Interview with Roland Fomundam, Founder of GreenHouse Ventures (GHV)
Founder Magazine: Roland, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Roland Fomundam: Thank you for having me. I was born and raised in Cameroon, and I’ve always believed that agriculture is the backbone of Africa. After studying and working abroad, I returned with the determination to solve one of the continent’s biggest challenges—food insecurity. That’s what led me to start GreenHouse Ventures (GHV).
Founder Magazine: What exactly does GreenHouse Ventures do, and how is it different from traditional farming models in Cameroon?
Roland Fomundam: GHV focuses on providing affordable greenhouse technology and training to smallholder farmers. Traditional farming is highly dependent on rainfall, weather, and land availability. With our model, farmers can produce crops year-round, use less land, and achieve higher yields. This not only increases income for farmers but also ensures food security in local communities.
Founder Magazine: What challenges did you face when starting GreenHouse Ventures, and how did you overcome them?
Roland Fomundam: Funding and skepticism were the biggest hurdles. Many people didn’t believe greenhouse farming could work in Cameroon. We had to do a lot of demonstration projects, showing results before people took us seriously. Partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and private investors also helped us scale.
Founder Magazine: Sustainability is a hot topic these days. How does your startup address environmental and social impact?
Roland Fomundam: Our greenhouses use less water, reduce dependence on chemicals, and minimize land degradation. Socially, we empower farmers, especially women and youth, with tools and knowledge to run profitable agribusinesses. This creates jobs and strengthens communities.
Roland Fomundam: Our vision is to expand across Africa. We want to build thousands of greenhouses, train over 1 million farmers, and make Africa less dependent on food imports. Agriculture can be Africa’s strength if done right.
Founder Magazine: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs in Cameroon who want to start impactful businesses?
Roland Fomundam: Start small, be consistent, and never lose sight of your vision. Africa has problems, but within those problems are massive opportunities. If you can solve one sustainably, success will follow.
✅ Category for your portal: AgriTech / Social Impact
✅ Title suggestion: “Revolutionizing African Agriculture: Roland Fomundam’s Mission with GreenHouse Ventures”