PIERRE CASTEL PRIZE 2025 : Astrid Nfongmo, Cameroonian Winner, Competes for the Pan-African Title

(LVDE) – Winner of the 2025 Pierre Castel Prize in Cameroon, young engineer and founder of the agro-industrial startup ETS Yeülah, Astrid Nfongmo Ndangang, will proudly represent her country at the Pan-African final on September 18 in Abidjan.

After winning the national edition of the Pierre Castel Prize, Astrid is now in the running for the title of “Pan-African Super Laureate.” A PhD candidate in fisheries science, she launched her company in 2019, specializing in the processing of fish (Kanga and Catfish) into preservative-free dietary sausages rich in omega 3 and 6. With over 30 points of sale in Cameroon and a growing online presence, she now aims to diversify her product line with by-products such as rillettes, fish oils, and flours for animal feed, while also promoting circular economy practices, inclusion, and the empowerment of women and youth.

It was this ambitious, viable, and high-impact project that enabled Astrid to stand out among six national finalists. That same vision could allow her to shine for Cameroon at the Pan-African grand finale, where she will face the six national winners from Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Algeria, and Madagascar. The ultimate prize includes a larger financial grant and broader, more structured support.

“This prize is a perfect opportunity to highlight the incredible potential of Africa’s youth, which will undoubtedly enable them to contribute significantly to their countries’ development,” said Grégory Clerc, Managing Director of Castel Group.

This new and innovative award, unique to the 8th edition of the Pierre Castel Prize, offers not only a grant of €35,000 (about CFAF 23 million), but also: one year of support as a ‘Pan-African Ambassador of the Pierre Castel Prize’; participation in the African Builders Entrepreneurial Residency Program funded by the Pierre Castel Fund, as well as several international trade fairs; continent-wide media visibility; and assistance with certification. In addition, national winners will receive mentorship, personalized coaching, and a prestigious business card bearing their official status.

“Acting together for youth entrepreneurship in agriculture and agribusiness: we are more committed than ever to this belief, inspired by the resilience and determination that drive these young entrepreneurs—values we will continue to uphold for many years,” declared Pierre De Gaétan Njikam, Managing Director of the Pierre Castel Fund and co-initiator of the prize.

Founded in 2017, the Pierre Castel Fund aims to strengthen the commitment and contribution of Chairman Pierre Castel to Africa’s socio-economic development by promoting youth entrepreneurship in agriculture and agribusiness. This year’s focus is on innovation, high value-added sectors, and key drivers of wealth creation on the continent.

Esther Grace