What Water's Cameroon Mission, February 2024
Art for water
February 2024
[Part 1 of 3] The What Water team returned from the first philanthropic mission of 2024 to Cameroon. Our quest was one of connection, consolidation of current relationships, commitment to progress and optimism. From February 8th to February 19th, the team joined forces with other economic stakeholders from Luxembourg in our shared journey to discover the country, connect and create new opportunities. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- The inauguration 3 water towers (including a first digitalized water tower) and 1 borehole, in the municipalities of Bangangte, Foumban, and Mengueme. All of this would not have been possible without our sponsors, A&O Shearman Luxembourg, CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique SA, KPMG Luxembourg Foundation and, of course, Koosmik.
- Digitalization will allow the local municipalities to gather data regarding the water availability, detect potential malfunctions requiring maintenance, measure water pressure and consumption, and to create a map of the water park. This is possible thanks to our Luxembourgish partner Koosmik, a leader in digital solutions.
- Our press conference setting up the agenda of the What Water delegation was attended by 30 journalists – the news was widely circulated at both local and national levels across major newspapers, radio stations, and TV networks.
- The team is honored to have had the privilege of receiving a warm welcome from the Cameroonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs where the impactful contributions of the Cameroonian diaspora were noticed.
- We believe that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. The beginning of this mission had its challenges, one of them being developing our digitalization pilot project while focusing on committing to a busy schedule while monitoring the progress of 2 building sites.
We remain committed to our objectives to generate positive impact and bring back great news to share with our sponsors, members, and network of engaged artists.
There is still more to say about our February mission. Stay tuned!
[Part 2 of 3] Arts & Culture are part of What Water’s DNA and the outcomes of our February mission to Cameroon reinforced our motivation to achieve the goals that support our identity.
- What Water had a formal meeting with the Cameroonian General Secretary of the Ministry of Art and Culture, Mr. Blaise Jacques Nkene. We were assured of support in our future cultural ventures — an artist residency at Bandjoun Station, two upcoming exhibitions in Cameroon, the rehabilitation of a cultural center, and working on a movie in collaboration with the association “7 jours pour 1 film”.
- The team had the honor to be welcomed by His Majesty King Sultan (Nfon) Mohammed Nabil Mbombo Njoya of Bamoun Kingdom, who saluted our efforts to give water access to the population in need. The team was offered an exclusive preview tour of the exhibition at the Royal Bamoum Museum.
- The Head of the Culture Center at UNESCO Central Africa, Mr. Dodé Houehounha met with the on the ground crew to discuss the artist residency which will bring together artists from Europe and Africa at Bandjoun Station during the second half of 2024. The initiative to promote Art and Culture at the local level was well received, with two upcoming exhibitions in Cameroon.
- During our stay in Douala, the team organized a dinner with some of the engaging artists of the network. It was a great time to discuss future collaborations, find out more about the upcoming projects and their new artworks.
- The What Water team was followed by our media partner in Cameroon, CRTV throughout our 10-day philanthropic mission. Our collaboration enabled us to attend two TV shows as guests, and several news reports were broadcast on the national television channel. You can find them on the What Water YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatWaterOrg
There is still more to say about our February mission. Stay tuned!
[Part 3 of 3] February 2024 – 10 days of intense and successful actions on the ground!
We believe that the rigorous efforts of the last three years supported the ability to engage with key stakeholders and secure specific agreements successfully. We managed to achieve our goals and couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
An audience was organized with the UCCC — Communes et Villes Unies du Cameroun. Their President, Mr. Augustin Tamba, Mayor of Yaoundé VII, hosted us in the new city hall. What Water and the CVUC signed an agreement to facilitate municipality applications for a co-funded project. The agreement validates What Water’s commitment to impact, guarantees the promotion of our solutions on a national scale as CVUC represents the interests of 374 municipalities. If one of the municipalities is interested in collaborating with What Water, CVUC may act as a first point of contact.
The team met Fonds Spécial d’Equipement et d’Intervention Intercommunale ( FEICOM). FEICOM assists villages in their development and facilitates improved living conditions for their populations, through technical and financial support. What Water and Koosmik plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the FEICOM and CVUC to digitalize and map existing water access.
What Water met other non-for-profit organizations such as the Global Shapers Yaoundé and Rotary Douala to discuss potential collaboration opportunities on the ground.
This mission also provided a chance for Luxembourg stakeholders accompanying What Water to discover new projects and meet potential local partners, in line with What Water’s vision to support the development of synergies that can generate socio-economic growth and positive impact.
The President of La Région du Centre au Cameroun, Mr. Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, received What Water partners to discuss potential synergies with various local industries. The President suggested exploring partnership opportunities presented by the Ngoumou Dry Port Project.
The Cluster Maritime Luxembourgeois asbl, represented by Axelle Salvage — Luxembourg Director of What Water, visited the Port of Douala, one of its members recently worked with the Port for dredging operations.
Tied to the maritime and logistics sectors, Guichet Unique presented its dematerialization platforms, facilitating the remote declaration of foreign trade operations.
Koosmik, close partner of What Water in the digitalization revolution of water infrastructure had the chance to develop its relations with the municipalities and institutions and gained visibility through its appearances at the Cameroonian National Television. The team facilitates trainings on the ground to ensure continuity of the digitalization of the water towers.
It is the last post for this series but more to come with our second mission in March! Stay tuned!