Digital Development: Cameroon Pens Agreements

The Head of State’s representative, Rene Emmanuel Sadi chaired the closing ceremony of the three-day forum yesterday.

Some state corporations and ministries have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with mostly Canadian telecommunications companies to develop digital infrastructures in the country. The MoUs were signed yesterday as the Minister of Territorial Administration, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, personal representative of the Head of State, closed the three-day International Forum on Digital Economy in Yaounde. Some 10 accords were penned, relating to 10 projects from some 26 presented and discussed by stakeholders during the forum. Officials of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MINPOSTEL) said the others are progressively being looked into and will be finalised in the near future. They cited a special project dubbed ‘Digital City’ which will soon see the light of day.
Amongst the MoUs signed is one between Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) and Airbit to extend internet connectivity to rural areas in the country. Going by MINPOSTEL boss, Minette Libom Li Likeng, this particular MoU is very important as there may be some persons who can actively contribute to the advancement of the digital economy but are limited by no connectivity. Another MoU was reached between CAMPOST and Interswitch to facilitate electronic payment and promote e-commerce. The Ministry of Higher Education also reached an agreement with TFO Media Group.
Speaking to Cameroon Tribune at the end of the forum, Minister Libom noted with contentment that the objectives of the forum had been attained and participants have all been satisfied. “This manifests the Head of States willingness to make Cameroon a digital economy. Government will continue to put in place the recommendations that have been made by experts and tech entrepreneurs so that the digital economy actually becomes a reality in our country,” the Minister declared.
During yesterday’s closing ceremony, officials said the International Forum on Digital Economy was a manifestation of President Paul Biya’s will to develop the digital economy and government’s commitment to be part of the process by facilitating, regulating and supporting such development. The forum served as a platform for digital sector operators to stir up investment.

 Minette Libom li Likeng:« Des contrats ont été signés »

Ministre des Postes et Télécommunications, tire les leçons du forum.

Mme le ministre, que peut-on retenir du forum sur l’économie numérique qui vient de s’achever à Yaoundé ?
Je voudrais d’abord dire mon soulagement. Organiser un événement à l’initiative du chef de l’Etat et placé sous son haut patronage n’est pas aisé. J’avais hâte d’arriver à ce jour et je crois que les objectifs ont été atteints. La satisfaction des participants et les résultats pour notre pays sont un motif de satisfaction. Le message est passé quant à la volonté du chef de l’Etat de faire du Cameroun un pays numérique. Le gouvernement va continuer à mettre en œuvre les recommandations qui ont été faites pour que l’économie numérique soit une réalité pour notre pays.
De quels résultats parlez-vous concrètement ?
Des contrats ont été signés et leur mise en œuvre va suivre. Parmi les plus importants, il y a celui de la couverture de la zone rurale par Internet à travers le satellite, entre Camtel et un investisseur canadien. Quand on va pouvoir couvrir l’arrière-pays avec Internet, en y mettant des contenus de formation, même ceux-là qui n’avaient pas fait de hautes études et qui se croyaient abandonnés deviendront de vrais porteurs de projets en matière de numérique. Il y a également le contrat entre la Campost et Interswift qui va permettre la mise en place du porte-mon...