The just-ended North-West Economic Forum may be remembered for its bold ideas, youth led innovation, and strong institutional partnerships but behind its high level execution was the quiet but decisive leadership of Alain Nteff, one of Africa’s most recognised tech entrepreneurs and the current president of the North West Digital Association (NOWEDA).
In partnership with the North-West Regional Assembly, NOWEDA co-organised the Forum, delivering a platform that rivalled similar gatherings across the continent in structure, ambition and impact. Though he did not take the microphone or stand in the spotlight, Alain’s fingerprints were visible throughout from the focus on youth entrepreneurship to the quality of the programme design and delivery.
The Forum’s closing ceremony was a major highlight: 25 young entrepreneurs received investment grants for their innovative business ideas, with the two top prizes 10 million FCFA to Écho and 5 million FCFA to Z-Learn awarded through the North West Digital Entrepreneurship Programme, an initiative spearheaded by NOWEDA under Alain’s direction.
Born in 1992 in Bamenda, Alain Nteff is no stranger to excellence. A computer engineering graduate from the École Polytechnique of Yaoundé, he is best known as the co-founder of GiftedMom, a mobile health solution that connects thousands of women across Africa to vital maternal and child health services. The application which reminds pregnant women of vaccination dates, prenatal checkups and postnatal care has served over 20,000 women, particularly in rural areas.
Alain Nteff facilities instalation for headline sponsor
His groundbreaking work has earned him international acclaim. Among his most prestigious honours:
- Anzisha Prize (2014) – Mastercard Foundation’s top social entrepreneur in Africa
- Digital Africa Prize (2017) – Health category
- Total Startupper Challenge Winner (2016) – Cameroon’s top prize
- NYFA Award (2015) – Best African Startup at New York Forum Africa
- Queen’s Young Leader Award – presented by Queen Elizabeth II
- Named by CNN & Forbes Afrique as one of Africa’s Top 30 Entrepreneurs
Alain’s decision to lead NOWEDA and co-organise the Forum alongside Professor Fru Angwafor III, President of the Regional Assembly, marks a generational shift. Rather than working in isolation, the Forum showcased a collaborative model where a digital innovator and a traditional institution merged strengths for sustainable impact.
Alain giving directives to LIVE Streaming team
NOWEDA’s programme did not just offer prize money providing visibility, validation and opportunity for young North-West entrepreneurs. The fact that it emerged from Bamenda, in a region still facing the fallout of socio-political unrest, made the achievement even more significant.
As economic recovery and digital transformation take centre stage in Cameroon’s development agenda, Alain Nteff’s presence in Bamenda is symbolic. It is practical and powerful. His leadership through NOWEDA shows that even the most celebrated talents of the African tech space can return home and make a meaningful difference not in isolation, but in partnership with local governance.
Though he stayed out of the limelight during the Forum, those who know, know: Alain Nteff was present and pivotal.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
Photos by : Nyanchi Photography and NF pictures
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