FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP : Olam Agri Launches the “Bake & Shine” Initiative in Cameroon

(LVDE) – Designed to train women in the fields of baking and pastry-making in order to promote their economic independence, Olam Agri’s “Bake & Shine” initiative highlights the company’s commitment to gender equality and community development. The initiative aims to equip participants with the skills needed to create entrepreneurial opportunities and generate sustainable income.

Olam Agri has taken an important step forward in women’s empowerment in Cameroon with the launch of the “Bake & Shine” initiative. Held in the Littoral Region, the program seeks to provide practical skills in baking and pastry-making, paving the way for entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

Over four enriching days, around 80 women gathered at Olam Agri’s facilities in Bekoko to take part in training workshops on the preparation of various bakery products. Participants learned how to make puff-puff, croquettes, doughnuts, cakes, and cupcakes, while also gaining essential knowledge in business management. They received training in accounting, savings management, and the use of social media to market their products.

Beyond the practical skills acquired, one notable aspect of the initiative was the collaboration with the Bondeko Foundation medical clinic. Participants benefited from free health check-ups, including screenings for hypertension and diabetes, demonstrating Olam Agri’s commitment to promoting the overall well-being of the women.

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The women also had the opportunity to visit Olam Agri’s wheat mill, deepening their understanding of the flour production process that they will use in their future ventures. At the end of the sessions, 50 participants received start-up kits containing essential equipment such as mixers, cooking pots, and various kitchen utensils to help them launch or expand their businesses. Each participant was also awarded a certificate of completion.

Veeresh Mallikarjun Hiremath, Managing Director of Olam Agri Cameroon, expressed his enthusiasm during the event : “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating sustainable value. By enabling these women to acquire practical skills, we encourage entrepreneurship and lay the foundations for a future in which they can unlock their full potential and make a lasting contribution to society.”

Djomou Nathan, Commercial Director for the wheat sector, also emphasized the importance of the initiative : “This project is crucial because it offers new opportunities to women, enabling them to build independent and fulfilling lives. We have been deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and motivation of the participants, and we eagerly look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on their journeys.”

Through “Bake & Shine,” Olam Agri strengthens its commitment to women’s empowerment by providing them with the tools needed to build fulfilling lives. This initiative is part of a pan-African strategy aimed at promoting the empowerment of women and youth in the bakery sector, thereby creating a sustainable development model for the entire region. By investing in women’s training and well-being, Olam Agri contributes not only to their individual success but also to the collective prosperity of Cameroonian communities.

Esther Grace