A young Cameroonian entrepreneur, Abongdoh Maluyane Titus, who hails from the North West Region of Cameroon, has clinched the prestigious Commonwealth Secretary General’s SDG Innovation Award 2023.
The award, presented by President William Ruto of Kenya, recognised Titus’s outstanding contribution through his innovative startup, e-Mentor, in addressing the educational challenges faced by internally displaced students in conflict-affected areas in Cameroon and West and Central Africa.
Global Recognition for Innovative Excellence
Titus’s groundbreaking work with e-Mentor stood out among entries from 56 Commonwealth member states, earning him this distinguished award.
“It all felt like a dream until I shook the president’s hand. Then the somber ended.” Abongdoh Maluyane Titus said after receiving the prestigious award.
The accolade underscores the global significance and impact of his immersive technology solution in providing access to affordable, quality education for internally displaced students, a demographic that needs it the most. E-Mentor utilises immersive technology to empower internally displaced students in Cameroon and West and Central Africa
The President of Kenya, alongside dignitaries such as Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland and Minister of Youth Affairs Ababu Namwamba, acknowledged the innovation during the 2023 Kenya Innovation Week—Community Edition.
From Local Vision to Global Leadership
Titus’s journey, from joining the Open Dreams Community in 2018 to receiving global recognition, is an inspiring tale of local vision evolving into global leadership.
Representing Cameroon on international platforms, from the World Youth Forum in Egypt to the Yale Model African Union Conference in Rwanda, Titus has become a One Young World Ambassador and a symbol of positive change. Titus is passionate about harnessing extended reality technology to address problems faced by education in the sub-Saharan African region by leveraging the power of transformative leadership.
“I found myself immensely overwhelmed by the magnitude of the experience, to the point where I may have stopped processing it at some juncture. Nevertheless, when I shook the president’s hand, a strong surge of fulfilment and pride in our accomplishments coursed through me,” Titus told MMI in an exclusive interview.
Igniting Collaboration for a Brighter Future, the young entrepreneur noted that the achievement not only celebrates his success but also serves as a call to action. Investors, philanthropists, educators, and ecosystem mentors should join hands in scaling e-Mentor’s impact through collaboration. The goal, he added, is to positively impact the lives of at least 1 million students in conflict-affected areas by 2030, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Young Cameroonian entrepreneur Abongdoh Maluyane Titus’s success marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a better and more equitable future for everyone.
“I firmly believe that our vision at e-Mentor goes beyond merely solving a problem; it encompasses giving hope to an entire generation and creating opportunities that would not otherwise exist, leaving those who need it the most helpless,” Titus told MMI.
He also encouraged young people to “look beyond themselves and strive to solve problems in their communities. To attain proficiency in entrepreneurial and transformational leadership and identify avenues to harness the potential of technology in solving real problems.
For young individuals aspiring to be entrepreneurs, it is crucial to understand that the ability to identify and solve problems is a fundamental skill in entrepreneurship. Combined with low risk aversion, high stress tolerance, and sustained critical thinking, young entrepreneurs must be prepared to think long-term and focus on creating systemic change instead of immediate financial benefits.
They must learn to see the big picture rather than just small portions of it,” he expounded.
Entrepreneurship at Titus holds the potential to significantly drive innovation, create jobs, and solve problems on the African continent.
Who is Abongdoh Maluyane Titus?
Abongdoh Maluyane Titus is a 24-year-old dynamic and visionary entrepreneur, distinguished by his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the face of adversity.
Hailing from Cameroon, Abongdoh’s journey began against the backdrop of the Anglophone crisis, which disrupted his education for a year.
Undeterred, he pursued a degree in software engineering, emerging not only as a resilient scholar but also as a catalyst for change.
During his academic tenure, Abongdoh was not content with merely excelling in his studies; he actively engaged in community impact and tech projects. His passion for youth empowerment led to the inception of Exponential, a youth-led initiative that became a beacon for change on campus.
Abongdoh’s entrepreneurial spirit truly took flight with the launch of E-Mentor, a groundbreaking platform designed to empower internally displaced students in conflict-affected areas of Cameroon. This initiative sought to provide educational opportunities to those facing adversity, demonstrating Abongdoh’s commitment to using technology as a tool for societal transformation.
In December 2022, fresh out of university, Abongdoh founded Softech, a forward-thinking software development company. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey, as he leveraged his skills and knowledge to address pressing challenges in the technology landscape.
Not confined by borders, Abongdoh expanded the reach of his initiatives by registering E-Mentor and Softech Ltd. in Rwanda, showcasing his global perspective and commitment to cross-border collaboration.
Abongdoh’s leadership extends beyond the business realm; he has represented Cameroon at prestigious international forums such as the World Youth Forum in Egypt and the Yale Model African Union in Rwanda. His selection as a One Young World Ambassador, a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities, underscores his membership in the most exclusive community of young leaders worldwide.
Recognised for his outstanding contributions, Abongdoh has received numerous accolades, including the Regional Youth Excellence Award from the Governor of the Northwest Region in 2022. His recent honor, the Commonwealth Secretary General’s Youth Innovation Award, presented by the President of Kenya during Kenya Innovation Week 2023, further validates his commitment to innovation and positive change.
Abongdoh is a fervent believer in the transformative power of innovation, youth, and technology to address challenges in education and support SMEs in Africa. Through his endeavours, he continues to inspire others to dream big, overcome obstacles, and make a lasting impact on the world.
