Digital economy : Cameroon Pens Agreements

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 where penned, relating to 10 projects from some 26 present and discussed by stakeholders during the forum. Officials of the MINistry of POSts and TELecommunications (MINPOSTEL) said the other 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 COMPOST and interswitch 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 oh 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 surch development. The forum served as a platform for digital sector operators to stir up investment.