TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE, POWER AND PROSPERITY IN CAMEROON 

The African nation of Cameroon, like many developing countries, is facing a big challenge – lack of access to reliable energy. Cat® Rental dealer Altaaqa Global has developed a solution to not only provide reliable power but also empower local residents through its Customer Development Program. Supported by Caterpillar University, the program involves the transfer of advanced technical knowledge to local professionals who will operate and service the state-of-the-art 50 MW natural gas power plant in Cameroon’s most populous city, Doula.

Altaaqa Global and Caterpillar have produced a documentary video on the program, showcasing the effectiveness and benefits of Caterpillar’s tailored customer training solutions to dealers and customers all over the world. The video premiered at the 2016 Africa Energy Forum in London, UK in late June, and was seen by energy ministers and other energy stakeholders from around the world.

A Sustainability Story 

Providing an immediate solution to Doula’s chronic electricity shortage, Altaaqa installed the power plant and launched the Customer Development Program in 2015. The one-year Caterpillar University program includes three methods of instruction: classroom teaching, online instruction and on-the-job mentoring with Altaaqa Global’s Cat-certified in-house technicians.

“We have always aimed to play an active role in spurring growth and progress not only by providing a reliable supply of electricity, but also by transferring knowledge to locals,” said Mr. Fahah Y Zahid, chairman of Altaaqa Global. “We hope that the Customer Development Program yields a globally competitive workforce that will drive the continuous growth of Cameroon.”

The training program is in accordance with Caterpillar’s sustainability strategy, which aims in part to promote economic and social development in areas where it operates. The company believes that an effective way to encourage sustainable social and economic progress is to educate local professionals on globally recognized industry best practices.

“At Caterpillar, we believe in empowerment through education and transfer of knowledge,” said Kim Hauer, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Human Services Division and Chief Human Resources Officer. “So, we work together with our global dealers, like Altaaqa Global, to provide tailored customer training solutions. Such initiatives have been proven to enhance customer efficiency, global competitiveness and help deliver sustainable progress around the world.”

Commending Altaaqa Global’s customer development initiatives, Doug Oberhelman, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc., said, “Altaaqa Global’s successful customer development program is a testament to the company’s commitment to support and improve the communities it serves. Altaaqa Global provides solutions that power and light the world.”

SOURCE: http://www.caterpillar.com/en/news/caterpillarNews/sustainability/transferring-knowledge-power-and-prosperity-in-cameroon.html.html