Impact Makers: Viviane Bondoma

NAME

Viviane Bondoma

TITLE

Founder & President, Ukuzola

LOCATION

Yaoundé, Cameroon

ABOUT

Viviane Bondoma is the founder of Ukuzola, an initiative set up to support young social and environmental entrepreneurs in the Global South, with a focus on Africa. Many of these communities live with climate impacts on a daily basis but have limited resources to develop local solutions. Viviane’s organization is helping overcome this by removing financial pressures and providing the space, training and community needed to turn ideas into action.

At the heart of the initiative is Coliving Solidaire – the first start-up house in Central Africa – which offers accommodation, meals, transport and a monthly stipend so entrepreneurs can focus entirely on their projects. Alongside this, participants receive tailored coaching, workshops in business development, and training in sustainability and social impact. Well over half of places are reserved for women due to the barriers they are traditionally more likely to face.

Since its launch in 2023, Ukuzola has backed 14 start-ups across renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient business. It has also created a collaborative network where entrepreneurs share knowledge and connections.

MOTIVATION

“I am driven by a deep sense of justice, particularly climate justice. Coming from Cameroon and living between the Global North and South, I see firsthand the inequalities amplified by the climate crisis. I founded Ukuzola to ensure that young entrepreneurs from vulnerable communities, especially women, are not left behind in the transition to a sustainable future. My passion lies in creating ecosystems where they can thrive, access resources, and lead the change in their own contexts, not as beneficiaries, but as leaders.

IMPACT

• Provided holistic support covering housing, meals, transport and stipends, enabling entrepreneurs to focus entirely on their projects.

• Delivered over 200 hours of coaching, 72 workshops, and 40 inspiration sessions.

• Reserved 60% of places for women; four of six supported start-ups are women-led.

• Entrepreneurs reported increased productivity and accelerated project development.

• Start-ups are already creating jobs and services benefiting local communities.

ADVICE

“Start where you are, with what you have and listen deeply to the people most affected by the climate crisis. Solutions are not always high-tech or flashy. Often, they are rooted in local knowledge, solidarity, and dignity. Stay grounded in your values, collaborate across sectors, and don’t be afraid to challenge dominant narratives. The climate fight is profoundly political, social, and emotional.”

CONTACT

LinkedIn