In January 2025, Dr Guy Gweth published Power 237, a strategic roadmap for Cameroon through 2050. Nine months later, the nation went to the polls with twelve candidates vying for the presidency. How much of this vision had they absorbed into their platforms? The editorial team of Power 237 examines, candidate by candidate, the influence of the book through the lens of the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI) framework: hard, soft, and smart power. Today, we turn our attention to Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya, candidate of the Union Démocratique du Cameroun (UDC), and her programme focused on ethical and republican renewal.

Justice and Inclusion at the Core

Tomaïno Ndam Njoya’s programme is built on the principles of justice, transparency, and inclusivity. She proposes a streamlined government of seventeen ministries, legislative reforms to ensure fairness and accessibility, and the appointment of women to key strategic positions. These measures reflect a commitment to strong, accountable institutions, echoing Chapter XIII of Power 237, which emphasises that inclusive and transparent governance is a cornerstone of national power. Her approach elegantly weaves together all three dimensions of strategic power: hard power through institutional reforms, soft power by promoting social cohesion and women’s empowerment, and smart power via structural reforms and the renewal of the social contract.

Linking Economic and Social Development

Central to her vision is inclusive growth and empowerment. Tomaïno Ndam Njoya champions policies that support rural women, provide civic and legal education, and encourage participatory local governance—a reflection of her experience as mayor of Foumban and as an agricultural entrepreneur. These initiatives align closely with the pillars highlighted in Power 237: mobilising human capital, fostering sustainable social development, and strengthening national cohesion. Her emphasis on local engagement and citizen participation illustrates a commitment to tangible, long-lasting social impact.

Human Capital as a Strategic Asset

At the heart of her platform lies a belief that justice, equity, and transparency form the foundation of national strength. By promoting citizen participation and tackling administrative opacity, Tomaïno Ndam Njoya leverages social and moral capital as a force for change. Women’s empowerment is positioned as a driver of systemic transformation, showcasing the strategic role of soft power, while institutional reforms strengthen the legitimacy and effectiveness of the state.

Conclusion

A closer look reveals that Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya’s programme resonates strongly with the core ideas of Power 237. From institutional reform to social justice, inclusion, and the nurturing of human capital, her vision embodies the principles of hard, soft, and smart power. Through this approach, the imprint of Power 237 is unmistakable, shaping a vision for Cameroon as a transparent, inclusive, and human-centered nation poised for sustainable development.

Editorial Team