Cameroon has advanced on its digital economy and transformation ambitions by unveiling a new Digital Innovation Centre (CDIC), a fully equipped ICT infrastructure hub officially launched by the country’s Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo

The CDIC is located in Bastos in the capital Yaounde and is furnished with technological tools, information systems and cutting-edge electronic communication networks. This infrastructure includes a highly connected, secure datacentre to add value through a high-speed redundant connection. It is also equipped with a 3D printer and other digital manufacturing technologies to empower ‘techpreneurs’

In addition, the centre provides cloud computing solutions, a multimedia space for creating audio and video content, suitable co-working spaces and connected classrooms ideal for any type of online training.

Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Minette Libom Li Likeng said the new centre will help offset the inadequacy in home-grown applications and digital terminals. “CDIC constitutes an appropriate framework for supporting young people, in line with the triple presidential exhortation for them to innovate, create and dare.”

The Minister added that the centre will be managed by a team of experts and engineers from her ministry who will provide techies with all types of support they need.

Dr Wilfred Mfuh, Technical Adviser at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, said there will be online incubation for young techies and their start-ups. “Once you get to a level that is acceptable, then, through a competitive process, you will be able to be admitted into CDIC as a tenant. We have massive online incubation for thousands of Cameroonians. Those who come to the centre are those who are already close to getting to the market and have a business model which works.

Cameroon has maintained the development of its ICT sector as a strategic priority to drive growth as it aims to become an upper middle-income country by 2035.