On April 19, 2025, Yaoundé hosted the inaugural edition of TEDx Yaoundé at the Starland Hotel. The event, themed “Limitless: Redefining Success,” aimed to broaden the understanding of success beyond conventional benchmarks such as wealth, power, and status. Attendees were encouraged to consider more inclusive and personal interpretations of achievement.
Opening Remarks and Vision
The event began at 8 a.m., welcoming a diverse audience of students, professionals, creatives, and individuals from various sectors. Nadia Habsatou Kalkaba, the event’s organiser and licensee, delivered the opening address.
“Finally, we are here. TEDx Yaoundé takes the stage. A first step into the town with a simple conviction: ‘Ideas change everything.’ Today, we are not only celebrating an event; we honour the power of ideas, journeys, voices, and local voices with global impact,” Nadia stated.
She further explained the theme’s intent: “Limitless – Redefining Success is not just a theme. It is a call to dream and aim higher, to build success that resembles us and that lifts communities.”
Nadia also expressed appreciation for all those involved:
“To our speakers, thank you for your courage and confidence in sharing your truths. To our partners, thank you for your engagement. And to our incredible team, thank you for every detail, every hour, and every smile. And to you, our public, thank you for being here to listen, question, dream, and react.”
Program Highlights and Speakers
The day began with interactive personal development activities linked to the event’s theme. This was followed by talks from featured speakers, including H.E. Christopher J. Lamora, U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon; Mr. Hamad Kalkaba Malbou, President of CNOSC; and Abdoulaye Mohamadou, General Director of Touristique Express SA. Their presentations explored contemporary definitions of success and their relevance in a changing world.
Talks, Performances, and Partnerships
The event featured 10 speakers and three artistic performances. Topics included culture, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and self-development, offering a broad perspective that sustained audience interest throughout the day. Thirteen partners supported the event, among them Afriland First Bank, Touristique Express, and Premium Insurance.
TEDx Yaoundé concluded at 5 p.m. with final remarks from the organisers. Attendees participated in group photos, shared feedback, and networked during a closing cocktail session. Reactions from the audience were largely positive, with comments such as “It was enriching” and “I can’t wait for next year’s edition.”
About TEDx
TEDx is a global initiative that enables local communities to host events aligned with TED’s mission of promoting “ideas worth spreading.” Since its launch in 2009 by Lara Stein, TEDx has supported independently organised events worldwide. These gatherings provide platforms for local voices and feature brief, focused presentations on a wide range of topics, including technology, science, education, the arts, and social change. Although independently run, TEDx events adhere to TED’s standards of quality and content.
