Juliette Ngwankfu is no ordinary engineer. Originating from the North West Region of Cameroon, she is a young woman on a mission to revolutionise the snack industry with her innovative peanut burger production machine. Born and raised in the vibrant community of Nkambe Palace, Juliette’s upbringing was characterised by “a deep appreciation for making the most of life’s challenges,” she told MMI.
From her early days at Government Practicing School Group 1 in Nkambe, where she earned her First School Leaving Certificate, to her time at Government Bilingual High School Nkambe, where she achieved both her GCE ordinary and advanced levels, Juliette exhibited a knack for overcoming obstacles with creativity and determination.
Her love for engineering flourished during her tenure at the University of Bamenda, where she pursued a BSc in Agricultural Engineering and an MSc in Environmental Engineering.
Juliette had an admiration for engineers and a strong desire to contribute to society. “That is how she embarked on a path that would lead her to an unexpected yet brilliant innovation: the peanut burger production machine,” said a relative who has witnessed the growth of the young female inventor.
“The idea stemmed from my personal experience with the snack that sustained me throughout my university days,” Juliette Ngwankfu told MMI.
Juliette saw an opportunity to produce something truly significant as a result of the constant demand for her peanut burgers, not just in Bamenda but also from other regions.
The Juzzy Pappus Peanut Burger Machine, as she affectionately calls it, is a rare gem in society, a testament to Juliette’s ingenuity and determination. The machine streamlines the production process, making it efficient, hygienic, and accessible to all.
What began as a personal solution to her snack-making challenges has now become a solution for countless others, especially those looking to start small snack businesses.
“When I learned through the media that a female student at the College of Technology at the University of Bamenda had produced a peanut burger machine, I breathed a sigh of relief. As someone involved in burger production, I can say it’s not easy manually mixing it; it is indeed an innovation worth supporting,” said Mankah, a peanut burger producer in Bamenda.
Despite the challenges of obtaining materials for production, Juliette remains undeterred. She draws strength from her upbringing, the support of her close-knit family, and the lessons learned from overcoming adversities. Juliette’s work is not just about engineering; it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“Her work represents hope for the business of peanut burger production as it eases our work, while also enabling large-scale production within a short time,” Mankah said.
Beyond her groundbreaking work, Juliette finds joy in various hobbies. Whether she’s swimming, strutting her stuff on the runway as a model, or belting out tunes with her beautiful voice, she embodies a spirit of exploration and creativity.
Although her innovation has been widely applauded, Juliet functions alone to ensure its modification and availability in the market. Her desire is for increased empowerment by the powers that be to enable her to produce more.
Juliette Ngwankfu is more than just an engineer; she is a trailblazer, a visionary, and a beacon of inspiration for young women everywhere. In a society where peanut burger machines are rare, Juliette Ngwankfu stands tall as a symbol of possibility and progress.