Working to close the digital divide in Cameroon

TICAD-based initiatives have boosted the spread of information and communications technologies (ICT) in African countries, often backed by expertise developed in Asia. In order to leapfrog into the knowledge society Africa needs enhanced access to information technology and know-how. The TICAD process has been helping to identify where and how to concentrate efforts to improve the rate of IT transfer.

Students at the University of Yaoundé in Cameroon now have easy access to the wealth of information on the Internet, thanks to a project funded by IT Initiative of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). The United Nations Development Programme helped arrange the project, which is managed by the Cisco Networking Academy Programme at the university.

Until recently, students had few computers and an unreliable phone line to connect to the Internet, making it difficult to keep abreast of developments in their fields. The project provided fast access via wireless link to the Internet and additional computer terminals.

The IT Initiative covers other several countries in the region, including Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia, helping close the digital divide and improve the regulatory framework for ICT development. In Cameroon, it concentrates on support for the formulation of a national ICT policy, strengthening of human and institutional ICT capacity, and enabling private sector to maximize business opportunities offered by ICT for increased South-South cooperation.

“The TICAD IT Initiative covers priorities ranging from technical support to the government to creating an enabling environment for the UNDP country programme.” said Patricia De Mowbray, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator. The initiative plans to establish other wireless connections at educational centres around Cameroon and in neighbouring countries through the Cisco Networking Academy with UNDP support, she noted.

The Cisco Networking Academy, established in 2001 with support from the initiative and UNDP, includes five certified instructors who provide training for about 100 students. A Bachelor’s degree is required for enrolment. The academy provides an eight-month training course for graduate students and a six-month course for professionals. Students completing the programme earn a Cisco Certified Network Associate diploma and are prepared for jobs in the private and public sectors.

“We are gaining recognition as a regional centre providing high-level training in networking, web design and office tools,” said Professor Gabriel Nguetseng, director of the Academy.