Guider: Olam Agri has expanded its women empowerment initiative, Bake and Shine, to the Northern region of Cameroon, starting in Guider. Bake and Shine will equip women with essential skills in baking and confectionary as a pathway to entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. This follows the successful launch of Bake and Shine in Douala in 2025 to empower women and foster resilient, thriving communities across Cameroon.
According to Cameroon News Agency, over the course of two days, 46 participants gathered in Hotel Paradisiaque Guider for hands-on training in preparing popular products such as beignets, chin chin, doughnuts, baked peanuts, cakes, and cupcakes. Beyond practical sessions, the women received vital training in bookkeeping, savings management, online sales strategies, and leveraging social media for product placement and marketing.
In addition to skills development, participants benefited from free health screenings for cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, conducted by the District Hospital Guider. At the close of the programme, all 46 women were presented with startup kits containing essential equipment including mixing machines, flour basins, pots, and baking tools to help them launch or grow their businesses. Each participant also received a certificate of completion. The event graced the presence of the sub-divisional officer of Guider and Olam Agri's top customers in Grains.
Speaking at the event, the sub-divisional officer for Guider, Mohamadou Oumarou, expressed gratitude towards Olam Agri for bringing such a programme to Guider. He emphasized the importance of the initiative in empowering women and helping them contribute positively to Guider and Cameroon. He also urged the women to utilize the knowledge and kits provided to improve their lives.
Djomou Nathan, General Manager - Sales and Distribution for the Olam Agri Grains business in Cameroon, highlighted the significance of the project as it offers women opportunities to develop skills for independent livelihoods. He acknowledged the enthusiasm of the women during the training and expressed anticipation for the lasting impact the initiative will bring. Olam Agri remains committed to advancing opportunities for women, enabling them to build self-sufficient and meaningful lives.