Cameroon plans to create a digital economy development centre, according to the country's Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Minette Libom Li Likeng.

Speaking at an event to celebrate the winners of the National Competition for Best Digital Innovation Prize of the Year 2019, the Minister said the Centre will be launched in 2020.

Techies behind Agrix Tech (AI app for detection of plant diseases), Smartscope (app to diagnose malaria) and Transport Intelligent (AI app to prevent road traffic accidents) had just returned from Dubai, where they participated in a coaching programme offered by Ericsson Academia.

According to the Minister, the centre will offer full support to young tech enthusiasts and guide them through the development of their ICT projects - from conception to maturity.

Li Likeng said the centre will also identify talents, incubate and develop digital economy projects, as well as foster the local industry for the development of 'made in Cameroon' applications.

Since 2010, the country has elevated ICT as a strategic priority and committed to develop its digital infrastructure and "multiply by 50 the number of direct and indirect employment positions" in ICT between 2010 and 2020.

Cameroon wants to establish itself as an emerging digital economy by 2035.

In 2019, Last year, Madeleine Tchuinte, Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, said the government was working on implementing a new technology hub in the capital Yaounde to support tech start-ups and foster innovation.

However, the hub or Cameroon Silicon River, has not yet materialised.