David Awono, Founder, Kamerlingua S.A

“Each language is a goldmine” – David Awono. 

In a world where languages are fading faster than ever, some linguaphiles are passionately holding onto their heritage, striving to revitalise the rich diversity of their nation’s linguistic past, and spearheading a cultural renaissance. 

Cameroon, home to over 250 languages, is witnessing the slow erosion of its native languages under the dominance of French and English. Yet, one man refuses to let history slip through his fingers. For David Awono, an entrepreneur with an unshakable passion for his roots, language is not just a medium of expression; it’s a treasure trove of customs, values, and traditions that connect him deeply to the thoughts and emotions innate to his motherland. 

Born and raised in the heart of Cameroon, Awono grew up in a home where storytelling was an art, where every proverb carried a lesson, and where language was more than a tool of communication—it was the heartbeat of culture. Awono’s passion for languages was ignited in the warmth of his childhood home, where the rhythmic cadence of Mengisa filled the air. 

“Some evenings, we would sit as a family and listen to folktales told in turns.  Even as a child, I was sometimes given the floor to tell a story. This certainly sparked my passion for languages,” David recalls, his eyes gleaming with nostalgia. This immersion sparked a lifelong fascination, leading him to excel in English and French, and ultimately forge a successful career as a professional translator for the International Labour Organization (ITC-ILO). Yet, a seed of discontent lay dormant within him. But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when translation jobs dried up, that David had an epiphany: “Why do I need to depend on English and French to make a living when we have our national languages?”

This question became the catalyst for Kamerlingua, a digital platform designed to celebrate and revitalise Cameroon’s linguistic diversity. “Each language is a goldmine,” declares David, encapsulating the platform’s core philosophy. 

Kamerlingua:  A Digital Oasis for Cameroon’s Vernaculars

More than just a language-learning tool, Kamerlingua has evolved into a living archive of Cameroon’s rich customs, values, and traditions, showcasing them through the lens of linguistic diversity. Through a user-friendly mobile app, available on both Play Store and Apple Store, users can access a plethora of content: texts, audio, proverbs, folktales, modern-day stories, and educational materials across various Cameroonian languages.  What sets it apart is its ease of accessibility. Recognising the digital divide that still exists in many parts of Africa, the platform offers seamless offline connectivity. This feature ensures that even without a stable internet connection, users can immerse themselves in the sounds and stories of their heritage. 

“We’re reclaiming our history, language, and culture,” David explains. “Kamerlingua is a space where every Cameroonian, no matter where they are in the world, can connect with their roots.”

Overcoming Barriers with Vision and Grit

The road to bold visions is often paved with challenges. Awono too faced scepticism and practical hurdles, including Africa’s deeply ingrained oral tradition.  “In Africa, when an old man dies, a library has burned down,” he explains, highlighting the urgent need to document and preserve these spoken histories. Another challenge was funding. Many doubted whether such an ambitious project could attract the necessary financial backing. 

Undeterred by scepticism, Awono countered the doubts with two key points: the General Alphabet of Cameroonian Languages, already a subject of university study, and the underutilisation of linguistics graduates. Despite the existence of this valuable linguistic resource, graduates often find themselves teaching English or French rather than working with Cameroon’s native languages. To address this, Awono created a centralised digital platform for all Cameroonian languages, aiming to connect a global Cameroonian diaspora estimated at 30 million people. For Awono, this initiative was about more than cultural and linguistic preservation; it was about empowering a nation. 

Leading by Example

As a leader, Awono’s approach seamlessly blends a thinker’s intellectual curiosity with an entrepreneur’s pragmatic drive. A strong believer in leading by example, Awono, prefers collaboration to command and thrives on his principles of strong work ethics, integrity, accountability, and open communication. His leadership philosophy relies on the value of shared success rather than hierarchical directives or top-down control, transforming his team into a cohesive and resilient workforce.

“By leading through example, I build trust, respect, and cohesion within my group, ultimately driving greater success and positive outcomes,” David affirms with satisfaction. His leadership style has been instrumental in rallying a team of linguists, developers, cultural experts, and educators who deeply resonate with his vision and work toward its success.

A Vision for the Future

Kamerlingua has already made significant strides in preserving Cameroonian languages, but Awono’s ambitions stretch far beyond. In the next 5-10 years, he aims to launch a TV channel dedicated to broadcasting Cameroonian languages worldwide and establish Cameroon Cultural Centres in major cities like London, Paris, and New York.

“These centres will be hubs for Cameroonians in the diaspora and anyone interested in our culture,” he explains. “They’ll be places where people can learn our languages, experience our traditions, and connect with their heritage.”

A Message to Dreamers

David’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful manifestation of a dreamer’s perseverance and dedication to his passion. His words, wrapped in wisdom, encourage young minds to dream big and dispel negativity with an “iron mind”. His simple yet profound message, “Any innovation journey begins with a good dream. The road from dream to reality can be long and full of thorns. So, they need an iron mind to persevere to the end and be able to impact their society,” serves as a potent call to action, emboldening young aspirants to confront emerging challenges with courage and fortitude, while embracing a positive outlook.

Measuring Success: Impact Over Profit

At the helm of Kamerlingua, David redefines success in a new light. He posits that the true achievement of a leader is rooted in their profound ability to influence, encourage, and transform society with their compelling visions and versions. For him, success is not confined to organisational growth, but embraces a broader commitment to enhancing lives and improving efficiencies that resonate across communities and nations.

David envisions Kamerlingua as a platform for creating market value for Cameroonian languages and generating employment for graduates in various fields, including linguistics, computer science, visual arts, and management, ultimately contributing to the fight against unemployment and poverty. But beyond the economic benefits, Awono sees Kamerlingua as a vital force in strengthening cultural identity.  

“Culture is the bedrock of our identity,” Awono emphasises. “A strong cultural foundation fosters belonging, shapes perspectives, and connects people to their heritage. Kamerlingua’s impact will extend beyond Cameroon to the entire African continent.”

A Legacy in the Making

In an era where globalisation threatens to erase linguistic diversity, David Awono stands as a guardian of Cameroon’s linguistic heritage. His journey from translator to cultural entrepreneur proves that true progress isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about holding onto where we come from.

Through Kamerlingua, David is not just preserving languages; he is safeguarding identities, cultivating pride, and ensuring that future generations will continue to speak, learn, and celebrate the words of their ancestors.