Mechi’s Story: Empowering Entrepreneurs in Crisis Zones

In the heart of Cameroon, where resilience often defines ambition, Mechi Amaah stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and community. As a trained accountant, the founder of Black and Natural Cosmetics, and Ye! Community Advisor (Cameroon), Mechi has woven a career rooted in purpose—bridging the gap between business and social impact, especially for young entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of crisis-affected zones.

Mechi’s introduction to the Ye! Community came during a visit to Geneva, where she engaged with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and its vibrant programs across Africa. That one interaction—facilitated by an ITC program manager—sparked a connection that would soon become a cornerstone of her professional and personal journey. At the time, she was a budding entrepreneur searching for a network of like-minded individuals facing similar challenges. Operating a business in a crisis-prone region had shaped her experiences, but she knew that the right support system could turn those challenges into opportunities. 

"I wanted a community where I could meet people working on similar issues, facing the same hurdles, and also dreaming of the same kind of impact," Mechi recalls. “The Ye! Community became that ecosystem for me—a space where entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond connect, exchange ideas, and lift each other up.”

Since joining, Mechi has not only grown her business but has also actively contributed to the ecosystem by mentoring and training young entrepreneurs. Her background in finance became a valuable tool to support others—especially micro and small enterprises that often lack the financial literacy needed to sustain and grow their operations. Through periodic training sessions, Mechi teaches business owners how to track income, expenses, and profits using customised Excel templates tailored to their industry and capacity. For many of these entrepreneurs, hiring an accountant is unaffordable; Mechi’s workshops offer them a lifeline.

“We don’t just provide templates,” Mechi explains. “We walk with them step-by-step. We show them how to analyse when they’re breaking even, when they’re making losses, and when it’s time to scale. It’s about giving them the skills that help their businesses survive beyond the five-year mark.”

Beyond finances, Mechi’s work also introduces small business owners—especially those in rural and underserved areas—to the possibilities of intra-African trade. She believes that exposure to larger markets sparks ambition. “When they begin to dream of expanding beyond borders, they start improving their packaging, their product quality—because now they are thinking of competing globally. That shift in mindset is everything.”

As a Ye! Advisor, Mechi, deeply values the tools and learning opportunities made available through the platform. She credits the SME Trade Academy and SheTrades programs for enhancing her business acumen—particularly in areas like preparing for investors, digital marketing, and cross-border trade. “These aren’t just courses,” she reflects. “They changed how I brand and market my products. I’ve seen a tangible increase in sales, not just because my products improved, but because I improved.”

For Mechi, the Ye! Community is far more than a networking platform. “It’s a lifestyle,” she says with conviction. “You meet policymakers, industry leaders, competitors, and friends. You’re constantly learning. The community has influenced not just my business but my entire way of thinking.”

One of the most memorable aspects of her time as a Ye! Advisor is a land recycling project currently underway in Cameroon. While the project is still in progress and she’s cautious about sharing details prematurely, Mechi notes that it has been one of her most impactful experiences to date. “I’ll speak more about it when it’s complete,” she says, “but already, it’s been transformational.”

When asked what advice she would offer to aspiring YE! members, her answer is simple yet profound: “Keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to speak. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. Share your ideas—because even if they’re corrected, you’re learning, growing, and building opportunities.”

To fellow Ye! Advisors, she emphasises collaboration. Mechi envisions a stronger, more united community where cross-country partnerships drive deeper impact. “If Ye! Cameroon organises a hybrid event, why can’t Ye! Ghana join? When our community members see this kind of collaboration, they’re inspired to engage more actively. It strengthens our brand and our reach.”

Today, Mechi continues to run her business, train entrepreneurs, and represent the Ye! Community with pride. From a single conversation in Geneva to transforming the entrepreneurial landscape in her region, her journey speaks volumes about what is possible when knowledge, community, and commitment align.

“Ye! has given me more than just tools—it has given me a voice, a vision, and a village,” she concludes.

This story has been compiled and written by Hassan Alam (UN Volunteer 2025) as part of an effort to highlight the inspiring journeys of youth within the YE! Community. Based on a personal conversation and interview with Mechi, the narrative reflects her unique experiences, challenges, and the impact she has created as a young changemaker.