Internet, data and public services: Cameroon faces the digital challenge 🚀

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The National Forum on Cybersecurity and the Fight Against Cybercrime (FNCC-2024) was held in Bertoua on December 10 and 11. This event provided an opportunity to assess Cameroon’s digital ecosystem and propose solutions to overcome the sector’s challenges.

A digital ecosystem under p🌐

Organized under the theme “National Digital Ecosystem: Protection of Digital and Strategic Data”, the FNCC-2024 brought together experts, academics, and government representatives. The ceremony, presided over by Ndongo Paul Petit on behalf of the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, highlighted the vulnerabilities of the country’s digital systems.

Professor David Jaures Fotsa Mbogne from the University of Bertoua presented a concerning overview of the major issues :

1. High Internet costs: Cameroon is among the African countries with the most expensive internet. The average cost is $1.63 per gigabyte, compared to $0.38 in Malawi and $0.55 in Rwanda.
2. Dependence on imported digital equipment: This limits the country’s autonomy and innovation capacity.
3. Poor connectivity in rural areas: A large portion of the population remains excluded from digital benefits.
4. Low digitization of public and private services: This hampers administrative efficiency and equitable access to services.

Although complex, these challenges are not insurmountable if swift and concrete actions are taken.

Initiatives for an inclusive digital future 💻

In response to these challenges, the Cameroonian government is striving to catch up in the digital domain. The Cameroon Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (Patnuc), launched in 2023, is a significant step forward. Supported by $100 million in funding from the World Bank, the project aims to modernize public services, promote digital inclusion, and boost the digital economy.

However, for these initiatives to succeed, additional efforts are required. Reducing internet costs is a top priority, as is developing digital infrastructure in rural areas. These measures will not only reduce access inequalities but also enable all Cameroonians to benefit from digital opportunities.

The role of FNCC-2024 in this transformation 🛡️

The FNCC-2024 identified key actions to enhance cybersecurity and combat cybercrime. Participants emphasized the need to:

• Strengthen the protection of digital and strategic data to prevent cyberattacks.
• Encourage the digitization of public and private services to modernize administrative processes and improve service quality.
• Raise public awareness of responsible digital tool usage to foster trust and prevent misuse.

A promising future despite challenges 🚀

Despite the hurdles, the digital sector represents a strategic opportunity for Cameroon’s economic and social development. The country can now aspire to build a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.

Your Opinion Matters !!!
What do you think should be the priorities to make digital access universal in Cameroon? Let us know in the comments ☺️