According to the latest (available) UN e-government survey, e-Cameroon falls within the Middle OSI group, reflecting its moderate performance in online service delivery. The country also boasts a medium level of telecommunication infrastructure (TII) and falls within the middle range in terms of e-participation (EPI). However, it’s worth noting that e-Cameroon shines in terms of human capital index (HCI), indicating a strong foundation in terms of skills and knowledge among its populace.
A notable observation from a World Bank report in 2020 sheds light on e-Cameroon’s journey, describing its performance in digital infrastructure, financial services, and entrepreneurship as “relatively fair but inadequate” compared to regional counterparts.
While this assessment might have been discouraging, it’s important to note that progress has been made since then.
In recent years, e-Cameroon has shown advancements in e-governance and e-participation…. surpassing the regional average. This is a positive sign, indicating a growing engagement between citizens and the government through digital channels.
e-Cameroon initiatives
Recognizing the importance of effective digital governance, Cameroon has implemented several frameworks and initiatives aimed at digitizing the public sector.
One notable step was the adoption of the National Digital Economy Development Strategy in 2020. This strategy provides a clear roadmap for digitization efforts, outlining high-level goals and priorities. It’s like setting the course for a digital transformation journey.
In April 2022, the government launched the Single Window for Foreign Trade Operations (e-GUCE), which makes it possible to pay customs duties, taxes, duties, and various fees online.
Again, in 2022, the eVisa project was confirmed by President Paul Biya.
Also, the Master Plan for the digitalization of the civil registration system was adopted in 2018 as a part of the Strategic Plan for the Rehabilitation of Civil Registration in Cameroon (2018-2022).
As of 2022, Cameroon ranked 141th in the UN E-Government Development survey (out of 193 countries assessed), with an EGDI rating of 0.45. According to the 2022 World Bank’s GovTech Maturity report, Cameroon moved up as well.
Reforms to their national ID are a must!
So, delays in obtaining national ID cards have been a persistent issue in Cameroon over the past few years. Many citizens face lengthy waiting times, sometimes even years, before receiving their IDs, if they receive them at all. This not only creates frustration but also hampers individuals’ ability to access essential services and exercise their rights.
Unfortunately, some individuals have resorted to offering bribes to expedite the process, highlighting the severity of the problem. This practice not only undermines the integrity of the system but also perpetuates corruption within government institutions. It’s like a vicious cycle that needs to be broken.
One of the underlying issues contributing to these delays is the detection of fake civil registration documents during the application process. This leads to a backlog of unissued cards, further exacerbating the problem. It’s like hitting a roadblock when trying to move forward with ID issuance.
The government’s initiative to digitalise the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system could offer a solution to the issue of fake documents. By transitioning to a digital system, the government aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the ID issuance process. It’s like upgrading from an outdated manual process to a streamlined digital platform.
Barriers to digital Cameroon
One significant challenge facing Cameroon’s digital journey is the high cost of internet and mobile services. Limited competition and infrastructure contribute to these high costs, making them unaffordable for many citizens.
Despite there being 12.73 million internet users, the internet penetration rate stands at only 43.9% according to Datareportal for digital Cameroon. This uneven access to broadband internet, especially in rural areas lacking fiber optic networks, further exacerbates the digital divide.
Similarly, while cellular mobile connections are widespread, reaching 87.5% of the population, broadband internet access remains limited, particularly in underserved areas.
Beyond infrastructure challenges, there’s also a need to address inadequate digital literacy and skills among the population. Despite government efforts to improve digital education, there’s still a gap in skills needed to fully leverage digital technologies. Additionally…. the lack of local entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital space further hampers progress.
What I find concerning about these barriers is that they not only hinder individual access to digital opportunities but also stifle overall economic growth and development. It’s like missing out on the potential benefits that digitalization can bring to society as a whole.
So… By continuing to prioritize investments in technology, education, and policies that promote digital inclusion, e-Cameroon has the potential to further elevate its position and drive meaningful change for its citizens.
Sources:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/30-Cameroon
