“No one will build the North West but us,” Prof. Fru Angwafor III at opening of inaugural regional economic forum.
In an opening address that blended tradition, urgency and vision, the President of the North West Regional Assembly, Professor Fru Angwafor III, officially launched the first-ever North West Economic Forum (NWEF) in Bamenda, declaring the event as an opportunity to shift the region’s development trajectory from dependency to self-determination.
Addressing the policymakers, development partners, business leaders, and community members, Prof. Fru Angwafor said the forum organised by the North West Development and Investment Fund (NOWEDIF) and the North West Digital Association (NOWEDA) is a platform for “closing deals, securing funding and changing lives.”
“We are not here to seek permission. We are here to act. The blossoming of the North West is not the business of foreign donors. It is not solely the government’s burden. It is our business, our legacy, our mark on history.” he said
With focus on local ownership, digital innovation, and inclusive development, the forum opened under the patronage of President Paul Biya, whose decentralisation framework was praised by Prof. Fru Angwafor as enabling regions to take charge of their futures.
Still scarred by nearly a decade of socio-political unrest, the North West is attempting to rewrite its narrative. Prof. Fru Angwafor positioned the forum as a vehicle for post-crisis recovery and regional renaissance.
Drawing on African philosophical traditions like Ubuntu and invoking proverbs in local pidgin “You na mi, mi na you, wi be wi”, he urged communities to break free from dependency and embrace collective responsibility.
“Helping one another is the most strategic form of self-help. If we do not build, we will borrow. If we do not act, we will beg. If we do not invest in ourselves, we will become tenants in the house of our ancestors.” he remarked
The regional assembly president highlighted a four-pronged roadmap aimed at rebuilding the regional economy through grassroots financing, value-chain development, and structured investment in key sectors like maize, cassava, livestock, and the under-regulated cocoa industry. He also announced the launch of a flagship digital entrepreneurship programme under NOWEDIF, which seeks to mentor and fund startups led by youth across the region and in the diaspora.
“Post-crisis recovery cannot be built on outdated methods. It demands a leap into a dynamic, skill-intensive economy. Through digital innovation, our youth both literate and illiterate can reclaim their dignity and direction.” he noted
He celebrated the participation of diasporans who have excelled globally, encouraging them to return as mentors and investors, citing examples like tech innovators and creative entrepreneurs from the region who are now internationally recognised.
In his earlier welcome address, Prof. Fru Angwafor III acknowledged international partners and anticipated presentations from agencies like UNDP, but made clear that external support must follow not lead the vision of the region's people.
He urged communities to subscribe to shares in NOWEDIF, stating that community-financed development unlocks national and international funding opportunities. He also spotlighted ongoing peace and development efforts and social action projects as models of inclusive growth and reconciliation.
“True sustainability comes when every person counts and is counted. Let this forum be remembered not for speeches but for signatures; not for policy talk but for business action.” he emphasised
“The world does not owe us relevance. We must seize it for the dignity of self-reliance, the prosperity of generational planning, the power of regional ownership. These are within reach.” he concluded
Ad the North West Economic Forum continues through Sunday, participants are expected to finalise investment commitments and announce a series of development agreements before the closing ceremony.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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