You can now submit applications for the NOWEDIF Digital Entrepreneurship Program for 2025. The NOWEDIF platform would accept applications from candidates who are passionate about using tech to provide solutions for the transformation of Africa’s economy.
This blog post promises to provide details about the NOWEDIF Digital Entrepreneurship Program and other details you need to know about.
Mission Of The NOWEDIF Digital Entrepreneurship Program
The North-West Development and Investment Fund (NOWEDIF) has raised a $1 billion FCFA to support startups from youth and help to scale their tech-based solutions, which will grow Cameroon’s digital economy.
This year, the platform will be targeting 100 passionate youths and 25 startups building tech-based solutions.
Focus Areas
Here are the focus areas for this entrepreneurship program:
Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture
This includes startups that specialize in precision agriculture, AI-driven pest control, automated livestock monitoring, sustainable aquaculture, precision farming, precision farming, vertical farming, food preservation and transformation, farm-to-market solutions, genetically modified pest-resistant crops, smart irrigation systems, agricultural drones, and food traceability solutions.
Mining and Natural Resources
Innovations in water purification technologies, waste management solutions, carbon offsetting plans, automated mining operations, AI-based safety monitoring, smart mineral exploration, blockchain resource tracking, environmental rehabilitation initiatives, and sustainable resource extraction.
Manufacturing
Includes works in industrial robotics, additive manufacturing, automated quality control, smart materials, AI-powered production lines, autonomous supply chains, predictive maintenance, and decentralized manufacturing solutions.
Building and Facilities
Innovations centered on modular and prefabricated housing, blockchain for land registries, smart buildings, digital twins for urban planning, public-private partnership management, AI-powered data centers, and 3D printing in construction.
Utilities and Energy
Includes innovations in waste-to-energy systems, carbon capture technologies, hydrogen fuel cells, smart meters, decentralized energy grids, renewable energy, energy efficiency analytics, microgrid solutions, and AI-driven forecasting of electricity demand.
Retail and Wholesale Commerce
investigating digital trade platforms, augmented reality shopping, automated checkout systems, supply chain optimization, smart warehouses, trade finance, e-commerce, and last-mile delivery optimization.
Services for Finance
Innovative which includes digital banking solutions, blockchain for international payments, crowdfunding platforms, AI lending, stablecoin-based payments, alternative credit scoring models, and fraud detection tools.
Real Estate and Proptech
Startups in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) rental pricing models, smart home automation, co-living solutions, digital real estate transactions, blockchain-based property registries, AI property valuation, smart property management, and real estate investment analytics.
Professional Services Advancing AI-driven
Innovations including legal research, automated accounting, digital tax advisory, AI solutions for HR and recruitment, AI business consulting, corporate governance automation, compliance tools, and AI-based client relationship management.
Transportation and Logistics  Developing
Includes ideas in autonomous delivery vehicles, drone logistics, AI fleet management, smart warehousing, supply chain visibility, automated freight matching, low-altitude transportation, AI for port and airport optimization, and digital visa processing.
Travel and Hospitality
This includes smart hotel automation, travel identity verification, AI language translation tools, dynamic pricing models, personalized concierge services, and AI travel recommendation engines.
AI-driven personalized learning
This includes virtual reality education, blockchain-based credential verification, automated skills evaluations, digital vocational training, AI tutoring systems, smart classrooms, and immersive training programs are the main areas of focus for education and training.
Medical and Pharmaceutical
This covers the use of AI in healthcare digital sector, wearable health monitoring, automated clinical trials, smart electronic health records, telemedicine, drug discovery via machine learning, predictive analytics for illness prevention, and AI-based mental health support.
Media and Entertainment
Involves developing AI-driven music and video production, AI-generated content, automated news writing, esports analytics, virtual reality, gaming, AI video editing tools, and personalized media streaming.
Defense and Security
AI-driven cybersecurity, autonomous drones, AI surveillance systems, identity management, space technology, satellite communications, national security analytics, AI-based threat detection, air defense systems, and biometric security solutions.
READ THIS:Â How To Become An I.T. Specialist?
Benefits Of The NOWEDIF Entrepreneurship Program
These are the benefits of the NOWEDIF Entrepreneurship Program:
• Training on how to build digital and AI-powered products.
• Equity funding for startups ranging from $10,000 – $100,000.
• A direct access to global networks.
• Free access to mentorship programs.
• Opportunities to scale solutions that address serious digital issues.
Who Are Those Eligible?
To be eligible, you must tick these boxes:
• Graduates, young professionals, researchers, and innovations who are passionate are welcome to apply for this program.
• Founders of startups and entrepreneurs with solutions that will open the doors for employment opportunities in North West Cameroon can apply.
• Those without knowledge of tech can also apply.
How To Apply
Kindly check this application page to apply for the NOWEDIF Digital Entrepreneurship Program.
Deadline: March 27, 2025.
