A port, a railway network or a logistics platform derives its economic value from more than the investment behind it. Its performance depends on the ability to maintain equipment, coordinate operations, ensure system reliability and keep information moving between the different stakeholders involved. Isabelle Patchong Woundi’s career, spanning industrial maintenance, port operations, railways and logistics, offers a field-level perspective on this reality: behind the infrastructure that moves goods are professionals whose expertise determines how reliably these systems operate, how efficiently they perform and how well their different components work together.

Infrastructure Performance Is About More Than Equipment

Isabelle Patchong Woundi’s research on container terminals in the Gulf of Guinea provides a first insight into this relationship. Her study links the commercial attractiveness of container terminals to three factors: equipment optimisation, human resource development and improved working methods. Its findings confirmed all three research hypotheses.

The conclusion may appear technical, but its implications are economic. A better-equipped terminal is not necessarily a more competitive one. Equipment availability, the quality of maintenance interventions, team organisation, truck turnaround times and operational discipline all affect the time gained or lost along the logistics chain. Infrastructure competitiveness is therefore shaped at the point where physical capital meets human capital and operational organisation.

Douala Had Already Raised the Question of System Connectivity

In 2019, Isabelle Patchong Woundi also examined the challenges of IT interconnection at the Port of Douala. Her research highlighted the dependence of import and export operations on systems that can communicate with one another, remain compatible and be accessible to the various stakeholders involved. She also considered the possibility of a single platform designed jointly by the different actors to simplify the movement of goods into and out of the port.

That question now extends well beyond the port itself. African trade chains depend on a succession of interfaces: ports, customs, inland transport, warehouses, payments, documentation, controls and final markets. Every break between these systems introduces additional cost, delay or risk. System interconnection therefore ceases to be merely an IT issue. It becomes a competitiveness issue.

Africa Is Beginning to Measure Its Ports Differently

Africa’s port sector is also moving towards a more data-driven understanding of performance. In March 2026, the African Development Bank brought together 104 port statisticians and maritime stakeholders representing 38 port authorities to harmonise performance indicators and advance the African Port Index. The initiative is designed to improve data comparability, strengthen data-driven decision-making and support better-performing, more investment-ready ports across the continent.

The implications are significant. Once port performance can be assessed against common benchmarks, differences become measurable: processing times, operational efficiency, service quality, connectivity and the ability to support economic corridors. Data is no longer used simply to report activity. It helps position an infrastructure within regional competition. What is measured can be compared; what is compared can inform decisions; and what informs decisions can be improved.

From the Machine to the System

Isabelle Patchong Woundi’s career takes on its full significance in this context. After training in industrial maintenance and beginning her professional journey as an apprentice mechanic at SDV Cameroon in 2004, she progressed through technical and managerial responsibilities within the logistics sector. She became Technical Director of Douala International Terminal in 2014, later worked at CAMRAIL, and now serves as Technical Director of Africa Global Logistics in Senegal. Her own account of her career describes the progression from apprentice mechanic in Cameroon to technical leadership in Senegal over 22 years.

The coherence of this trajectory lies less in the succession of job titles than in the gradual expansion of the field she has learned to master. Maintenance requires an understanding of machinery, its constraints and its failures. Technical management brings in asset availability, people management, safety and performance. Railways introduce the logic of networks. Logistics expands the equation further to flows, interfaces and continuity across an entire chain. As the scope widens, engineering itself changes: it is no longer only about keeping equipment operational, but about understanding the relationships that allow an entire system to function.

When Expertise Becomes Infrastructure

This is where human capital acquires a strategic dimension. Technical expertise gains value when it is tested against different equipment, demanding operational environments and increasingly complex responsibilities. When it moves across companies, sectors and African markets, it carries with it methods, professional experience, networks and an understanding of systems that can subsequently be applied elsewhere.

This accumulation is central to the perspective developed by Power 237. It makes it possible to view human capital as part of a country’s strategic infrastructure: less visible than a port or railway, yet essential to their operation and evolution. Isabelle Patchong Woundi’s career offers a concrete illustration. Dr Guy GWETH places the knowledge and mobilisation of a country’s resources at the heart of a broader reflection on Cameroon’s national power. Her trajectory shows, at its own scale, what such a resource can become when expertise developed in Cameroon is strengthened through experience across several systems and African markets.

The question therefore extends beyond an individual career: what advantage does a country gain from its engineers when they do more than occupy positions and learn to master the infrastructure, networks and flows on which its competitiveness depends? In an Africa increasingly expected to trade more intensively with itself, part of the answer lies in the ability to develop professionals capable of operating, connecting and continuously improving the systems that make this circulation possible.

The Editorial Staff 

As Cameroon strives to assert its influence across Africa and the world by 2050, as outlined in Power 237 by Dr. Guy Gweth, profiles like Dr. Josiane Kenfack represent a strategic national asset in health innovation and scientific research. Born in Cameroon, Dr. Kenfack developed an early passion for women’s health, which led her to pursue a joint Ph.D. program between the University of Yaoundé I and the University of Antwerp, Belgium.

Based in Yaoundé, Dr. Kenfack has distinguished herself as a leading researcher in the vaginal microbiome and probiotics, with the aim of improving women’s health in Cameroon and across the African continent. Her work integrates citizen science approaches with cutting-edge microbiota research, particularly focusing on the benefits of vaginal lactobacilli. Through this, she bridges the gap between advanced scientific research and community health impact.

The significance of Dr. Kenfack’s contributions to Cameroon extends beyond healthcare. Power 237 highlights that national power is strengthened not only through economics and policy but also by knowledge and innovation. By advancing research in women’s health and promoting locally relevant scientific solutions, Dr. Kenfack enhances Cameroon’s human capital, fosters innovation, and positions the country as a hub for impactful biomedical research in Africa.

Moreover, her efforts contribute to Cameroon’s soft power by demonstrating the nation’s commitment to scientific excellence, gender equity, and health leadership. As Power 237 emphasizes, strategic power arises from the capacity to generate knowledge that can influence society, improve quality of life, and enhance international reputation. Dr. Kenfack exemplifies this principle by transforming research into practical health solutions with potential to benefit millions.

Through her dedication, expertise, and research leadership, Dr. Josiane Kenfack underscores the critical role that Cameroonian scientists play in shaping the nation’s strategic influence in science, health, and development. Her work embodies the vision of Power 237, where knowledge-driven initiatives translate into tangible national power.

The Editorial Team, Power 237 

As Cameroon positions itself to expand its influence across Africa and globally by 2050, Power 237 by Dr. Guy Gweth underscores the decisive role of domestic intellectual capital in driving national advancement. In this framework, Prof. Dr. Axel-Cyrille Ngonga Ngomo exemplifies the strategic potential of Cameroonian expertise in cutting-edge technology.

Born in Cameroon in 1983, Prof. Ngonga relocated to Germany in 1999 to pursue advanced studies in Computer Science and Physics at Leipzig University, where he completed his M.Sc., Ph.D., and habilitation, laying the foundation for a career at the forefront of semantic data integration, machine learning, and knowledge graph research.

Today, he serves as a Full Professor of Data Science at Paderborn University and is the founder of tentris.io, a company that applies his pioneering research in knowledge graphs, knowledge engineering, and semantic data integration to real-world problems. With over two decades of experience in algorithm development, Semantic Web technologies, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Text Mining, Prof. Ngonga has positioned himself as a leading expert in the global data science landscape.

The relevance of Prof. Ngonga’s work to Cameroon is profound. Power 237 emphasizes that sustainable national influence relies not only on economic and political strength but also on the ability to generate and leverage knowledge. By mastering the frontiers of artificial intelligence and data science, Prof. Ngonga enhances Cameroon’s smart power, contributing to the nation’s capacity to participate in global technological decision-making, foster innovation ecosystems, and support evidence-based policy development.

Moreover, his contributions extend soft power by showcasing Cameroonian talent on international platforms, inspiring a generation of African researchers in STEM fields. As Power 237 highlights, strategic power derives from the interplay of knowledge, influence, and practical application; Prof. Ngonga exemplifies this by translating complex data science research into tools and technologies with far-reaching societal and economic impact.

Through his academic leadership, entrepreneurial ventures, and innovative research, Prof. Dr. Axel-Cyrille Ngonga Ngomo reinforces the notion that Cameroon’s intellectual assets are pivotal to its vision of becoming a leading African power by 2050. His career illustrates how science and technology expertise can serve as a decisive lever for national influence, aligning with the principles articulated in Power 237.

The Editorial Team, Power 237 

As Cameroon advances its long-term vision of becoming a leading African nation by 2050, Power 237 underscores the centrality of strategic human capital in achieving this ambition. Within this framework, Engineer Severin Kezeu emerges as a model figure, embodying the innovation and technical expertise necessary to drive the country’s industrial transformation.

 Holding a PhD in Software Engineering, Kezeu has distinguished himself as the inventor of the computerised anti-collision system N@vigator, a breakthrough technology compatible with cars, trains, planes, and industrial equipment. By addressing critical safety challenges across multiple sectors, his work illustrates not only the transformative power of Cameroonian expertise but also the innovation capacity that Power 237 identifies as indispensable to consolidating national sovereignty and enhancing global competitiveness.

Kezeu is best known for inventing N@vigator, a computerized anti-collision system compatible with cars, trains, security gates, and airplanes. The system collects data on the position of equipment, the load it carries, its speed, wind conditions, and direction, processing these variables to calculate potential collision risks. When a high risk is detected, the system issues real-time warnings to operators, preventing accidents and improving operational safety across multiple sectors. His invention reflects the Power 237 emphasis on smart, high-impact solutions that combine technical mastery, innovation, and societal benefit.

Beyond his invention, Kezeu has built a Dubai-based industrial company valued at millions of dollars, employing a team of engineers and technicians and extending the reach of Cameroonian ingenuity internationally. Committed to giving back, he also established an industrial maintenance school in Cameroon, fostering local talent and creating pathways for future engineers to contribute to the country’s industrial and technological advancement.

The work of Engineer Kezeu aligns with the principles outlined in Power 237, authored by Dr. Guy Gweth, President of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI). By integrating hard power, soft power, and smart power, Power 237 highlights how national development depends not only on resources but also on strategic human capital capable of delivering innovative solutions with tangible impact. Kezeu’s career illustrates this principle, showing how one individual’s technical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and commitment to knowledge transfer can strengthen Cameroon’s position as an African hub for innovation and industrial leadership.

Severin Kezeu stands as a prime example of the next generation of Cameroonian pioneers: technically brilliant, socially conscious, and globally competitive. His achievements underscore the potential of local innovation to drive national transformation, positioning Cameroon as a force in safety, technology, and industrial development in Africa and beyond.

The Editorial Team, Power 237 

At a moment when Cameroon is set to assert itself as a leading African nation by 2050, as envisioned in Power 237, profiles like Engineer Eugene Agbe represent a strategic asset for the country’s technological and knowledge-based development.

Born in Cameroon, Agbe has spent nearly a decade mentoring African volunteers in contributing to Wikipedia’s technological infrastructure, demonstrating how local expertise can drive continental impact. His work exemplifies the multidimensional approach promoted by Power 237, which combines human capital development, strategic foresight, and innovative practices to strengthen Cameroon’s position on the global stage.

Agbe’s contributions span education, technology, and community empowerment. As a mentor with Wiki Mentor Africa, he has trained over 1,000 aspiring and seasoned Wikimedia tech contributors, fostering a culture of inclusion and long-term engagement across Africa. His initiatives have strengthened the digital ecosystem by developing tools such as WikiSpeech, an open-source text-to-speech solution that makes Wikipedia more accessible to readers with difficulties, the African-German Phrasebook translation tool, and WDLexAudio, which links audio files to Wikidata entries to support pronunciation learning. These innovations reflect his vision of technology as a driver of accessibility, knowledge dissemination, and empowerment across the continent.

The recognition of Agbe as Wikipedia’s 2025 Technology Contributor of the Year underscores the impact of his work. Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, highlighted Agbe’s efforts in shaping an inclusive environment for contributors and advancing the development of key technological tools. This achievement is emblematic of the strategic human capital that Power 237 emphasizes: individuals whose expertise, dedication, and innovation contribute directly to Cameroon’s broader ambition of influence, resilience, and technological leadership.

Currently serving as a technical consultant to the Igbo Wikimedians User Group, Agbe continues to strengthen the collaborative networks that underpin African contributions to global knowledge. His mentorship has not only created immediate impact for volunteers but has also catalyzed long-term engagement, demonstrating how education, guidance, and innovation intersect to create sustainable development.

Power 237, authored by Dr. Guy Gweth, President of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), provides the framework within which profiles like Agbe’s take on strategic significance. By focusing on the interplay between hard power, soft power, and smart power, Power 237 emphasizes the role of human capital and innovation in driving national influence. Agbe’s work illustrates this principle, showing how specialized skills in technology and mentorship can strengthen Cameroon’s global standing and contribute to Africa’s competitive intelligence ecosystem.

Engineer Eugene Agbe is a model of the next generation of Cameroonian leaders: visionary, technically adept, and socially committed. His contributions highlight the ways in which local expertise, strategically applied, can position Cameroon as a hub for innovation, learning, and influence, aligning seamlessly with the objectives of Power 237 and the nation’s long-term vision for 2050.

The Editorial Team, Power 237 

In his book Power 237, Dr Guy Gweth, President of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), reminds us that innovation is one of the key drivers of sustainable economic growth and national power. Abihngeng Zenabuin, a DevOps engineer and cloud infrastructure expert, belongs to a generation of talents whose international reach brings both inspiration and opportunities to Cameroon.

Based in Canada, this Cameroonian professional successfully manages complex technological environments for renowned institutions such as the Royal Bank of Canada, IBM, Telus Health, and ATB Financial. Specialised in the design and management of secure and resilient IT architectures, Abihngeng Zenabuin masters multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), automated CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes orchestration, and large-scale system optimisation. Her work has notably led to a 40% acceleration in software deployment cycles, while strengthening the security and reliability of infrastructure.

But her influence extends well beyond the technological sphere. In 2022, she founded Abizen IT Consulting Inc., a company dedicated to training and mentoring young professionals—especially women—in cloud and DevOps careers. Through her initiatives “Tech Coach with Abih” and “Children in Tech”, she is actively transferring the skills of tomorrow to future generations, while advancing digital inclusion and youth empowerment.

This dual focus—high-level technical expertise and a deep commitment to knowledge sharing—makes Abihngeng Zenabuin a true role model of soft power and technological leadership. Her journey perfectly reflects the potential of a networked Cameroon, where the talents of the diaspora can be mobilised to boost the nation’s competitiveness, digital sovereignty, and global appeal.

By highlighting figures like Abihngeng, Power 237 seeks to demonstrate that a nation’s strength is not proclaimed—it is built, line by line of code, decision after decision, around committed, competent, and visionary men and women.

Power 237 Team 

As part of the Power 237 initiative — the strategic project led by the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI) under Dr. Guy Gweth — aiming to position Cameroon as a leading African power by 2050, it is crucial to invest in pioneers driving technological transformation. Mambe Churchill Nanje, an award-winning entrepreneur and software engineer, stands out as one of the most influential catalysts of Cameroon’s digital revolution.

Born in Buea, at the heart of what is now known as “Silicon Mountain,” Churchill has built a thriving local tech ecosystem with a continental reach in less than two decades. In 2006, he founded AfroVisioN, his first software engineering firm delivering web, mobile, and enterprise solutions to over 500 clients worldwide, demonstrating that African innovation competes on the global stage.

In 2011, he launched Njorku, a job search platform that has connected more than 500,000 African professionals to over 2 million job opportunities from 50,000 employers. This groundbreaking tool has helped reduce skilled unemployment and highlight local talent.

Driven by a strong desire for social impact, Churchill co-founded Buyam in 2021, an innovative three-sided marketplace linking merchants, independent resellers, and customers. This model promotes economic inclusion, local entrepreneurship, and expanded market access — all vital levers for the competitive economy championed by Power 237.

Churchill’s vision is clear: empowering every African to improve their lives through technology. This ambition aligns perfectly with Power 237’s strategic goals: strengthening economic sovereignty, promoting local innovation, and positioning Cameroon as a technological and industrial powerhouse by 2050.

Through his journey, Mambe Churchill Nanje proves that locally rooted, future-oriented leadership can make Cameroon an undeniable leader in African digital innovation. He embodies the new generation of builders the country needs to tackle tomorrow’s challenges — with boldness, innovation, and competitive intelligence.

Power 237 Team 

Under the impetus of Dr. Guy Gweth and his Power 237 initiative, Cameroon aims to become an African leader. To achieve this ambitious goal, the country relies on a network of diverse skills. Among them, Célestin Ngoué, an emblematic figure in sub-Saharan African civil aviation, stands out.

With over four decades of experience in the field, Célestin Ngoué has held key positions within the Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) and the Directorate of Civil Aviation of Cameroon. His skills range from airport management to flight crew training and overseeing flight operations.

An Asset for the Cameroonian Aviation Sector

Célestin Ngoué’s expertise is an invaluable asset for the development of the Cameroonian aviation sector. Indeed, a strong aviation sector is an engine of economic growth, fostering trade, tourism, and investment.

Thanks to his in-depth knowledge of the challenges of civil aviation, Célestin Ngoué could contribute to:

• Strengthening aviation safety: By leveraging his experience in overseeing flight operations and flight crew training, he could help strengthen aviation safety in Cameroon, an essential element for attracting international airlines and passengers.
• Developing airport infrastructure: His expertise in airport management could be used to plan and implement projects to expand and modernize Cameroon’s airport infrastructure.
• Attracting investment: By showcasing the potential of the Cameroonian aviation sector to international investors, Célestin Ngoué could help attract the necessary financing for the development of this sector.

Power 237: A Large-Scale Project

The Power 237 initiative, led by Dr. Guy Gweth, aims to make Cameroon a regional power by 2050. The aviation sector, as a vector of economic development and international influence, is a key element of this ambition.

By integrating Célestin Ngoué into its network of experts, Power 237 would demonstrate its willingness to rely on national skills to achieve its objectives. The latter’s expertise could thus help accelerate the implementation of projects aimed at developing the Cameroonian aviation sector and strengthening the country’s position on the international stage.

The editorial team  

As part of the Power 237 initiative, led by Dr. Guy Gweth, Cameroon is preparing for a promising future focused on economic development and innovation. Jean Mbok, a seasoned professional in the oil and industrial sectors, is one of the high-potential individuals whose expertise is a major asset for realizing this vision. His impressive career and commitment to the development of Africa, particularly in the oil and energy sectors, make him a key player in propelling Cameroon towards a leading position in Africa by 2050.

Jean Mbok’s exceptional career

Jean Mbok has a solid academic background, combining an engineering degree in petroleum from the Colorado School of Mines (1979) and an MBA in finance from the University of Denver (1984). His entry into the professional world was marked by strategic participation in the National Investment Company of Cameroon (SNI) from 1986 to 1990. During this period, he notably led feasibility studies for industrial projects, obtaining international financing and overseeing the implementation of large-scale projects, such as the creation of an extruded aluminum profile production plant.

His expertise extended to the continental and international level when he joined the Association of African Petroleum Producing Countries (AAPC) from 1990 to 1999. As Deputy Executive Secretary, Jean Mbok contributed to the development of legal frameworks for the distribution of oil production, thus fostering a climate of cooperation between African governments and multinational oil companies. He also oversaw a $5 million technical cooperation fund to support private oil projects in Africa.

After founding Hope for Africa in 2000, an organization focused on sustainable development in Africa, Jean Mbok continued to contribute to Africa’s development through projects in education, health, and economic empowerment, using information technology to improve people’s lives. His involvement in education, notably teaching mathematics at Dorsey High School in California, and his contributions as Business Development Director at PetroTel Inc. between 2009 and 2016, testify to his wide range of expertise.

Jean Mbok’s potential role in the Power 237 initiative

Within the framework of Power 237, Jean Mbok’s experience in the oil and industrial sectors could be decisive in supporting Cameroon’s energy development strategy. His vast knowledge of the oil and gas industries and his ability to mobilize international financing will be essential to attract investment in the energy sector, particularly in the exploitation of natural resources and the development of new technologies.

Jean Mbok could also play a key role in formulating sustainable energy policies and optimizing Cameroon’s energy resources, aligning the country’s projects with international standards and best practices in the sector. His expertise in managing large-scale projects and intergovernmental cooperation could help establish strategic partnerships with other African countries, thus strengthening Cameroon’s regional integration as an energy hub.

The visionary leadership of Dr. Guy Gweth

The Power 237 initiative benefits from the exceptional leadership of Dr. Guy Gweth, president of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI). Dr. Gweth, through this initiative, is committed to transforming Cameroon into an African leader, by relying on a combination of strengths, skills, and talents like those of Jean Mbok.

Jean Mbok, with decades of experience in the oil and industrial sectors, could be a central player in realizing the ambitions of the Power 237 initiative. His expertise in developing large-scale projects, managing international funds, and intercontinental cooperation would be a strategic lever to propel Cameroon towards new horizons. Under the direction of Dr. Guy Gweth, the initiative benefits from visionary leadership and a team of experts capable of meeting the country’s economic challenges, in order to make it a model of growth and prosperity in Africa.

The editorial team 

Led by Dr. Guy Gweth, President of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), Power 237 is a comprehensive initiative focused on hard power, soft power, and smart power. By mobilizing high-potential individuals from various strategic fields, Power 237 relies on talents like Bernard Momasso, whose exceptional skills in information technology and economic and financial sciences bring significant added value to this ambition.

Bernard Momasso: a rich and diverse career

Holding a degree in economics from the University of Yaoundé and a doctorate in computer science from the University of Ottawa, Bernard Momasso has successfully combined advanced expertise in technology and finance. His professional career is marked by remarkable achievements within prestigious institutions. As a software engineer at Seer Technologies, he began by developing middleware products on the Tandem platform. Subsequently, he worked as a technical consultant at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, The Home Depot, and Western Union Financial Services, consolidating his expertise in financial systems engineering and technological infrastructures.

His role as Technical Director at Momasso and Associates, LLC, saw him oversee corporate network infrastructure, while his time at JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a technical architect was marked by major contributions in digital payments, tokenization, and the integration of third-party wallets. As Managing Director of Ossotan Consulting & Associates, LLC, he led strategic projects in embedded systems and real-time control systems before joining Amtrak as Director of Technology, designing advanced train control software.

A potentially key expertise for Power 237

Bernard Momasso could be a crucial asset for Power 237. With his skills in technology integration, complex infrastructure management, and finance, he could contribute to creating innovative solutions that support Cameroon’s digital and economic transformation. His in-depth knowledge of financial markets and tokenization, combined with his experience in digital payments, positions him as a key player in modernizing Cameroon’s economic and technological ecosystems. Furthermore, his ability to lead multidimensional projects is a strategic lever for developing initiatives related to the digital economy and digital infrastructure, essential pillars of the Power 237 vision.

The visionary synergy of Dr. Guy Gweth and high-potential individuals

Dr. Guy Gweth has brought together exceptional talents to propel the ambition of Power 237. By integrating experts like Bernard Momasso, he strengthens the team with strategic skills, thus placing Cameroon on an upward trajectory towards a leading position in Africa. This collaboration embodies a concrete demonstration of the synergistic potential between vision and expertise to achieve large-scale continental objectives

The editorial team