You may see a winner… but I’ve seen the story.
The first time I met AWAT ABANYI was at SDG Innovate Cameroon 2024 in Bamenda an initiative by Better world charity . I was on the jury panel, and he came in with his team, and let me tell you, they were not the type you forget.
Organized. Polished. Dressed in their branded overalls, bold, colorful, confident. They were hands down the most representative team in the entire competition.
But it wasn’t just the attire.
AWAT ABANYI‘s delivery was exceptional. He had full command of his project, pitched with clarity, confidence, and deep understanding, the kind that makes you believe this isn’t just someone with an idea; this is someone already building and ready to scale.
He won first place.
Then came Dubai. As part of his prize, we traveled and we met again for an international opportunity, and I got to see another side of AWAT ABANYI , the human side.
At the New Generation Leaders Summit, he was humble, open to learning, eager to share, and so respectful to others in the ecosystem. And here’s what stood out to me the most:
He knows how to give honor.
In a space where many young entrepreneurs struggle to respect or acknowledge those ahead of them, He listens, learns, and gives credit where it’s due. He recognizes the value of senior voices, takes advice with gratitude, and shares his own insights generously.
That’s rare. And powerful.
Fast forward (though still in the past)
we meet again, this time at the Hult Prize, University of Bamenda pitch competition. Again, I was a jury. Again, Bertrand and his team came fully prepared. Same overalls, same standout presence, same fire in his pitch. And again, he emerged the winner.
You don’t meet people like him often, consistent, driven, prepared, humble, and generous in spirit.
We can all learn something from that.
So here’s your chance:
If you’re an entrepreneur with a vision and the courage to pitch it, SDG Innovate 2nd Edition is open for applications.
You have just 4 days left to submit.
Stand a chance to pitch on the grand stage and win prizes worth 1 MILLION FCFA.