Information and communication technologies have proven their worth in improving efficiency and facilitating growth in various sectors. For that purpose, in a bid to leverage their power, Cameroon wants to up its investments in the sector. 

Last Tuesday, Cameroonian President Paul Biya (photo) signed a decree empowering the Minister of Economy to ink a EUR84.1 million loan agreement with the International Development Association (IDA). The funds thus secured aim to finance PATNuC, a project to accelerate digital transformation in the country.  

According to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (Minpostel), the project being implemented since 2021 aims to pursue ICT reforms and policies, improve citizens’ digital skills, encourage the development of digital apps and services and increase the reach and use of digital services to boost employment and entrepreneurship in Cameroon.

PATNuC has three main companies. The first is the establishment of new institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks conducive to the growth of the digital sector, the enhancement of digital trust, the creation of digital platforms, and the acquisition of relevant equipment for the secure and resilient development of digital services in Cameroon.

The second component focuses on stimulating the local market by facilitating Internet access and the inclusive use of ICTs for the development of the country’s economic fabric. "Its specific objective is to promote the expansion of digital networks in rural areas by focusing on underserved areas to improve mobile broadband services in those areas. It will do so mainly through public-private partnerships (PPPs)," explains the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.  

The last component focuses on strengthening disruptive agricultural technologies (DAT) to improve market linkages and value addition in targeted rural communities.

S.A.