ICT in Cameroon: progress made, but challenges remain 📡

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According to the 2024 report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Cameroon ranks third in the CEMAC region. The country achieved a score of 44.2 points, surpassing Congo (30.7 points) and Chad (21.3 points). This performance is attributed to efforts in digitizing services and improving internet access.

A rising ranking 📊

In Central Africa, Gabon leads the region with 74.7 points, followed by Equatorial Guinea with 44.8 points. Cameroon falls within the regional average but remains far behind the continent’s leaders. Libya tops Africa with a score of 88.1 points, thanks to significant advancements in mobile and internet connectivity.

Additionally, Cameroon ranks 31st in Africa, ahead of several countries such as Tanzania, Mali, and Uganda. While this positioning reflects progress, it also highlights the challenges that persist.

Evaluation criteria 📑

The ITU report is based on ten main criteria, including the proportion of internet users, mobile telephony penetration, digital service costs, and data traffic. Each country is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 representing optimal connectivity.

Cameroon improved its score, rising from 36.8 points in 2023 to 44.2 points in 2024. This progress is attributed to investments in infrastructure and ongoing digital transformation policies.

Tangible outcomes ⚙️

This advancement is expected to positively impact several sectors, such as the digitization of public services, the development of telemedicine, and e-learning. Additionally, the environment is favorable for the creation of startups and the improvement of automated administrative processes.

However, challenges remain. Internet access is still limited in some rural areas, and the cost of services continues to be a barrier for many citizens.

A long road ahead 🛣️

Despite this progress, Cameroon must intensify efforts to catch up with other countries. Authorities have announced several initiatives to enhance internet coverage, reduce costs, and promote technological innovation. The coming years will be crucial in positioning Cameroon as a key player in the digital economy in Central Africa.

What’s your take ??
Do you think Cameroon is on the right track to becoming a digital leader in Central Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments 🙂‍↕️