The General Manager of Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL, has taken another giant step towards making President Paul Biya’s digital transformation vision in Cameroon a reality. This follows the signing of CAMTEL-Bafoussam City Council framework agreement dubbed “Bafoussam Smart City”.
CAMTEL GM, Bafoussam City Mayor sign agreement to transform City
The convention sets Bafoussam to become Cameroon’s first-ever Smart City in the weeks ahead. It was signed at the council hall Thursday 22 April 2021 on behalf of CAMTEL by the General Manager, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achi and for the council by Bafoussam City Mayor, Roger Tafam.
The deal will permit the incumbent telecom operator to use ICTs to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, the efficiency of urban management and urban services as well as the significant improvement of competitiveness in the economic, social, environmental and cultural fields.
Speaking before appending her signature to the agreement, Judith Yah Sunday said aside the multiple gains that accompany the project, it also falls within realising the requirements of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which Cameroon is committed and strongly attached to.
The initiative she noted will also help realise the National Strategic Development programme aimed at promoting the digital economy as outlined by the Head of State, Paul Biya, who, in his address to the nation 31 December 2018 said “…it is essential that we do more to integrate digital advances into the functioning of our public services and our economy. The emerging digital society will not wait for latecomers".
Yah Sunday lauded the Bafoussam City Mayor for pioneering the initiative and for choosing CAMTEL, Cameroon’s lone incumbent national operator in the field of electronic communications as partner in the process to realise the dreams of making his city Smart.
“We are committed to seeing that this commendable initiative you have taken will succeed; making you a reference, thus encouraging your fellow municipal administrators from near and wide to come and learn from Bafoussam how to build a digital city,” the GM said.
“We consider this a win-win partnership for both the Bafoussam City Council and CAMTEL. For this reason, I want to assure you that CAMTEL shall put at your disposal its best and latest technical skills and expertise to ensure a resounding success of this partnership,” Yah Sunday promised, adding, that the deal will help the two bodies build a connected city, a digital city, a Smart City for the well-being the population.
Bafoussam City Mayor, Roger Tafam said the project is a dream come true for city council as it had planned not only to provide equipment and tools likely to empower its operations and, in turn, improve its performance, but go beyond and offer its population a living environment conducive to development.
He said the agreement is undoubtedly one more step for Cameroon in the digital field in general, and particularly for the West regional capital. The City Mayor said through such moves Cameroon will become the "Silicone Valley” of Central Africa, in particular by setting up an incubator for digital projects and businesses.
Tafam said the initiative will undoubtedly impact urban governance, especially youth employment, tourism, culture, education and many other sectors. He enjoined his population to federate forces behind the council and CAMTEL to see the success of the project especially with Bafoussam being one of the host cities of the African Cup of Nations soccer jamboree billed for Cameroon next year.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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