Recenty, the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé welcomed Africa Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) alumni Caroline Sack Kendem, Marie Paule Niat Corbin, and Josiane Mbakop.

They were met by Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz II, Cultural Attaché Merlyn Schultz, and Cultural Affairs Specialist Gladys Viban, who lauded their efforts to promote private sector growth and economic opportunities for Cameroonians, especially women and girls.

“This is a key message stated by President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and underscored by Ambassador Michael Hoza during his visit with you at Ms. Caroline Sack Kendem’s residence in Douala on September 8. The United States places a top priority in promoting our partnership with women entrepreneur leaders because it is through your efforts and commitment to excellence that private sector growth will take place and expand employment opportunities and economic development for all Cameroonians. You serve as role models and pillars of this key growing sector, and we look forward to our future partnership to promote your ideas and that of your fellow citizens,” Mr. Quiroz said.

The visitors noted that they were pleased that President Obama and the United States are committed to supporting Cameroon’s efforts to attain a future of prosperity through the efforts of Cameroonians from all sectors, and highlighted their vision to launch Cameroon’s AWEP Chapter in the near future in partnership with AWEP alumni from neighboring countries.

The African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) is an outreach, education, and engagement initiative that targets African women entrepreneurs to promote business growth, increase trade both regionally and to U.S. markets through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), create better business environments, and empower African women entrepreneurs to become voices of change in their communities.