DIRA Startup Incubator Program (DSIP)
DSIP helps small businesses and cooperatives in Cameroon register, keep proper records and grow. The 2027 cycle, starting in the North West Region, combines enterprise support, training for 500 people and a Closing Tech Summit in Bamenda.
About DSIP
DSIP is DIRA Foundation's annual programme for small businesses and cooperatives. The 2027 cycle will support enterprises across the North West Region with registration and record-keeping, while training 500 people in business, finance, marketing and technology. It closes with the Closing Tech Summit in August. Women-led and youth-led enterprises get priority.
Programme owner
DIRA Foundation
Location
Bamenda and the seven Divisions of the North West Region, Cameroon
Training period
20 July to 19 August 2027, over 27 training days
Closing event
Closing Tech Summit, Bamenda Congress Hall, 20 and 21 August 2027
2027 edition budget
100,000,000 XAF (about USD 177,000)
Priority
Women-led and youth-led enterprises
The Challenge
Many enterprises in the North West Region operate without registration, written records or a documented financial history.
The programme responds by helping businesses and cooperatives register and keep proper records.
- Unregistered enterprises cannot meet the requirements of banks, public buyers or investors.
- The region loses registration fees and tax revenue from activity that goes unrecorded.
- Young people find few openings to work in, or build, formal enterprises.
- Many businesses are unaware of free or affordable digital tools and AI that could help them grow and work more productively.
How the Programme Works
The programme runs in three stages, from identifying enterprises to presenting results at the Closing Tech Summit.
Identification
Northwest Digital Readiness SurveyThe survey assesses 30 to 50 enterprises, cooperative credit unions and social-economy organisations across the seven Divisions of the region.
It is financed by DIRA SAS and carried out under a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Regional Delegation of MINPMEESA.
Formalisation and Training
20 July to 19 August 2027Selected enterprises complete registration and record-keeping with a mentor, and receive coaching through the Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (APME), working with MINPMEESA.
Five hundred trainees follow a common core and four expert-led tracks. Representatives of partner ministries lead sessions on opportunities, compliance and the realities of running a business or cooperative.
Closing Tech Summit
Bamenda Congress Hall, 20 and 21 August 2027Two days at the close of the programme:
ExhibitionPitch competition10,000,000 XAF prize poolPanelsGovernment addressRecognition of enterprises and graduatesCurriculum
The curriculum totals about 135 contact hours. Each track is led by an expert from the relevant profession and supported by specialist practitioners.
Common core, 30 hours · Specialist track, 75 hours · Team practicum, 30 hours
Business Development and Enterprise Management
- Business development and strategy
- Enterprise and cooperative management
- Business planning and project design
Finance, Banking and Fiscal Management
- Financial literacy and record-keeping
- Banking and financial products
- Fiscal management, taxes and compliance
Sales, Marketing and Brand
- Sales and marketing
- Strategic branding and communication
- Social media and content creation
Technology and AI Integration
- Digital tools for business operations
- Applied AI for small enterprises
- Compliance and business law basics
2027 Edition: Expected Results
At least 30 enterprises registered and equipped with records, each with a written starting assessment and a mentor.
500 people trained, with women making up at least 40 percent of participants.
A documented group of formalised enterprises that can be introduced, with each enterprise's consent, to financial institutions, public buyers and partners.
A tested programme model that the foundation and its partner institutions can run again each year.
How results are measured
DSIP contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure).
DIRA Tech Fest 2026: The Pilot
DIRA Tech Fest 2026 tested the foundation's approach to youth skills and enterprise. Held in Bamenda from 27 to 29 March, it showed that young people and local businesses take up structured support when it is offered. DSIP 2027 builds on it with training, mentoring and business formalisation.
View the Tech Fest 2026 report More about DIRA Tech Fest2027 Edition Budget
The 2027 edition is budgeted at 100,000,000 XAF. The breakdown by budget line is below.
Partnership Opportunities
DIRA Group contributes 4,250,000 XAF and DIRA SAS commits cash toward the balance. The foundation is seeking institutional and corporate partners for the remaining 95,750,000 XAF.
Fund the full programme
Lead partner for the 2027 edition, with joint branding across the training, the survey and the Closing Tech Summit.
Fund a component
For example, business formalisation for 30 enterprises (15,000,000 XAF) or training delivery for 500 people (18,000,000 XAF).
Fund participants
About 500,000 XAF supports one enterprise through formalisation; about 54,000 XAF covers one trainee's training and meals.
What partners receive
Quarterly reports, the full programme report, results data by indicator and gender, and recognition in programme materials.
Governance and Reporting
Programme owner
DIRA Foundation owns the programme, is the contracting party and holds all funds in its own account.
Direction
The Executive Committee (President, Secretary, Treasurer and Logistics Planner) directs the programme, together with a Programme Director and a monthly Steering Group.
Financial controls
Payments above the General Assembly threshold need two authorising officers, and an independent chartered accountant reviews the programme accounts.
Reporting
Partners receive quarterly reports and a full programme report within 30 days of the Closing Tech Summit.
Institutions Involved
North West Regional Assembly
Endorsed the programme.
MINPMEESA, North West Regional Delegation
Partner under a signed Memorandum of Understanding for the Northwest Digital Readiness Survey.
APME
Provides coaching to selected enterprises, working with MINPMEESA.
Partner ministries
Lead sessions on opportunities, compliance and running a business or cooperative.
DIRA SAS and DIRA Group
DIRA SAS finances the survey and commits cash to the programme; DIRA Group contributes in kind and in cash.
Concept note
The concept note outlines the 2027 programme, its training tracks, expected results and budget.
Take Part in DSIP 2027
Institutions, sponsors and professionals can contribute funding, venues, expertise or mentoring to the 2027 programme.