Cultivating Change: Roland Fomundam's Greenhouse Revolution in Africa

What if the future of African agriculture isn't buried in the soil, but built above it?

In the heart of Cameroon, Roland Fomundam is turning this vision into reality. With his pioneering work in greenhouse farming, he's not just cultivating crops—he's cultivating a revolution. By introducing sustainable, year-round agriculture, Fomundam is challenging traditional farming methods and offering a blueprint for food security across the continent. His journey is a testament to how innovation, when rooted in local needs and driven by relentless passion, can transform not just fields, but futures.Agriculture remains one of the most accessible sectors in Africa, feeding families and sustaining incomes. Yet, much of it remains labor-intensive, vulnerable to poor soil, and bound by seasonal limitations. Roland’s visionary work offers a fresh solution to these longstanding challenges. His journey is a powerful reminder that passion, belief, and hard work can transform entire industries. As we explore his story, we hope to inspire anyone who has ever dreamed of venturing into agriculture but feared the uncertainty. Let’s dive in and discover how Greenhouse farming is opening new doors for Africa’s future farmers.

A little Bit About Roland

​In 2013, after earning a Master of Science in Technological Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University in the United States, Roland Fomundam returned to his native Cameroon with a mission to transform the agricultural sector. Hailing from Ku in the Momo Division of the North West Region, Fomundam recognized the immense potential within Cameroon's agriculture industry and sought to address its challenges through innovation. He established GreenHouse Ventures, introducing sustainable greenhouse farming practices aimed at increasing productivity and ensuring food security. His vision was to create a model that not only improved crop yields but also empowered local communities by providing training and employment opportunities in modern agriculture.    

After establishing his first greenhouse in 2013, Roland Fomundam focused on expanding GreenHouse Ventures (GHV) across Cameroon. Despite initial challenges, such as supermarkets rejecting his high-quality produce, Fomundam's persistence paid off. Today, GHV supplies approximately 40% of the vegetables and fruits to supermarkets in Cameroon, including major chains like CASINO and SUPER U in Douala . This transformation demonstrates how innovation and determination can reshape industries and contribute to national food security.

His academic background and passion for technological innovation have been pivotal in shaping GHV's mission to provide lasting solutions to Africa's agricultural challenges. Under Fomundam's leadership, GHV has revolutionized modern farming in Cameroon, earning him the moniker "Father of Modern Farming" in the country. Roland's commitment to agriculture extends beyond technology. He emphasizes engaging youth in farming, believing that their involvement is crucial for the sector's future. By targeting young people, GHV aims to make agriculture an attractive and profitable venture, thereby ensuring its sustainability. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Fomundam is recognized as a seasoned social entrepreneur. Over the past eight years, he has dedicated himself to finding lasting solutions to challenges facing Africa’s agricultural communities, which constitute a significant portion of the continent's labor force and GDP.

Through GreenHouse Ventures, Roland Fomundam continues to drive innovation in Cameroon's agricultural sector, blending technological entrepreneurship with a deep commitment to social impact. His work not only transforms farming practices but also inspires a new generation to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding profession. He has worked as the Managing Director for the African center for Renewable Energies and Sustainable Technologies. He is the African Regional partner for Faster Capital. Fomundam's contributions have garnered international attention. He has been featured on platforms such as CNN African Voices, where he discussed GHV's role in leading sustainable agriculture in Cameroon. 

About Green House Ventures.

GreenHouse Ventures (GHV), founded by visionary entrepreneur Roland Fomundam, stands at the forefront of sustainable agriculture in Cameroon. Established in 2013, GHV has been instrumental in introducing innovative farming practices, particularly through the development and deployment of low-cost, climate-smart greenhouse technology. Initially starting in farming with just one greenhouse, it has evolved into an agribusiness producing several cash-crops with over 500 greenhouses proudly labeled “Made in Cameroon” and located in various regions of the Cameroon territory. It has become a trusted supplier, providing 40% of the fresh vegetables and fruits to supermarkets across the country.

 Possessing the largest production capacity in greenhouse farms, it aims at establishing a growing network of greenhouse farms in Cameroon and more generally in Africa. The company's greenhouse technology enables farmers to produce higher yields with fewer resources, addressing food security concerns and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

 The company produces a wide range of crops like: bell peppers, fresh vegetables, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and Beef tomatoes.In addition to these, GHV has experimented with and grown over 40 different crop varieties, such as parsley, beetroot, Swiss chard, okra, lettuce, corn, cabbage, popcorn, carrots, and other vegetables.

Over the years, GreenHouse Ventures Cameroon (GHV) has expanded its services, continuously enhancing the quality and scope of its offerings. These services now encompass greenhouse farm construction, production of greenhouse-grown crops, soil testing, integrated farm development, personnel training, and farm-fresh food delivery. GHV's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a leader in sustainable agriculture in Cameroon. Their comprehensive approach ensures that each aspect of greenhouse farming is meticulously managed, from the initial setup to the final delivery of produce to consumers. This holistic model not only boosts agricultural productivity but also contributes to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the region.

Starting with bamboo structures, GHV has evolved its designs to include wooden and metallic frames, covered with specialized plastic or glass materials. These greenhouses create controlled microclimates, allowing for year-round cultivation of various crops, irrespective of external weather conditions. This approach not only enhances crop yields and quality but also enables the production of off-season crops, contributing significantly to food security and reducing reliance on imports. GHV's commitment to sustainable agriculture is evident in its continuous innovation and adaptation to local farming needs.

​GreenHouse Ventures Cameroon (GHV) is deeply committed to cultivating the next generation of agricultural innovators through its flagship training institution, the GreenHouse Academy. Recognized as the first of its kind in Africa, the academy offers comprehensive programs in greenhouse farming, precision agriculture, and sustainable food production. These training programs are designed to empower participants to establish and manage their own greenhouse farms, thereby contributing to food security and economic development in their communities. For more information about upcoming training sessions and enrollment details, please refer to the flyer below or visit their official website at ghvcameroon.com.

Since its establishment, GHV has grown significantly, and as of 2025, they possess over 601+ individual greenhouses, over 41+ farms nationwide with over 1.47 million tons of produce harvested and have trained over 733 personnel.

GreenHouse Ventures Cameroon (GHV) has demonstrated remarkable growth through its extensive projects and strategic partnerships, significantly impacting the nation's agricultural landscape. Under the visionary leadership of Roland Fomundam, GHV has created numerous employment opportunities for young Cameroonians passionate about farming, thereby fostering youth engagement in agriculture. A cornerstone of GHV's commitment to agricultural development is the GreenHouse Academy, the first accredited institution in Cameroon offering certified training in greenhouse farming. Through this academy, GHV has trained over 733 individuals, equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in modern agricultural practices. This initiative not only enhances food security but also empowers communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Additionally, GHV has partnered with prisons to create greenhouses thus we have the first integrated greenhouse in an African prison with the Bamenda Central Prison currently possessing a greenhouse farm to help prisoners acquire farming technological skills and empower them to become future entrepreneurs.

Finally, they ensure the smooth and continuous delivery of farm fresh foods to the sales points they are partnered with amongst which Supermarket chains like Dominos, SPAR, SUPER U, CASINO to which they supply 90% of fruits and vegetables in their shelves

GreenHouse Ventures Cameroon (GHV) has extended its innovative approach to agriculture through the “One Orphanage One Greenhouse” initiative, a model of sustainable charity aimed at empowering orphanages across the country. In this program, GHV installs greenhouses within orphanages and trains the children in modern farming techniques. The produce harvested is partly consumed by the orphans, ensuring food security, while the surplus is sold through GHV’s distribution channels. The proceeds from these sales are utilized to meet the orphanages' needs and to establish savings accounts for the children. This initiative not only provides nutritional and financial benefits but also fosters a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency among the orphans. GHV’s vision is to transform orphanages from being perceived as permanent homes reliant on donations to transitional spaces that equip children with life skills and economic opportunities. The initiative also challenges the norm of treating orphanages as dumping grounds for unhealthy food and second-hand clothes, promoting instead sustainable development and empowerment. By integrating agriculture into the daily lives of these children, GHV is cultivating a generation that values sustainability and self-reliance. This approach has been implemented in various regions, including a notable project at the Helping Hands Children’s Home in Bambui, Cameroon.

GreenHouse Ventures Cameroon (GHV) has expanded its reach beyond national borders through a strategic partnership with Neilly's Foods, a U.S.-based, Black-owned food manufacturing company founded by Cameroonian couple Albert and Julia Ndjee. This multiyear collaboration focuses on the production and exportation of a diverse range of food products tailored for the growing U.S. market. Neilly's Foods, which began as a home-based initiative to create nutritious meals for their daughters, has grown into a reputable brand supplying over 5,000 stores across the United States, including major retailers like Walmart, Giant, Meijer, Whole Foods, and Kroger . The partnership with GHV not only facilitates the introduction of Cameroonian agricultural products to international markets but also exemplifies the potential of cross-continental collaborations in promoting sustainable agriculture and economic development.​

With this new partnership, the “Made in Cameroon” brand through greenhouse ventures will find its place on shelves of major US supermarkets like Walmart, Giant, Meijers, Wholefoods, Kroger etc. This partnership will facilitate the production, transformation and exportation of several tons of produce to meet the increasing demand of organic produce from Africa and USA. This will be the largest export deal by any private agro enterprise in Cameroon to the USA.

Exclusive Interview: Roland Fomundam on His Vision for GreenHouse Ventures

We had the opportunity to sit down with Roland Fomundam, the visionary founder and CEO of GreenHouse Ventures Cameroon (GHV), to discuss his personal beliefs, goals, and the future he envisions for sustainable agriculture in Cameroon.

Section 1: Background and Company Overview

1. Could you share a bit about your background and how you got started in the agricultural industry?

My name is Roland Fomundam. I am the promoter of Greenhouse Ventures Ltd. Our journey is that of innovation and quest for something different. We started our first greenhouse in bamboo and have today evolved to become the main company developing Greenhouse and using them for the production of large amounts of vegetables for local, regional and international markets. 

2. What motivated you to create GreenHouse Ventures, and how did the idea of using greenhouses for crop production come about?

   
   

The desire to improve the economic situations of farmers who were our target market population at the time. Before the greenhouse, we developed and introduced rural technologies such as cook stoves, green charcoal, solar dryers etc. Our low cost greenhouses were meant to serve as an income generating stream to this farming population. 

3. Can you give us an overview of the products and services Green House Ventures offers today?

   
   

Construction of greenhouse farms, Management of greenhouse farms, Training in greenhouse farming, sale of greenhouse grown crops and consultancy.

4. What is the mission behind Green House Ventures, and what inspired that mission?

   
   

To use greenhouse technology to increase the value of food grown while preserving the environment. It was inspired by the need to have an improvement in the agriculture industry. 

5. How does your company’s vision align with the current agricultural landscape in Cameroon and Africa as a whole?

   
   

Our company is a leading company in the second generation agriculture in Africa.

6. What are your long-term goals for Green House Ventures, and how do you plan to achieve them?

   
   

To use our innovative edge to lead the advancement of greenhouse farming in Cameroon and Africa.  And we will do so through our cross collaborations and capacity building. 

Section 2: Core Values and Personal Qualities

7. What are the core values that guide Green House Ventures’ day-to-day operations and long-term strategy?

   
   

Humility and Respect.

8. What personal qualities or values do you believe have been key to your consistency and success in the agricultural field?

   
   

Consistency, Persistence and dedication.

9. How do you instill those values in your employees and business partners?

   
   

Through daily practice.

10. How do you maintain the passion and energy to keep pushing forward in a sector that can be so challenging?

    
    

Changing the status quo requires resistance. It is the resistance that drives the change we seek. So, it may seem like a challenge but it’s the force we need to move against to make the change.

11. What role does innovation play in your business, and how have you managed to stay ahead of industry trends?

    
    

Innovation is our key ingredient in an industry that is still largely traditional.

12. How do you define success in your business, both personally and professionally?

    
    

Success will be measured in about 20 more years on the rate of adoption and utilization of the technology. 

Section 3: Challenges and Solutions

13. What are some of the major challenges you’ve faced in Cameroon’s agricultural sector, particularly with greenhouse farming?

    
    

Attracting and retaining qualified and trained human resources. 

14. What challenges do you see other entrepreneurs in the agricultural space facing, and how can they overcome them?

    
    

They face similar challenges I am sure. But they may have a greater challenge with the markets.

15. How have government regulations or market forces impacted your business, and what strategies have you developed to navigate these challenges?

    
    

The government has been supportive in many ways. For example, exonerating greenhouses from import duties was a huge boost for us.

16. Are there any technological or logistical barriers specific to greenhouse farming in Cameroon, and how have you addressed them?

    
    

Sure. The technology never existed until we introduced it. So, we had to build the infrastructure on which the technology has been built. 

17. What role does climate change play in your decision-making, and how have you adapted to its effects on agriculture?

    
    

The role of technology in agriculture is to enable year round farming by mitigating the weather challenges. 

18. Can you share an example of a difficult challenge GreenHouse Ventures faced, and how you managed to turn it into an opportunity?

    
    

In the past, supermarkets never wanted to carry our products. They said Cameroonians were not ready for products from locally developed greenhouses. We simply understood it was an opportunity to market and position locally grown on these shelves. It took us 5 years to develop our strategy, grow our farms and brand and today, we have gained exclusivity in 3 of the top supermarkets in the country. 

Section 4: Future Outlook and Partnerships

19. Where do you see Green House Ventures in the next 5-10 years?

    
    

To continue leading the industry and spreading to other countries throughout Africa.

20. What current ventures or partnerships are you working on to expand the company’s reach or impact?

    
    

We have partnered with Turkey's largest greenhouse company for expansion into Africa. We have also partnered with cooperatives in the North of Cameroon for mass production of certain crops for guaranteed markets. 

21. How can other businesses, organizations, or individuals collaborate with Green House Ventures?

    
    

Reach and we will find mutual synergies for collaboration. 

22. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are interested in entering the agricultural sector, especially those in Cameroon or Africa?

    
    

Choose your path wisely.

23. How do you envision the future of agriculture in Africa, particularly in terms of technological advancements and sustainability?

    
    

The future is bright.

24. What are some of the key areas where you see growth opportunities for Green House Ventures, both locally and internationally?

    
    

-Research and development.

-Seed production and multiplication.

-Capacity building and career development.

Section 5: Mistakes, Lessons, and Sacrifices

25. What are some mistakes you’ve made on your entrepreneurial journey, and what did you learn from them?

My mistakes were never really mistakes. Others may have seen as mistakes, we saw as growth and experience.

26. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in growing Green House Ventures?

    
    

We have had no control of our path till now – Faith and Fate have played the greater roles. Serendipity is the outcome. 

27. What are some of the sacrifices you’ve had to make to achieve your level of success?

    
    

Sacrificing my regular sleep hours prescribed by the doctor.

28. How do you balance the demands of running a growing company with maintaining your personal life and well-being?

    
    

Personal life and well-being becomes part of the business.

29. Can you share a moment when you felt like giving up, and what kept you going?

    
    

Never felt like giving up. 

30. What would you consider your biggest lesson in business so far, and how has it shaped who you are today?

Many are called, some are chosen and few are dedicated. Choose your lane wisely. 

Roland Fomundam's unwavering commitment to agricultural innovation through GreenHouse Ventures Cameroon (GHV) exemplifies how dedication and strategic vision can drive meaningful development. By championing greenhouse technology tailored to Cameroon's diverse ecological zones, Fomundam has not only enhanced food security but also created numerous employment opportunities for the nation's youth. His efforts reveal the vast potential within Cameroon's agricultural sector, encouraging fellow Cameroonians to invest in agro-entrepreneurial ventures. Fomundam envisions a collaborative approach where collective investments and shared expertise can maximize the country's agricultural capacity, leading to increased exposure and job creation for Cameroonians. Through GHV, he continues to inspire a new generation to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.

As we conclude this feature, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Roland Fomundam for graciously sharing his insights and vision with us. His unwavering dedication to transforming Cameroon's agricultural landscape through innovation and empowerment is truly inspiring. While accolades and praise are not new to Roland, we join countless others in saying, once again, congratulations on your remarkable achievements and the positive impact you continue to make.

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Lu MAGAZINE