Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
When François Désiré Ekouma Ananga first invested just 40,000 FCFA to start a small health brand, few could have imagined it would grow into a flourishing enterprise worth hundreds of millions today. But on Thursday, October 16, the visionary behind François Santé, producers of the fast-rising Bome François product, stood before students of the University of Yaounde I to prove that success starts with belief, not capital.
The conference, themed “The Genesis of Strategic Management and Executive Leadership of a Flourishing Cameroonian Enterprise: A Case of François Santé – Bome François,” was chaired by Prof. Bienvenue Cyrille Bela, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and moderated by Dr. Owona Awoumou Charles Uriel.
Bridging the classroom and the marketplace
Prof. Bela hailed the event as a major step in linking theory to practice, saying it reflects the new Higher Education Policy Law adopted on June 25, 2023, which prioritizes entrepreneurship and innovation.
“We have moved from the slogan ‘One student, one job’ to ‘One student, one business,’” he said. “The goal is to create wealth and reduce unemployment because the state alone cannot employ all graduates.”
He added that the faculty will continue hosting similar sessions to expose students to real success stories that inspire them to think and act like entrepreneurs.
From 40,000 FCFA to 300 million FCFA
Taking the stage, Ekouma Ananga captivated the audience with his entrepreneurial journey — a story of faith, sacrifice, and resilience.
He revealed that François Santé was founded on June 15, 2021, following divine inspiration he received just weeks earlier. With the unwavering support of his wife and daughter, he started producing and selling Bome François, a 100% Cameroonian medicinal product that has since gained nationwide and international recognition.
“From 40,000 FCFA, we have grown to a company with an annual turnover of over 300 million FCFA,” he said to thunderous applause.
Today, François Santé employs over 25,000 people, including suppliers, agents, and subcontractors, and operates in ten countries, including Japan, France, Germany, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Beyond certificates: building courage and creativity
In a passionate appeal to students, the CEO urged them to take control of their future through creativity and determination.
“Certificates are good, but they can’t feed you,” he said. “Your creativity, courage, and consistency can. Don’t wait for jobs—create opportunities that employ others.”
He reminded them that every successful entrepreneur must be ready to fight through challenges with endurance and faith.
“The road is not easy, but with vision and persistence, you can build something that impacts your community. Our future as a nation depends on those who dare to start.”
Inspiring a new generation of builders
As the conference ended, students left visibly inspired, many vowing to pursue their own business ideas.
Prof. Bela thanked Ekouma Ananga for his powerful message and affirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of self-reliant graduates.
For many in the hall that day, the story of Bome François was more than a business success — it was living proof that greatness can rise from the smallest seed, when watered with faith and determination.
