“Power 237”: Insights from Dr. Evelyne Mengue A. Koung

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[ACCI-CAVIE] The book “Power 237,” which aims to elevate Cameroon to the status of a regional power by 2050, has generated considerable interest. The afterword, authored by Dr. Evelyne Mengue A. Koung, a well-respected editorialist, offers valuable insights into the nature and scope of this initiative. It reveals the innovative vision of Dr. Guy Gweth, the project’s initiator, and emphasizes the strategic importance of this endeavor for Cameroon’s future development. Dr. Koung’s perspective highlights the potential impact of “Power 237” in shaping the nation’s trajectory toward becoming a significant regional player.

A Pragmatic Approach to  a Vision that is both “Ethereal and  Pragmatic”

Dr. Mengue A. Koung opens her discussion by questioning the relevance of a new work on Cameroon’s development, given the many existing studies and strategies, such as the GESP and the NDS30. However, she dismisses the idea of it being just another “cookbook,” highlighting the intellectual richness of the country and the export of its “critical mass” on an international scale.

She emphasizes the approach of “Power 237,” which revisits these frameworks, rigorously assesses their strengths and weaknesses, and establishes a vision that is both “ethereal and pragmatic.” This carefully chosen oxymoron highlights the coherence between the dream of development and its concrete determinants—an alignment that reflects the author’s visionary perspective.

The Energy of Youth and the “Paradigm Shift”

The author of the afterword emphasizes the palpable energy that emanates from the first lines of the book, an energy infused by the author’s vision. The rigorous use of real and updated data is combined with a forward-looking perspective, driven by the youthful dynamism of the author. This “youth asset” of Cameroon, with three-quarters of its population under 30, is presented as a key factor. Beyond sheer numbers, it is the driving force of this generation—deeply immersed in digital culture, globally connected, and hungry for knowledge—that captures the “the dream come true.” This viewpoint, anchored in the present while looking to the future, is not illusory. It is founded on concrete and actionable strategic planning, the outcome of Dr. Gweth’s work.

It is fueled by a transformative mindset: one of a Cameroon embraced by its youth, ready to conquer the sub-region, Africa, and the world. Dr. Mengue A. Koung recognizes this as a “paradigm shift,” assertively championed by the author: to envision grand possibilities, to take risks, and above all, to empower oneself to fulfil one’s dreams.

An “Out of the Box” Vision and a Comprehensive Approach to Power

This dream of power, as she articulates, begins with the audacity to think and act “out of the box,” a trait evident in Dr. Gweth’s methodology. The term “Power 237” embodies a bold transcendence of conventional limits. The vision for 2050 is framed within a spirit of conquest, adeptly combining various levers of power: hard power, soft power, and smart power.

The idea of “warriors of development,” who engage in a co-construction of intelligence while mobilizing the synergistic axis of “territories-diaspora,” paints a hopeful picture for Cameroon—pathways skillfully designed by Dr. Guy Gweth.

A Call for Collective Action and Mindset Transformation

Dr. Mengue A. Koung emphasizes that “Power 237” is an invitation to create possibilities, a call initiated by the author, for decision-makers, scholars, and experts to actively work towards “formatting of mindsets.” More than just a book, it is crucial to mobilize wills and direct them toward success through positivity.In this context, “Power 237” can serve as a “booster,” acting as both a catalyst and a driving force for action, inspired by Dr. Gweth’s vision.

The editorial team