valueforth Consulting, Africa International Advisor, Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited and Global Advisors. Amongst all these business consulting and services companies in Cameroon and Africa as a continent, they are having focused only on delivering business plans and business registration services to their clients. Again they focus more to work with bigger organizations preventing to look at local businesses. They equally have little or no social corporate responsibility that is leading to the development of their communities. However, Spark Link Africa combines education, IT, business and management consulting, to have a competitive advantage, not forgetting our engagement in empowering young Africans to become changemakers.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Oh yes, I have a project that I am currently working on for female entrepreneurs, it is called SparkHER. SparkHER is a dynamic Spark Link Africa program designed to empower and equip aspiring female entrepreneurs. Our mission is to ignite a generation of women changemakers who are passionate about building businesses that create a positive social impact. SparkHER is more than just a business training program. It's a transformative journey that equips women with the confidence, skills, and network they need to: launch high-impact businesses for the growth and development of themselves, their homes, and their communities, become changemakers, and have the ability to mentor and empower other women to rise as future changemakers. We intend to launch this program during the Spark Business Summit in February 2025 in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon. The summit will bring together young entrepreneurs with their businesses ready for launching and promotion.