Leadership today is no longer a matter of authority — it is a matter of construction. In Chapter 3 of Power 237, titled “The Role of Religious and Traditional Organisations,” Dr Guy Gweth challenges our traditional idea of leadership. He writes that by encouraging genuine dialogue between the State and religious or traditional institutions, Cameroon can strengthen its power and quicken its transformation.

Behind that line lies a quiet revolution: modern leadership is not about control, but coordination. True power grows from trust, listening, and cooperation — between government, the private sector, faith leaders, and local communities.

From pyramids to partnerships

For much of history, leadership has been vertical: one leader at the top, orders flowing down the line. But this top-down model, inherited from military and colonial systems, is increasingly obsolete. The challenges of our century — pandemics, climate change, inequality, social unrest — cannot be managed by command alone. They require shared intelligence, collaboration, and co-creation.

Cameroon is uniquely equipped to embrace this change. It is home to a vibrant network of institutions, traditions, and communities — from traditional chiefs and religious leaders to civic groups and social entrepreneurs — all capable of shaping the nation’s future. When these voices engage with the State as partners rather than subjects, policies become more grounded, inclusive, and effective. But collaboration does not happen by decree. It must be cultivated — through spaces for dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared sense of responsibility for the common good.

What Cameroon needs now are orchestrators

Power 237 calls for a new generation of leaders — not commanders, but orchestrators. The country has no shortage of talent or ideas. What it sometimes lacks are those who can bring people together, align diverse perspectives, and turn collective ambition into coherent action. An orchestrator doesn’t drown out other voices; they create harmony. They don’t issue orders; they build consensus. They don’t impose their vision; they help shape a vision everyone can own.

A leadership culture rooted in cooperation

The future belongs to leaders who unite rather than divide, who listen before acting, and who see coordination as a source of strength, not weakness. This isn’t an idealistic dream — it’s a practical necessity. Cameroonian communities have always known how to negotiate, coexist, and find common ground. Power 237 simply urges us to elevate that instinct — to make collaboration not just a social habit, but a national strategy.

Power 237 by Dr Guy Gweth — a call for renewed leadership and shared governance in a changing Cameroon.

By Sharon Emade 

A nation’s strength is not measured by its uniformity, but by its ability to harmonize difference toward shared purpose. In Chapter 2 of Power 237, titled “Cameroon’s Cultural Diversity: A Strategic Asset,” the author delivers a powerful reminder: “Cameroon must promote its cultural diversity and encourage intercommunity exchanges to build an inclusive and peaceful national identity.” This call is not merely philosophical—it is strategic, urgent, and essential for the nation’s emergence on the continental and global stage.

Africa in Miniature: A Living Mosaic

Often described as “Africa in miniature,” Cameroon embodies the continent’s vast plurality within its borders. With more than 250 ethnic groups, two official languages (French and English), and a rich tapestry of traditions, religions, and worldviews, the country is a microcosm of African diversity itself. From the Fulani herders of the North to the Bamiléké entrepreneurs of the West, from the Beti communities of the Center-South to the coastal Douala traders, from the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest to the Sawa fishing cultures—Cameroon’s human landscape is as varied as its geography.

Yet this diversity, which should be celebrated as a source of vitality and resilience, is too often viewed through the lens of fragmentation. Political rhetoric, colonial legacies, and contemporary tensions have sometimes framed our plurality as a liability—a crack in the foundation rather than the foundation itself.

Power 237 challenges this narrative head-on.

Diversity as Power, Not Weakness

Dr. Gweth’s central thesis is radical in its simplicity: Cameroon’s diversity is not a weakness to be managed, but a power to be harnessed. When diversity becomes dialogue—when it transforms into intercommunity exchange, mutual learning, and collective innovation—it becomes a catalyst for national strength.

History offers countless examples. Switzerland, with four national languages and distinct cultural regions, has built one of the world’s most stable democracies. Singapore, a multiethnic city-state, turned diversity into a global economic powerhouse. India, home to thousands of languages and religions, leverages its plurality as soft power on the world stage.

A Common Destiny

The vision is clear: a Cameroon where every citizen, regardless of origin, language, or tradition, feels ownership of the national project. A Cameroon where diversity is not merely tolerated but actively leveraged as strategic capital. A Cameroon that demonstrates to Africa and the world that plurality and power are not opposites—they are partners.

This is the Cameroon that Power 237 calls us to build: just, inclusive, and powerful. A nation that unites voices, visions, and values around a common destiny—not by silencing difference, but by orchestrating it into a symphony of shared progress.The question is no longer whether Cameroon can transform its diversity into strength. The question is: Shall we?

Discover more insights in Dr. Guy Gweth’s Power 237—a strategic blueprint for Cameroon’s emergence and Africa’s leadership renaissance.

By Sharon Emade 

In a continent where the ability to harness knowledge, resources, and strategic foresight determines national influence, Power 237, authored by Dr. Guy Gweth, emerges as a landmark work in African strategic thought. Published in January 2025 by the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), the book provides a practical roadmap for Cameroon to assert its power through a homegrown, forward-looking intelligence framework.

At its core, Power 237 articulates a vision of strategic sovereignty built around three pillars: defense, attack, and influence. Dr. Gweth draws on decades of experience in competitive intelligence, geopolitical analysis, and economic strategy to illustrate how Cameroon can convert knowledge into tangible power, ensuring the country does not merely react to global trends but actively shapes its own destiny.

The book is more than a theoretical treatise; it is a blueprint for action. Through case studies, operational guidelines, and analytical frameworks, Power 237 equips leaders, policymakers, and public and private institutions with the tools to analyze threats, identify opportunities, and design interventions that enhance national resilience. From economic competitiveness to diplomatic engagement, the work underscores the importance of a proactive, intelligence-driven approach to national development.

By focusing on the development of local expertise and the empowerment of human capital, Power 237 highlights a critical dimension of Cameroon’s long-term strategy: the cultivation of homegrown leaders who can navigate the complex dynamics of global geopolitics, economic competition, and technological change. The book positions strategic intelligence as a central lever for national power, demonstrating that the ability to anticipate, influence, and act decisively is key to regional leadership.

Power 237 has already influenced national institutions, with training sessions for senior officials of the Directorate General of External Research (DGRE) reflecting its practical application. The book’s principles serve as a guiding compass, not only for Cameroon but also as a reference for other African nations seeking to build endogenous capacities that reinforce sovereignty and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving world.

Through its fusion of theory and practice, Power 237 establishes itself as both a manifesto and a toolkit: a resource for those who seek to transform knowledge into national strength and position Cameroon as a decisive actor on the African and global stage.

The Editorial Team, Power 237 

Cameroon, a strategic and economic crossroads in Central Africa, is steadily positioning itself as a stronghold of competitive intelligence. Once considered a field reserved for global powers, competitive intelligence is now gaining traction across Cameroonian businesses, public institutions, and educational establishments. This shift marks a major milestone in the country’s drive for sovereignty and national competitiveness—an ambition championed by Dr Guy Gweth, author of the best-selling Power 237, who envisions Cameroon as an African power by 2050 through a strategy rooted in defence, offence, and influence.

This transformation is grounded in a sharp, operational understanding of the discipline as defined by the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI):

“Competitive intelligence is a mindset, a process, and a system for the legal, rapid and secure questioning, collection, processing, analysis and transmission of strategic intelligence to support decision-making in competitive, uncertain or hostile environments.”

The private sector: from uncertainty to strategic command

In the private sector, a growing awareness of the urgency of competitive intelligence is reshaping business practices. Until recently, many SMEs and large enterprises operated blindly, hindered by opaque markets, unfair competition and external interference. Since Dr Gweth’s landmark conference at GICAM (now GECAM) on 8 November 2019 and the subsequent strategic partnership between ACCI and GICAM, a wave of professionalisation has swept across corporate intelligence efforts.

Executive teams increasingly recognise strategic monitoring as a core driver of growth. Specialist firms such as Knowdys Cameroon—leaders in the field—now provide services such as stakeholder mapping, opportunity analysis, and information asset protection. In this new landscape, the savvy Cameroonian business is no longer a besieged outpost, but an advanced observation post—capable of identifying weak signals and launching targeted intelligence offensives. Survival in today’s global economy demands a constant information war, where each verified data point is a weapon in the decision-making arsenal.

Government: from reactive to strategic

At the state level, Cameroon is undergoing a profound rethinking of its approach to national security and prosperity. Acknowledging that economic strength is inseparable from control of strategic information, public institutions are now developing internal units dedicated to competitive intelligence. This move signals a shift from passive defence to proactive strategy—one that identifies comparative advantages, promotes national interests on the world stage, and anticipates economic shocks.

This strategic realignment—what some call the “militarisation” of economic thought—reflects a desire to equip the state with the tools of economic warfare, transitioning from reaction to anticipation and influence. Competitive intelligence is emerging as a vital pillar of both diplomacy and national development policy, as reflected in the upcoming national strategy and public policy on competitive intelligence.

Education: training the officers of economic warfare

Cameroon’s academic and professional training institutions have a pivotal role to play. Training future leaders in competitive intelligence is crucial to building a homegrown corps of experts capable of conducting informational battles. While specialised programmes are emerging—with modules on competitive monitoring, data protection, lobbying and influence—they would benefit from stronger grounding in local realities and cutting-edge methodologies.

Students must not only master traditional economic analysis but also learn open-source investigation techniques, cybersecurity fundamentals, and predictive strategy—drawing on ACCI’s approach. In doing so, these institutions will become true academies of economic warfare, equipping the next generation to defend national interests and break new ground in emerging markets.

ACCI and DGRE: redefining Cameroon’s competitive intelligence architecture

After a decade of relentless work—through knowledge production, capacity building and the creation of tailored intelligence and due diligence systems—the ACCI has achieved unprecedented recognition. Its crowning achievement is a strategic partnership with Cameroon’s defence and security services.

Today, Dr Guy Gweth, the continent’s leading figure in competitive intelligence and President of the ACCI, serves as official instructor to the Directorate General for External Research (DGRE). Far from symbolic, this appointment marks a historical turning point. Dr Gweth is now responsible for training DGRE personnel in the methods and tools of economic warfare, grounded in ACCI’s proven model: defend, attack, influence.

This strategic alliance, which fuses the academic and operational expertise of ACCI with the state’s enforcement capabilities, now shapes the spirit, substance, and trajectory of Cameroon’s competitive intelligence. It signals a new era: one in which Cameroon is no longer a passive observer in the global economic arena, but a strategic actor—capable of defending its gains, seizing new opportunities, and asserting its influence over its own economic destiny.

This is the age of sovereignty through knowledge and action.

— Editorial Team 

In a bold initiative marking a decisive shift for Cameroon’s economic sovereignty, the Directorate General for External Research (DGRE) is embracing a strategic transformation. Jean Pierre Ghoumo, its Director General, has announced the upcoming launch of a National Center for Competitive Intelligence (CNIES), supported by the technical expertise of Dr. Guy Gweth, internationally recognized Cameroonian expert in competitive intelligence and President of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), as well as author of the strategic white paper Power 237.

At the heart of this strategic orientation lies the elite training of 50 senior DGRE executives and agents in the field of competitive intelligence. This mission was entrusted to Dr. Gweth, whose teachings have laid the conceptual foundations of Power 237, a bestselling book published in January 2025 by the ACCI. This practical guide outlines how Cameroon can realistically achieve its ambition of becoming a continental power through endogenous strategic intelligence, centered around a trifecta of defense, offense, and influence.

DGRE: a strategic metamorphosis in the service of the Nation

From 30 June to 04 July 2025, the DGRE hosted a high-level session that went far beyond traditional capacity building—it was a deep acculturation to the strategic principles outlined in Power 237. The DGRE signaled its commitment to move beyond conventional political and security monitoring, venturing into the complex arena of economic warfare, which includes phenomena such as subversive information warfare, predatory acquisition of strategic assets, industrial espionage, market manipulation, and control over critical resources.

During the session, Director General Jean Pierre Ghoumo reaffirmed the institution’s new roadmap:

“The DGRE, as an intelligence agency serving the vital interests of the state, must fully integrate a competitive intelligence dimension. Our mission of vigilance and anticipation now draws upon the levers of defense, offense, and influence, in line with the principles of a proactive strategic intelligence.”

This declaration aligns with the vision of “Power 237”, which advocates a protective and assertive national posture.

The training was meticulously designed to equip agents with the analytical tools necessary to assess threats, identify strategic targets, and deploy appropriate intervention strategies. It emphasized the development of a national competitive intelligence doctrine, along with a clear strategic framework and operational action plan tailored to Cameroon’s specific context—aimed at delivering actionable insights to the nation’s highest decision-making bodies.

“Power 237”: the compass of cameroonian boldness

Dr. Guy Gweth’s central role in this transformation is undeniable. As President of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), his white paper Power 237 provides a practical and strategic roadmap for Cameroon’s economic emergence. A key figure in African strategic thought, Dr. Gweth is a member of the House of Public Affairs at PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) and has advised governments, institutions, and businesses for over a decade on issues including due diligence, economic diplomacy, geoeconomics, counter-influence, and strategic intelligence.

His selection by the DGRE is no coincidence. It signals a strong political will to rely on local expertise to meet ambitious national goals. Professor Christian Abolo Mbita of the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MINEPAT) described Dr. Gweth as a “pioneer of the discipline in Africa with global influence,” while Jean Pierre Ghoumo, DG of the DGRE, emphasized that Dr. Gweth is “a national asset, a prophet in his homeland,” underscoring the importance of his leadership in shaping and ensuring the success of the future CNIES.

This collaboration reflects Cameroon’s resolve to structure the new center based on international best practices, adapted to local strategic imperatives.

A lion preparing to roar in the economic arena

In today’s world, where access to and control over strategic information defines national power, competitive intelligence has become an indispensable lever. Cameroon’s adoption of principles championed in Power 237 illustrates a broader African strategic awakening in the face of global economic warfare.

The challenge is significant, but the signal is loud and clear: Cameroon no longer intends to be a mere observer of global geoeconomic dynamics. Thanks to the determination and pragmatism of Jean Pierre Ghoumo, the country is now equipped to actively defend its interests, conduct targeted influence operations, and when necessary, counter threats to its prosperity.

This marks the affirmation of a nation that—anchored in authentic, locally-driven strategic intelligence—is preparing to roar like a lion. Not to dominate, but to secure its rightful place and respect among Africa’s future powers, as envisioned by Power 237.

— The Power 237 Editorial Team 

On Wednesday, 26 February 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM, join us at the ACCI headquarters in Bastos, Yaoundé, for an exceptional encounter with the author, Dr. Guy Gweth, as well as the author of the foreword, Professor Jean-Emmanuel Pondi, and the author of the afterword, Dr. Evelyne Mengue A Koung.

The author, author of the foreword, and author of the afterword of the book invite you to delve into the heart of Cameroon’s strategic issues during the book launch ceremony of Power 237, a book that offers a bold vision for the country’s future.

After 12 months of survey: Cameroon on its way to continental power.

Power 237 is the result of a year of in-depth national consultations. This 528-page book, with a fore worded by Professor Jean-Emmanuel Pondi and a after worded by Dr. Evelyne Mengue A Koung, does not simply analyze Cameroon’s challenges and opportunities. It proposes an authentic roadmap to transform the country into a continental power by 2050.

Hard power, soft power, smart power: the keys to power decoded.

The book explores in detail the three dimensions of power:

• Hard power: encompassing military capabilities, natural resources, and industry.
• Soft power: focusing on cultural attractiveness, shared values, and intellectual influence.
• Smart power: intelligently combining the two, adapting the means to the contexts and objectives.

The book launch of Power 237 is a unique opportunity to:

• Meet and interact with the key players in this visionary project.
• Understand the challenges of tomorrow’s Cameroon and the strategies to achieve regional power.
• Acquire the book at a preferential price and contribute to the country’s development.

Don’t miss this exceptional event!

• Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025
• Time: 4 PM to 6 PM sharp
• Location: CAVIE Headquarters, Bastos, Yaoundé
• Special price for the book at the event

Reservation via chat on https://puissance-237.com

Contact: +237 693 86 01 39 | contact@acci-cavie.org | https://puissance-237.com

The Editorial Team 

The 500-page whitepaper, “Power 237,” a product of Dr. Guy Gweth’s research, analysis, and consultation, aims to equip Cameroon with a strategy to become a regional power. To be released on 30 January 2025, in both French and English, this work is divided into seven parts and thirty-five chapters. It seeks to provide a strategic, pragmatic, and inclusive contribution to Cameroon’s future.

A Project Building on the Past, but with Renewed Ambition

“Power 237” builds upon previous efforts such as “Cameroon Vision 2035,” the GESP, and the NDS30, without contradicting them theoretically. The work acknowledges their achievements but offers an updated and more operational reading of the challenges and opportunities. It aims to go beyond general observations and orientations to propose concrete strategies, specific and quantifiable indicators, and more ambitious yet achievable goals. The methodological approach is based on a comparative analysis between “Vision 2035” and “Power 237,” examining the translation and implementation of objectives in various planning documents. The emphasis is on achieving concrete and measurable results, with rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

A Committed and Inclusive Engagement for a Strong Cameroon

“Power 237” aims to be a tool for mobilization and action, seeking to engage all stakeholders in a collective dynamic. The work adopts a pedagogical tone to facilitate understanding and ownership of the discourse by all. It also presents itself as a dynamic and inclusive working tool, encouraging the contribution of all Cameroonians to co-construct a vision of modern and relevant power. A long version of the report, intended for decision-makers and government authorities, addresses more sensitive issues related to national security, requiring increased confidentiality.

From Fighting Poverty to Seeking Regional Power

The work starts from the observation that successive development plans, although based on the objectives of “Vision 2035,” do not show sufficient progress towards the desired results. “Power 237” therefore intervenes to readjust objectives and indicators, in order to define more realistic and relevant actions. Free from all  bias, it proposes a strategic reflection for a strong, prosperous, and internationally respected Cameroon.

Regional Power: A Holistic Vision

In “Power 237,” regional power is envisioned as a comprehensive capacity for influence and projection, based on a strategic combination of three interdependent dimensions:

• Hard Power: Traditional means of power, such as armed forces, strategic natural resources, and industrial capacity.
• Soft Power: Cultural attractiveness, shared values, intellectual influence, and diplomatic sway.
• Smart Power: The intelligent combination of hard and soft power, adapting resources to contexts and objectives.

Cameroon is thus invited to develop a balanced and sustainable regional power by investing in these three dimensions and articulating them coherently.

Why is this ambition relevant?

Several factors justify this ambition according to Guy Gweth: the solid foundations laid by the GESP (Growth and Employment Stratrgy Paper) and “Cameroon Vision 2035,” the favorable international context for the emergence of new powers, and the necessity to free Cameroon from the sneer of underdevelopment

Mobilizing the Vital Forces of the Nation

To achieve this goal, Cameroon must mobilize the three dimensions of power:

• Hard Power: Massive investments in military capabilities, strengthening internal and external security, developing a national defense industry, aggressive policy for the development of physical infrastructure, and policies for industrialization and export.
• Soft Power: Promotion of culture, history, and values; support for cultural exchanges; development of education and research; and strengthening cooperation with other African countries.
• Smart Power: Intelligent combination of hard power and soft power, development of active diplomacy, strengthening economic partnerships, and promoting regional cooperation.

The Role of Different Stakeholders

The strategic state must update and clarify its vision, set strategic objectives with precise indicators, mobilize the necessary resources, and coordinate the actions of various actors. Businesses must invest in benchmarking, research and development, innovate, and create jobs. The academic world must train the necessary skills, conduct cutting-edge research, and disseminate knowledge. The media must inform citizens and promote the country’s image abroad. Development partners can contribute to strategic supplies.

Conclusion

The goal of becoming a leading power in Africa by 2050 is an ambitious challenge, but deemed achievable by Dr. Guy Gweth and all the stakeholders consulted. It will require strong political will and an unprecedented mobilization of all the vital forces of the nation. The work thus appears as a significant contribution to the in-depth reflection on the future of Cameroon and a concrete tool to transform this ambition into reality.

The Editorial Team 

The book “Power 237,” which aims to elevate Cameroon to the status of a regional power by 2050, has generated considerable interest. The afterword, authored by Dr. Evelyne Mengue A. Koung, a well-respected editorialist, offers valuable insights into the nature and scope of this initiative. This article offers a valuable summary of her analysis.

Dr. Mengue A. Koung opens her discussion by questioning the relevance of a new work on Cameroon’s development, given the many existing studies and strategies, such as the GESP and the NDS30. However, she dismisses the idea of it being just another “cookbook,” highlighting the intellectual richness of the country and the export of its “critical mass” on an international scale. She emphasizes the approach of “Power 237,” which revisits these frameworks, rigorously assesses their strengths and weaknesses, and establishes a vision that is both “ethereal and pragmatic.” This carefully chosen oxymoron highlights the coherence between the dream of development and its concrete determinants.

The author of the afterword emphasizes the palpable energy that emanates from the first lines of the book. The rigorous use of real and updated data is combined with a forward-looking perspective, driven by the youthful dynamism of the initiators of this vision. This “youth asset” of Cameroon, with three-quarters of its population under 30, is presented as a key factor. Beyond sheer numbers, it is the driving force of this generation—deeply immersed in digital culture, globally connected, and hungry for knowledge—that captures the “the dream come true.” This viewpoint, anchored in the present while looking to the future, is not illusory. It is founded on concrete and actionable strategic planning.

It is fueled by a transformative mindset: one of a Cameroon embraced by its youth, ready to conquer the sub-region, Africa, and the world. Dr. Mengue A. Koung recognizes this as a “paradigm shift,” assertively championed by the author: to envision grand possibilities, to take risks, and above all, to empower oneself to fulfil one’s dreams.

This dream of power, as she articulates, begins with the audacity to think and act “out of the box,” a trait evident in Dr. Gweth’s methodology. The term “Power 237” embodies a bold transcendence of conventional limits. The vision for 2050 is framed within a spirit of conquest, adeptly combining various levers of power: hard power, soft power, and smart power.The idea of “warriors of development,” who engage in a co-construction of intelligence while mobilizing the synergistic axis of “territories-diaspora,” paints a hopeful picture for Cameroon.

Dr. Mengue A. Koung emphasizes that “Power 237” is an invitation to create possibilities, a call initiated by the author, for decision-makers, scholars, and experts to actively work towards “formatting of mindsets.” More than just a book, it is crucial to mobilize wills and direct them toward success through positivity.In this context, “Power 237” can serve as a “booster,” acting as both a catalyst and a driving force for action.

About Evelyne Mengue A Koung

Journalist, editorialist, and Head of TV News at CRTV, Evelyne Mengue A Koung is a rigorous professional with 25 years of experience in broadcasting (reporter, producer, evening news presenter). Notably, she successfully led the project for the very first all-news public service channel, CRTV-NEWS, which was launched on January 28, 2018. The channel has become a reference in the Cameroonian audiovisual landscape. She also holds a PhD in Information and Communication Sciences and teaches at the University of Yaoundé II, serving as the Coordinator of the Television Department at ESSTIC. Additionally, she is the president of the Cameroonian section of the Union of Francophone Press, one of the oldest professional associations in the world, present in 76 countries.

The Editorial Team

The book “Power 237,” the result of extensive consultation initiated and led by Dr. Guy Gweth, president of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), aims to equip Cameroon with a strategy to become a regional power by 2050. The preface, written by Professor Jean-Emmanuel Pondi, Rector of ICT University and Honorary Director of the Institute of International Relations of Cameroon (IRIC), provides valuable insights into this initiative. His analysis, summarized here, highlights the importance and originality of the author’s approach.

At the outset of his preface, Professor Pondi emphasizes Cameroon’s strategic geographical position, often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its geographical and cultural diversity. He then highlights three major qualities of the book; the originality and importance of the theme of continental leadership for Cameroon, it’s focus on methods to achieve this goal and the necessity train human resources to meet challenges.

Professor Pondi notes that “Power 237” has a clear and precise ambition: to position Cameroon as a continental leader by 2050. This ambition, building on previous initiatives such as “Cameroon Vision 2035” and the GESP, stands in stark contrast to the more timid approaches observed until now.  Hence a shift from the mere desire for development to the pursuit of an assertive leadership.

The book, spanning over 500 pages, goes beyond merely articulating an ambition. It lays out detailed public policy strategies to be implemented across various sectors, including diplomacy, culture, education, sports, research, and information and communication technologies. This proactive and systematic approach stands in stark contrast to the improvisation often criticized among African stakeholders. Additionally, the incorporation of assessment and scoring tools for thorough monitoring of the transformation process underscores the rigor of the competitive intelligence approach.

Professor Pondi emphasizes another critical aspect: the need for both qualitative and quantitative transformation of human resources. The book advocates for innovation and the acceptance of radical changes to enhance development indicators. This includes combating corruption, promoting financial inclusion, converting brain drain into brain gain, and ensuring access to electricity, clean water, and healthcare. Such transformation necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of the education system to prepare learners to effectively tackle the challenges facing the country.

In conclusion, Professor Pondi views “Power 237,” as a ‘healthy shock’ that can mobilize the nation’s vital forces to achieve this ambitious and attainable goal. He raises the crucial question of whether Cameroonians can meet such a challenge, recalling the saying “impossible is not Cameroonian.” He expresses hope that this forward-looking reflection, will empower Cameroon to fully embrace its responsibilities on the continent. Professor Pondi’s preface underscores the book’s relevance and importance as a tool for reflection and action regarding Cameroon’s future.

About Professor Jean-Emmanuel Pondi

Professor Jean-Emmanuel PONDI is a specialist in political science and international relations. He is a former Director of the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC) (1999-2006), and is presently the Vice-rector of the University of Yaounde I in charge of Research, Cooperation and Relations with the Business World, after having been Secretary General of the same university (2006-2017). He is a graduate of Cambridge University (Pembroke college, 1983), The London School of Economics (1981), and holds a PhD from the Pennsylvania State University (1986). He is the author or editor of 22 books and 70 scientific articles published in renowned journals such as The Cambridge review of international affairs, Johns Hopkins University’s SAIS review (School of Advanced International Studies) and the Cameroon review of international studies. He has a long experience in teaching international relations in general, and African international relations in particular. He is a full professor at IRIC and has been a visiting fellow/visiting professor in several African, European, American and Asian Universities, including, among others, the University of Nairobi, the University of Cambridge, The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C., and the Chinese Diplomatic Institute in Beijing. In addition, Professor Pondi is the Dean of the College of Social Sciences of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences.

The editorial team 

On the 27^th of February 2024, the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI) hosted a crucial meeting at its Bastos headquarters in Yaoundé. Officials from the Ministry of Trade and the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) gathered to develop a regional strategy for Cameroon’s foreign trade, aligning with the ambitious #Puissance237 initiative.

Titled “Cameroon: Building a Regional Power Strategy 2025-2035,” this stage of the #Puissance237 national consultation focused on enhancing Cameroon’s trade competitiveness. Dr. Mathias Mondo, a member of the #Puissance237 scientific committee, and Guy Gweth, President of the ACCI, led the session with utmost dedication.

Key Discussions and Commitments

The central theme of this #Puissance237 stage was “Creating an Ambitious and Realistic Trade Power Strategy.” Throughout the day, participants engaged in fruitful exchanges and reflections, fostering unity around the concept of power. The objective was to gather diverse contributions and deduce an immediately applicable regional power strategy, both at the sectoral and national levels.

Navigating an Evolving Economic Landscape

It is crucial to recognize that #Puissance237 unfolds within a global economic transformation, characterized by the rise of new economic players, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the challenges of climate change. In this context, the ACCI strives to position Cameroon as a leading force in Africa, mitigating risks and maximizing the benefits of this geo-economic configuration.

Concrete Recommendations from Productive Discussions

Following a day of intense and constructive consultation, representatives from the Ministry of Trade and the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) showed unwavering determination to become key players on the continental scale. They are committed to collaborating with the ACCI on a coordinated and shared strategy that involves all national and diaspora actors. This pivotal meeting strengthened stakeholder cohesion and fostered a shared vision, ushering in a promising era of commercial leadership through a coordinated power strategy.

In Conclusion

Throughout the day, stakeholders delved into various aspects of Cameroon’s foreign trade power strategy. Experts, including Dr. Mathias Mondo and Dr. Guy Gweth, shared valuable insights on tools, methodologies, and the doctrine behind comprehensive or sectoral power strategies.

As the driving force behind #Puissance237, the ACCI serves as the benchmark pan-African institution for training, certification, and the establishment of frameworks for strategy, monitoring, strategic intelligence, and due diligence in Africa.

The Editorial Team