With just a junior high school certificate, Ordinary level, Raphaël Segning Longla, 27, of Batcham in the West Region, has carved a remarkable entrepreneurial path, proving that formal education is not always the sole determinant of success.
His journey, starting as an employee in Mokolo market in Yaounde and culminating in becoming his own boss just three years later, serves as a powerful demonstration to perseverance and the potential within Cameroon’s youth. Segning Longla’s story began in 2017, armed with his Ordinary level and a burning desire to make his mark. Instead of seeking further formal education, he chose the challenging but rewarding path of entrepreneurship. He started working for someone else in the bustling Mokolo market, a crucible of commerce and a vital economic hub.
This initial experience provided invaluable lessons in business operations, customer service, and the nuances of the local market. I had to choose between school and business because of the difficulties faced in paying fees, he explained reflecting his reasons of starting business at an early age. For three years, Segning Longla absorbed every detail, learning from his employer and honing his skills. He wasn’t content to remain an employee. he harbored the ambition to be his own boss. His dedication, combined with a keen eye for opportunity, ultimately led him to take the leap and launch his own enterprise.
Segning Longla’s success is a compelling example for other young Cameroonians. He readily acknowledges that the initial stages of his journey were far from easy. The challenges were numerous, ranging from financial constraints to navigating the complexities of running a business “It will never be easy what you should. I never abandoned” he says. However, his unwavering determination and willingness to persevere through difficulties were instrumental in his success. His advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “It will not be easy at the start, but persevere.” Segning Longla’s story is not just about individual achievement, it is a symbol of the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit thriving within Cameroon’s youth, a reminder that with hard work and dedication, success is attainable, regardless of educational background.
He represents a new generation of Cameroonian entrepreneurs, building their own success stories, brick by brick, in the heart of the nation’s vibrant marketplace Mokolo.
