Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
One of the major development challenges faced by decentralised territorial units in Cameroon is access to finances. The challenge is even more feasible in remote municipalities. The present convention is thus considered as a gateway to growth and development in various communities in the country.
The partnership between municipalities and Cameroonians in the diaspora is fruit of over two years of negotiations between REP-COD and Cameroonians out of the country.
‘I was approached by the president of REP-COD two years back, to see how together we can contribute to the development of communities in Cameroon,” says Madam Jocelyne Essam Epse Ngassa, promoter of Smartteam Consulting.
Smartteam Consulting is a cabinet specialized in finance research and providing platforms for proper development to councils. It is the cabinet that is charged with assisting in linking Cameroonians in the diaspora to partner and finance developmental projects in home council areas.
“We were mandated last year October by the leaders of the National Assembly in Cameroon to visit all the regions of the country in view of assessing their challenges and providing platforms for solutions,” Hon. Louis Henri Ngantcha, president of REP-COD told reporters after the signing of the convention in Yaounde.
According to senator Otte Andrew Mofa, Questor at Cameroon’s Senate and vice president of REP-COD, “the signing of the convention is first visible fruits of the mission bestowed on us at the National Assembly”.
The convention was paraphrased in Yaounde on Wednesday January 25, 2023 at the Head Office of REP-COD.
“Our mission wil be to lobby partners and finances from the diaspora to sponsor projects in councils in Cameroon,” Madam Jocelyne Essam said.
To her, the presence of the different Mayors and municipal councillors at the signing ceremony was proof that the challenges faced by councils are for real.
“We are greatly happy with this convention. We are happy to have met someone who will truly look into our communal situations,” says Mr. Frederic Nzoki Epoh, City Mayor of Nkongsamba.
The Way Forward
The signing of the convention is first step in a series. The consulting cabinet (Smartteam Consulting) will take the relay to initiate and negotiate individual contract with the various councils.
“We understand that councils have some challenges that are specific to them,” Madam Jocelyne Essam Epse Ngassa told News Upfront.
Both parties will then discuss on priority projects, set deadlines and conditions neccesary on a contract form.
Given that the Mayors and municipal councillors master the fields, they will help facilitate the evaluation of home projects.
Smartteam Consulting
Smartteam Consulting is a cabinet created in 2012. It is specialized in sectors like the Banking Industry, Telecommunications, Energy, Agriculture, Insurance among others.
The cabinet is based in Europe (London) but with tentacles in Guinea Bissau and Cameroon. It is presently carrying out developmental projects in Guinea Bissau.
The promoter of Smartteam Consulting, Madam Jocelyne Essam Epse Ngassa has over 20 years of experience in the domain of financial consulting and it is an added advantage to the present partnership convention.
