In a country where youth unemployment continues to challenge economic growth and social stability, prominent Cameroonian entrepreneur Bony Dashaco has called for entrepreneurship to be introduced much earlier in Cameroon’s education system, describing it as a vital tool for national transformation.
In his National Unity message on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, themed “The Call… Cameroonian Youth: Embracing Entrepreneurship and Integrating It Early in Education,” Bony Dashaco urged policymakers, educators, and private-sector leaders to rethink how young people are prepared for the future economy.
The businessman and media executive argued that entrepreneurship should no longer be treated as an optional career path but rather as a foundational life skill that empowers young Cameroonians to create opportunities in challenging economic conditions. “Youth entrepreneurship is not simply about starting businesses,” he said. “It is about developing problem-solvers, innovators, and resilient citizens who can respond to the realities of their communities.”
The founder and chief executive of Dashaco Holdings said Cameroon’s educational system must evolve from a predominantly theoretical model toward one that equips learners with practical entrepreneurial competencies from an early age.
He advocated for a redesign of school curricula from primary through secondary levels to include modules on business ideation, financial literacy, budgeting, market research, and business planning. According to him, students should be exposed to real-world projects, mentorship opportunities, and simulation exercises that mirror actual business environments.
The entrepreneur also called for schools to establish student-run enterprises and innovation laboratories where learners could gain practical experience by launching small ventures under guided supervision. “Learning by doing creates confidence,” he noted. “Young people need environments where failure becomes part of learning and innovation.”
Observers say the proposal reflects a growing continental debate about the relevance of African education systems in rapidly changing labour markets, particularly as formal employment opportunities remain limited for many graduates.
Bony Dashaco further emphasized the importance of partnerships between government institutions, universities, technology hubs, and small and medium-sized enterprises in developing stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Among the measures proposed were tax incentives for student-led startups, access to innovation spaces, low-interest financing for youth businesses, and expanded mentorship networks linking experienced entrepreneurs with graduates seeking to transform ideas into viable ventures.
He also highlighted the need for stronger market linkages and export readiness programs to help young entrepreneurs scale beyond local communities. “Entrepreneurship literacy should become universal,” he said, adding that ethics, risk management, and financial discipline should be taught alongside traditional academic subjects.
Widely recognized as one of Cameroon’s influential business figures, Bony Dashaco operates across more than 20 African countries through interests spanning media, advertising, finance, energy, hospitality, construction, and communications.
In 2014, he was named among Africa’s emerging leaders by the Institut Choiseul for International Politics and Geoeconomics. Two years later, he ranked among the institution’s top 100 African managers under 40.
His growing media footprint expanded significantly in 2021 with the launch of three television channels — Dash TV, Dash Info, and Dash Sports & Entertainment under the umbrella of ACMAR Media Group.
Beyond business, the native from the South West Region has built a public reputation around youth empowerment, philanthropy, and job creation initiatives, positioning himself as one of the country’s most visible advocates for entrepreneurial development.
For many young Cameroonians facing uncertain employment prospects, Bony Dashaco's message resonates beyond the conference hall. According to him, the notion of Cameroonians increasingly depending on finding jobs must change to job creation.
Laarry Times.
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