The 8th edition of the Cameroon Student Genius and Talent Fair – GETEC 2026 officially launched at the Place de l’Indépendance, centering on the theme “The Entrepreneurial University at the Heart of the SND30.”
Chaired by Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education and Chancellor of Academic Orders, the event brought together key government figures, university leaders, and municipal representatives.
The gathering underscored a collective ambition to transform higher education institutions into primary drivers of national economic development, shifting academic institutions toward a model focused on output and market integration.
At its core, GETEC 2026 aims to establish a new academic paradigm: converting scholarly research and student creativity into actionable economic solutions. Addressing the assembly, Professor Fame Ndongo emphasized that bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical know-how responds directly to Cameroon’s need for economic sovereignty.
By prioritizing local solutions, enhancing product competitiveness, and reducing import dependency, the initiative seeks to build a self-reliant economy driven by student innovation and technical expertise.
To turn this vision into reality, the initiative relies on several key operational structures within the higher education ecosystem. University incubators, structured mentorship programs, private sector partnerships, and curriculum updates featuring mandatory entrepreneurial training serve as the primary growth levers.
Additionally, the program stresses the importance of standardization, official certification, and intellectual property protection, ensuring student-led innovations meet commercial quality standards and compete effectively in broader markets.
Financial backing remains a cornerstone of the GETEC model. Following a 450 million FCFA investment in 2025 via MINPMEESA that supported 22 Junior Enterprises, an equivalent funding package was announced for 2026. The funds will be allocated toward acquiring modern equipment, meeting industry compliance standards, and safeguarding intellectual property. Projections indicate that previously backed projects will generate over 1.5 billion FCFA in turnover while creating approximately 900 direct and indirect jobs across various sectors.
Ultimately, GETEC 2026 serves as a practical laboratory for the “University-Enterprise” framework, aligning closely with the strategic goals of Cameroon’s National Development Strategy – SND30.
By equipping university students to act as job creators rather than mere job seekers, the country is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic transformation. This structural shift positions Cameroonian youth as a major productive force, capable of launching competitive local enterprises and cultivating the nation’s future industrial leaders.
