Digital Transformation Center Cameroon

The The Digital Transformation Center Cameroon implements projects in rural areas with a focus on marginalized population groups. In cooperation with public and private partners, the topics of promoting innovation and e-government are at the heart of its work.

At a glance

In 2023 Cameroon ranked 118th out of 134 countries in the Network Readiness Index. The importance of the internet is constantly increasing, but, internet is almost inaccessible in rural areas. Individual internet access is unaffordable for most Cameroonians and women are disadvantaged in terms of using this technology. Internet connections work rather well in urban areas, albeit slowly. Mobile internet tariff choices in Cameroon are difficult to navigate due to the multitude of different offerings. These are all reasons why, despite a literacy rate of about 78%, the proportion of internet users in the country is only around 44%. 

Cameroon’s 2020-2030 National Development Strategy (NDS30) projects that the country’s digital sector will grow by 6.4% by 2029. To achieve this, the country has set out to: 

1. Reconfigure the national digital ecosystem, particularly by restructuring the sector through the creation of a digital infrastructure heritage company. 
2. Build the consequent digital infrastructure.
3. Secure networks globally. 
4.  Set up digital and technology parks for:
   • developing the production of digital content
   • increasing and diversifying digital uses and services
   • developing the manufacturing and assembly of digital parts and appliances. 

Digital ecosystem activities are mainly concentrated in the cities of Douala Yaoundé and Buea. Startups in Cameroon’s digital ecosystem are primarily pushing e-commerce, software & hardware, media & design, and fintech. Private sector associations and networks are tapping into the start-up culture and digital initiatives of larger business sectors to act as accelerators and coordinate developments. According to the World Bank Group, the business climate in Cameroon is hostile to investment. There are many reasons for this: lack of infrastructure, obstacles to cross-border trade, bureaucratic hurdles (e.g., registration of property), obstruction by the judiciary and financial administration and, last but not least, corruption. 

Several public information systems (civil status, health information and logistics systems) and municipal administration are currently being digitized, wherefore qualified personnel are needed. German development cooperation is also supporting the Cameroonian tax administration, in particular the General Directorate of Taxes (DGl), in the acquisition and implementation of a complete, stable, and efficient tax administration software (Integrated System for the Management of Taxes – SIGIT). Modernizing rural development depends on digital infrastructure and digital literacy in rural areas. Regional innovation centers can multiply digital initiatives from the hubs in Douala and Yaoundé. 

Our approach

Through the Digital Transformation Center, democratic and participatory processes are established to strengthen local, economic, and social ICT structures.