E-Government Development in Cameroon

As of 2022, Cameroon ranked 141th in the UN E-Government Development survey (compared to 144 in 2020), with an EGDI rating of 0.45. According to the 2022 World Bank’s GovTech Maturity report, Cameroon moved up to the group C (countries with some focus on GovTech).

Regulatory authorities involved in e-government in Cameroon operate within an institutional framework that includes ministries and specialized agencies responsible for policy development, administrative reform, and technical regulation. Two central ministries lead these efforts: the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MINPOSTEL) and the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reform (MINFOPRA).

MINPOSTEL is in charge of developing and implementing national policies on posts, telecommunications, and information and communication technologies (ICT). Its mandate includes setting up infrastructure for the sector, promoting ICT development and electronic communications, and facilitating investment in collaboration with relevant institutions. The ministry also oversees activities related to e-commerce, cybersecurity, and cybercrime, monitors telecommunications operators, and ensures training for sector personnel. It collects and analyzes sectoral statistics and maintains cooperation with international organizations such as the Universal Postal Union and the International Telecommunication Union. MINPOSTEL exercises supervisory authority over the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB), the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC), CAMPOST, and CAMTEL, among others.

MINFOPRA focuses on administrative modernization and public sector reform. Through its Permanent Secretariat for Administrative Reform (PSAR), it is responsible for designing and monitoring the Master Plan for Administrative Reform, simplifying administrative procedures, and rationalizing management processes. Its activities include preparing governance tools such as organizational frameworks and manuals, introducing methods for faster data processing, and establishing performance standards. MINFOPRA promotes the integration of ICT into public service delivery to improve efficiency and streamline procedures, thereby supporting the implementation of e-government initiatives.

Under the technical supervision of MINPOSTEL and the financial supervision of the Ministry of Finance, two agencies play a critical role in operationalizing digital governance: the National Agency for Information and Communication Technology (ANTIC) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB). ANTIC is responsible for promoting and monitoring ICT policy. Its functions include developing and overseeing the national ICT strategy, ensuring harmonization of technical standards and interoperability, and providing expertise to public administrations. ANTIC manages the creation of government Internet, Intranet, and Extranet sites, handles domain name registration for “.cm,” allocates IP addresses, and regulates ICT and Internet technologies. It also addresses issues related to ethics, privacy, and intellectual property protection, and resolves disputes concerning service quality, such as spamming and phishing. In the area of cybersecurity, ANTIC acts as the root certification authority for public administration, accredits certification authorities, monitors electronic signatures, and conducts mandatory security audits. It also issues alerts, monitors cyber threats, and works with law enforcement on cybercrime investigations.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB) ensures compliance with telecommunications and ICT regulations, promotes fair competition, and guarantees transparent and non-discriminatory access to public networks. Its responsibilities include processing license applications, defining pricing principles, preparing tender documents, and managing interconnection and infrastructure-sharing conditions. TRB also oversees frequency spectrum allocation, numbering plans, equipment approval, and addressing resources. Additionally, it provides opinions on legislative and regulatory drafts and ensures consumer protection while submitting recommendations for the development and modernization of the sector.

Supporting structures such as IT divisions within government departments and the National Centre for the Development of Computer Services (CENADI), attached to the Ministry of Finance, contribute to implementing technical solutions and managing information systems in public administration. Together, these entities establish the regulatory and organizational basis for advancing e-government in Cameroon through policy execution, regulatory oversight, and technical coordination.

Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Law

Law No. 2010/012 on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime in Cameroon

The law sets the legal framework for securing electronic communication networks and information systems in Cameroon, while defining and sanctioning offenses related to the use of ICT. It aims to build trust in digital networks, regulate digital evidence, cryptography, certification, and electronic signatures, and protect fundamental rights, including privacy.

It applies to electronic communication networks such as satellite, terrestrial, power-line, and audiovisual distribution systems, excluding those for national defense and security. The text covers cybersecurity policy, regulation of security activities, certification, electronic documents, and data protection. It also addresses cybercrime through procedural rules, defined offenses and penalties, and provisions for international cooperation and judicial assistance.

Data Privacy Law

Law No. 2024/017 on the Protection of Personal Data in Cameroon

The law establishes a framework to guarantee fundamental rights in the processing of personal data, regardless of its form, method, or responsible entity. It applies to all data processing by public or private bodies, as well as to individuals residing or operating in Cameroon, and to processing under Cameroonian jurisdiction by international agreements.

It excludes personal or domestic use, temporary technical copies, and processing for journalistic, artistic, research, or statistical purposes under ethical standards. The law defines principles of data processing, prior formalities, obligations of controllers and processors, data subjects’ rights, prohibited practices, the role of a data protection authority, and related sanctions.

E-Government Standards

Some principles on electronic public services are included in Law No. 2010/013, but regulations defining E-Government Standards have not yet been adopted.

E-Government Interoperability Framework

The E-Government Interoperability Framework has not yet been established.

Electronic Signature Law

Cameroon has no specific law on electronic signatures; the framework is part of laws on e-commerce, electronic communications, cybersecurity, and cybercrime, supported by decrees and ministerial orders. Regional rules from OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) and CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) also apply.

An electronic signature uses asymmetric encryption to authenticate the sender and ensure document integrity. Three types exist: simple, advanced, and qualified. Advanced signatures have the same legal value as handwritten ones when issued with an accredited certificate.

MINPOSTEL sets policy and accredits certification authorities, while ANTIC regulates ICT security and acts as root certification authority. ANTIC manages the national certification center (PKI), which hosts CamRootCA and CamGovCA and provides electronic certification services.

Currently, ANTIC is the only recognized authority; foreign solutions such as DocuSign lack legal recognition, limiting their evidential value. Certified signatures guarantee authenticity and integrity, while uncertified ones remain admissible but with reduced legal effect.

AI Regulations

A regulatory framework for artificial intelligence has not yet been developed.

Cameroon has developed several strategies to advance digital transformation and e-government. In 2011, the National Agency for Information and Communication Technology (ANTIC) drafted an e-Government strategy, EGOV.CM, in collaboration with the United Nations University (UNU). Although not officially adopted, this document later served as a reference for the Digital Cameroon 2020 plan introduced in 2016. As of 2025, it remains the most recent national, cross-sectoral digitalization strategy. 

The plan emphasized the role of ICT in economic and social development. It focused on expanding broadband infrastructure, fostering digital services, and integrating ICT across sectors. Its eight strategic priorities included infrastructure development, production of digital content, modernization of public administration and businesses, promotion of ICT use in society, strengthening digital trust, building a local digital industry, developing human capital, and improving governance. Key initiatives targeted the creation of a government intranet, a master plan for public information systems, and the digitization of administrative procedures in areas such as public procurement, trade, and justice. While some projects, such as a unified citizen identification system and an online visa platform, were launched, many others were not completed by 2025.

These efforts were aligned with Cameroon Vision 2035, adopted in 2009, which seeks long-term socio-economic transformation through improved connectivity and ICT access. In 2005–2007, the country’s digital access index was 0.16, among the lowest globally. The target for 2035 is 0.47, supported by a fivefold increase in telephone lines and expanded mobile coverage. Vision 2035 also outlines measures to strengthen the legal and institutional framework, liberalize the ICT sector, develop broadband and secure transactions, promote e-commerce, and build a local software industry. It calls for enhanced regulatory capacity, incentives for digital entrepreneurship, and professional training to ensure national expertise in ICT.

In 2018, Cameroon launched one of its key sectoral strategies—the National Digital Health Strategic Plan—developed by the Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE) with support from I-TECH/University of Washington. The plan emphasizes Mobile Health (mHealth) for data storage, real-time patient monitoring, therapeutic support, and health advice, while advancing telemedicine to deliver qualified healthcare to remote communities through videoconferencing and other digital technologies.

The National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30), adopted in 2020 with support from development partners under UNDP facilitation, prioritizes reducing the digital divide. It includes further expansion of the fiber-optic network, construction of two data centers, and deployment of an e-government system. The budget for this plan is approximately 250 billion CFA francs (around USD 420 million), with implementation scheduled from 2021 to 2030. The strategy also addresses public service improvement through digitized processes, better case management, and transparency. Actions include establishing a charter for user reception in public services, standardizing processing times, simplifying administrative procedures, and publishing updated organizational charts with contact information.

The most recent digitalization strategy is Cameroon’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA), designed to position the country as Africa’s leading AI hub by 2040. It focuses on governance, data infrastructure, multilingual AI that supports national languages alongside official ones, sovereign technological capacity, human capital development, sector-specific innovation, and regional cooperation. Key goals include boosting AI’s economic contribution, creating jobs, and enhancing local expertise while promoting inclusive and culturally relevant solutions. With Cameroon scoring 0.34 in the IMF’s AI Preparedness Index, the strategy aims to address infrastructure and innovation gaps and accelerate AI adoption across public services and key sectors. This initiative is also part of the broader digital transformation acceleration project and supports the implementation of the SND30 and Cameroon Vision 2035, which aim to achieve structural economic transformation and inclusive growth to make Cameroon an emerging, democratic, and united nation.

International cooperation supports these initiatives. In 2015, Cameroon and South Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an e-Government Master Plan and strengthen state capacity in digital administration. UN agencies and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) also provide technical and financial support for the country’s e-government development. Additionally, the World Bank finances the Acceleration of the Digital Transformation of Cameroon Project (PATNuC) with a USD 100 million loan. This project aims to expand digital inclusion, enhance connectivity, and promote data-driven digital solutions in the agricultural sector while supporting regulatory reforms and capacity building to accelerate digital transformation.

In 2016, the government of Cameroon launched a biometric national identity card in partnership with GEMALTO (from 2019 – THALES), a Dutch digital security company. A total of 20 million records were enrolled, achieving a registration throughput of 600 records per minute. The electronic and biometric identity documents, in credit card format, are designed to reduce document fraud and identity theft. Nevertheless, improvements can be suggested as the issuance of ID cards is often delayed.

Source: Thales

The Master Plan for the digitalization of the civil registration system was adopted by the Government in 2018 as a part of the Strategic Plan for the Rehabilitation of Civil Registration in Cameroon (2018-2022). An interface linking the civil status system and other sectors, such as the national identity agency, ministries of justice, transport and health, etc., was implemented under the Master Plan. The introduction of the Unique Personal Identification Number (NIPU) for the registration of vital events is expected to facilitate the connection between the civil registration and the ministries and sectors mentioned above.

One current application is the AIGLES system, launched in 2024 and developed by the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms (MINFOPRA). It is an integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Software specific to Cameroon, incorporating biometric-based attendance management to supervise State workers’ presence, calculate actual working hours, and combat absenteeism and routine presence.

It is announced that starting November 15, 2024, Cameroon will eliminate physical fiscal stamps, replacing them with online payment receipts verified through the General Tax Directorate (DGI) platform. The measure, introduced by the Minister of Finance, aims to improve tax security and eliminate fraud linked to stamping machines. For now, online tax payment is still not available in Cameroon, though some taxes, such as real estate tax, can be paid via mobile money. At the moment, the electronic services section on the General Tax Directorate’s website is under construction.

ICT integration in Cameroonian education remains limited. In primary and secondary schools, frequently used tools include calculators and telephones (100% of teachers), computers and storage devices (85%), projectors (23%), dictaphones (19%), and LMS/MOOCs (9%). Interactive whiteboards are absent, and many public schools still rely on manual methods for lessons and assessments. Only 14.28% of teachers have formal ICT training, mostly self-initiated, while most rely on intuition. Equipment is largely inadequate, with teachers using personal devices; although 81.8% of schools have some administrative tools like computers and printers, multimedia rooms and reliable electricity are often lacking in public schools. Despite these challenges, teachers report positive impacts on student engagement and performance when ICT is used.

To address disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic, My Online School, supported by UNESCO, offers free structured learning paths from kindergarten to the end of secondary school, virtual classrooms for interactive teaching, exam archives by grade, and professional training opportunities. It complements existing measures by schools and teachers, ensuring continuity of education remotely.

Source: My Online School

In higher education, digital opportunities are more restricted. The Cameroon E-Learning Platform, part of the Cameroon University Platform, exists but many sections remain inaccessible, and some require registration. However, initiatives like the Cameroon branch of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) provide advanced e-learning through their dedicated platform.

ICT in Cameroon’s health sector is advancing through national planning and digital health innovations. The Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE), with support from I-TECH/University of Washington, began developing a National Digital Health Strategic Plan in 2018. This strategy prioritizes Mobile Health (mHealth) for data storage, real-time patient monitoring, therapeutic assistance, and health advice, and promotes telemedicine to provide qualified healthcare to remote communities via videoconferencing and other digital tools.

Practical innovations include mobile health applications such as BornFyne (2018), which supports prenatal and postnatal care, family planning, emergency appointments, and offline medical advice, while enabling follow-ups by healthcare providers. Waspito (2020) offers online consultations, connects patients with doctors based on location and affordability, and introduces at-home laboratory services, improving access for people with disabilities and remote populations. The platform connects users with more than 850 doctors across Cameroon.

These solutions address major health challenges, including malaria and high maternal and infant mortality (438 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020), by making healthcare more accessible and affordable. Combined with ongoing efforts like the Digital Health Strategic Plan and telemedicine initiatives, such technologies aim to improve health outcomes and reduce systemic barriers to care.

Digitalization of justice in Cameroon remains limited. The Digital Cameroon 2020 strategy included projects for digitizing administrative procedures, among them initiatives related to the justice sector. 

In 2022, the Chinese company ZTE delivered the National Emergency Telecommunications Network (RTNU), which includes an e-police platform for managing police data, criminal records, cases, and wanted persons. The system is currently deployed within gendarmerie sites. There are no public reports confirming its full implementation or any online services available to citizens.

Although the state, through the independent body Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), is introducing digital technologies into the electoral process, for example through biometric registration kits, online voting is still not available in Cameroon. However, voters can verify their registration on the ELECAM website.

Source: ELECAM

Cameroon does not yet have a unified Government Service Bus, but efforts are underway to strengthen interoperability among public institutions. One of the earliest initiatives was the introduction of the Programme Budget Management Information System (PROBMIS) in 2013. This platform connected the Ministry of Finance with other ministries to support the transition to programme-based budgeting, replacing older systems and enabling real-time budget information sharing from local to central levels.

Interoperability efforts were reinforced in 2021 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Finance (MINFI) and the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT). The agreement established a framework for automated data exchange between financial and planning systems, aiming to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in managing public finances and investment projects.

In 2022, the government further addressed the issue of data integration during a high-level meeting involving ministers, public officials, and private sector representatives. The discussions focused on data governance and emphasized the need to overcome interoperability barriers between national information systems while strengthening cybersecurity measures.

e-Procurement

Since 2018, the Cameroon Online E-Procurement System (COLEPS) has been operational, implemented with technical and financial support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Source: COLEPS

In 2025, the government unveiled an upgraded version of COLEPS, financed through a $12.5 million Korean grant. The enhanced platform introduces features such as online contract signing and real-time monitoring, integrating banks and financial institutions to verify bid securities and performance guarantees automatically. It is designed as a one-stop platform to improve transparency, curb corruption, reduce costs, and boost efficiency in procurement processes. Additional upgrades, including interoperability with stakeholders’ systems and construction of a dedicated headquarters, are planned for 2026 with another $12.5 million grant. Full digitalization of public procurement is expected by 2028, aligning with Cameroon’s broader digital transformation vision.

Business and Company Registration System

In 2024, Cameroon launched the EasyBusiness.cm platform to modernize and expand its digital single window for business registration, building on the earlier MyBusiness.cm initiative. The project, led by the Ministry of SMEs and APME with support from UNCTAD, the EU, and AFD, aims to standardize and simplify business registration nationwide. However, access to the platform requires user registration.

Guichet Unique for Foreign Trade

In April 2022, the Single Window for Foreign Trade Operations (e-GUCE) was launched. On the platform, it is possible to pay customs duties, taxes, duties and various fees. The activity report of the Ministry of Finance shows that the digitization of payments boosted customs revenue on vehicles by 53% in 2022, compared to 2021. In that year, the General Directorate of Customs collected 201 billion FCFA (approximately 356 million USD) in vehicles taxes, against 132 billion FCFA (234 million USD) in 2020.

Source: Guichet Unique

Cameroon is prioritizing the digitalization of its agricultural sector as a key measure to modernize farming, improve competitiveness, and ensure sustainable growth. This effort is supported by both national programs and international initiatives. In 2021, the World Bank approved a USD 100 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to accelerate digital transformation and promote smart agriculture. The project focuses on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks for a secure digital economy, expanding broadband access, reducing rural digital divides, and introducing data-driven solutions to boost agricultural innovation. It also aims to foster digital entrepreneurship and support smallholder farmers through agritech tools, contributing to higher productivity, job creation, and economic growth.

Several initiatives have been launched to support this digital transition. In 2016, The Agricultural Production Support Program (PARPAC) introduced a platform to register agricultural producers, improve access to financial and agricultural services, and enhance traceability of activities. The SIMC Project set up a call center providing real-time weather information, helping farmers manage climate-related risks. Similarly, the Cameroon Agropastoral Portal (CamAgro) connects producers, suppliers, and consumers to strengthen value chains, while the Agricultural Inputs Observatory offers real-time data on prices and availability of inputs to stabilize supply. Despite these advances, adoption remains limited: only about 10% of farms in Sub-Saharan Africa use digital solutions. Persistent challenges include inadequate digital infrastructure, lack of financing, and insufficient training for farmers.

At the same time, Cameroon is seeing growth in AgriTech startups offering practical solutions such as mobile platforms, IoT tools, digital marketplaces, and precision farming applications. These innovations address structural issues like weak market linkages, inefficient supply chains, and limited access to quality inputs. Platforms now provide farmers with real-time market prices, logistics support, and digital marketplaces for certified seeds and fertilizers, sometimes with mobile payment and credit options. Startups also promote climate-smart solutions, including localized weather forecasts and tools for sustainable farming practices, which help improve resilience. These efforts are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in logistics, input distribution, and tech services, though barriers like poor rural connectivity, limited digital literacy, and funding gaps remain significant.

Budget constraints continue to be a challenge: in 2022, agriculture accounted for only 1.75% of Cameroon’s national budget, and collaboration between research institutions and industry remains weak. However, as of 2021, the country has an expanding digital ecosystem, with more than 3,000 tech startups and 18 technology hubs. While most operate in sectors like application development, AI, and e-commerce, they create a foundation for innovation that can benefit agriculture. Support programs such as Globetrotter and international initiatives, including Huawei’s Seeds for the Future, aim to strengthen local digital capacity.

There are currently no Artificial Intelligence solutions in use in Cameroon, but recent years have shown growing interest in AI. This is evidenced by initiatives such as the AI workshop organized by ANTIC during the National Consultations on Artificial Intelligence (CONIA), whose second edition took place in 2025 with support from HUAWEI.

As a continuation of these efforts, Cameroon adopted its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2025. The strategy aims to make Cameroon a leading AI hub in Africa by 2040, focusing on sectors such as health, agriculture, education, governance, and justice. It targets training 60,000 people (40% women), creating 12,000 jobs, and boosting GDP by up to 1.2%. Key priorities include ethical governance, robust data infrastructure, sovereign AI solutions—such as a multilingual model (“GPT Cameroon”)—and the deployment of edge computing for resilience.

Built on seven pillars, the strategy addresses governance and regulation, data and infrastructure, inclusive AI, technology deployment, human capital development, sectoral innovation, and regional cooperation. It supports the National Development Strategy (SND30) and Vision 2035, tackling gaps in digital infrastructure and innovation highlighted by the IMF’s AI Preparedness Index. This roadmap is designed to strengthen Cameroon’s competitiveness and accelerate its socio-economic transformation.

• Absence of an up-to-date national cross-sectoral digitalization strategy.
• Underdeveloped legal and regulatory frameworks for digital governance, interoperability, and AI.
• Limited availability of fully operational online tax payment systems; key platforms remain under construction.
• Restricted integration of ICT in education, particularly in higher education.
• Slow progress in digitizing justice and implementing e-justice solutions.
• Absence of a unified Government Service Bus to ensure interoperability across public institutions.
• Lack of ICT-based technological solutions for environmental protection.

• Development of a digitalization strategy: a unified plan for the advancement of digital technologies would help consolidate efforts across sectors and ensure coordinated implementation and long-term impact.

• Stronger Legal and Regulatory Framework: Completing e-government standards, interoperability frameworks, and AI regulations will provide a solid base for scaling digital services.
• Expansion of Digital Public Services: Rolling out full online tax payment and finalizing the General Tax Directorate’s e-services platform will improve transparency and reduce fraud.
• Digital Education Growth: Greater investment in ICT infrastructure and teacher training — especially in higher education — can accelerate digital learning and close existing gaps.
• Modernizing Justice: Advancing e-justice projects offers a path to more accessible and transparent judicial services.
• Improved System Interoperability: Developing a Government Service Bus and linking current platforms will enable better data sharing, streamline workflows, and reduce duplication.
• Environmental Digital Solutions: Deploying ICT tools for environmental monitoring and resource management represents a new area for innovation.
• AI as a Growth Driver: The National AI Strategy opens opportunities to apply AI in governance, health, agriculture, and education, boosting innovation and competitiveness across multiple sectors.

National Best Practices

 My Online School

My Online School  is a digital learning platform developed to ensure educational continuity during school closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Supported by UNESCO, it provides free structured learning paths for all levels—from kindergarten through the end of secondary school—and includes options for professional training and university preparation. The platform offers virtual classrooms for real-time interaction between teachers and students, helping maintain engagement and group dynamics. It also features exam archives organized by grade, enabling learners to prepare effectively. This system complements school initiatives and ensures that students can continue learning remotely while staying connected with their teachers.

Agricultural Production Support Program (PARPAC)

The Agricultural Production Support Program (PARPAC) is a sector budget support initiative aimed at strengthening Cameroon’s food production capacity and improving sector governance. It provides resources to rapidly supply farmers with essential agricultural inputs—such as quality seeds and fertilizers—while supporting the agricultural extension system and implementing measures for food resilience. Central to the program is a digital platform that registers agricultural producers, facilitates access to financial and agricultural services, and enhances traceability of activities. PARPAC focuses on increasing the output of key crops including rice, maize, sorghum/millet, soybeans, potatoes, oil palm, and tomatoes, in both the short and medium term. The program also promotes reforms, institutional policy implementation, and climate risk mitigation to ensure sustainable agricultural development.

Regional Inspirations

Digital Tax Administration – Mozambique

Mozambique has implemented several digital platforms to modernize tax administration and public finance. Portal do Contribuinte, managed by the national tax authority, enables citizens to make tax payments online. Taxa de Portagens is an automated toll collection system developed through a public-private partnership with Revimo, providing information on fees, payment methods, and discounts. Additionally, the eSNIP platform (Subsistema Nacional de Investimentos Públicos), operated by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, offers access to information on all public investments, including project portfolios and life cycle details. These systems enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery in fiscal management.

Digital Justice – Kenya

Kenya has implemented several e-Justice solutions, including a Case Management Information System (CMIS) with electronic case tracking, audio/video recording of proceedings, and Mpesa integration for payments. An Integrated Justice Information Portal was also introduced. Nearly 80 courts are equipped with Court Recording and Transcription systems. In 2020, an e-filing system was launched, expanded nationwide in 2024, allowing online submission of pleadings and case tracking. Additionally, efforts are underway to integrate ICT into Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) for improved case management and transparency.

Authors:
Pavel Bianki
Sofia Alypova