About Us – YWEA

Who We Are

Empowering Women & Youth with Skills to Shape Africa’s Future

Youth and Women Entrepreneurs Association (YWEA) is a dynamic, youth-led, and women-focused organization committed to empowering underprivileged young women and youth across Africa to become thriving entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders. Headquartered in Buea, Cameroon, fully registered in Canada, and with active branches in Ghana and Uganda, YWEA provides practical support that transforms potential into impact.

Founded in 2024, YWEA was born from the urgent need to address systemic barriers that prevent young women and youth from succeeding in business—barriers such as limited access to funding, mentorship, training, networks, and leadership opportunities. In just two years of operation, YWEA has focused primarily on Cameroon, delivering hands-on programs that empower participants to start sustainable businesses, advocate for their communities, and build leadership capacity.

Our Impact

In the first two years of operations, YWEA has:

Trained over 500 young women and youth in Cameroon on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business management.
Facilitated access to seed funding for 120 emerging businesses, helping entrepreneurs launch sustainable ventures.
Provided 1,200 hours of mentorship and coaching, connecting participants with experienced leaders and business experts.
Hosted 30 networking and advocacy events, amplifying youth and women voices in local economic development initiatives.

These interventions have directly benefited participants and their communities, fostering economic growth, job creation, and leadership development, while setting the stage for expansion across Africa.

Our Mission

To equip underprivileged youth and women entrepreneurs in Africa with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to create thriving businesses, lead change, and generate lasting impact in their communities.

Our Vision

By 2030, an Africa where 1 million underprivileged young women and youth entrepreneurs have the skills, resources, and confidence to start thriving businesses, influence positive change in their communities, and take their place as leaders and innovators across the continent and beyond.

Who We Serve

YWEA focuses on underprivileged youth and women entrepreneurs, particularly those with limited access to education, finance, and leadership opportunities. Our programs are designed to ensure that every participant not only survives but thrives—transforming their businesses, communities, and futures.

Why We Exist

We believe that when women and youth are economically empowered and supported to lead, entire communities prosper. YWEA exists to break down barriers, provide practical solutions, and create a generation of African entrepreneurs who drive innovation, social change, and sustainable development.

Our Core Objectives

Our Core Values

Empowerment

We believe in creating opportunities that enable young women to rise.

Integrity

integrity

We commit to transparency, accountability, and ethical practices.

Inclusiveness

We embrace diversity and ensure all women, regardless of background, are welcome.

Innovation

We promote creative thinking and modern tools for solving today’s challenges.

Sustainability

We aim for long-term impact in everything we do.

Collaboration

We thrive through partnerships, community engagement, and collective action.

What Makes YWEA Unique?

Our Leadership Team