Professional Documents
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CTO DWC23 Event Guide
CTO DWC23 Event Guide
Towards a
digital future
Event guide
Kindly supported by
Platinum sponsors
silver sponsors
TOPAZ sponsors
DIGITAL WEEK: CAMEROON — TOWARDS A DIGITAL FUTURE | #DWC2023
Contents
Women’s Forum 6
Opening Ceremony 7
Under the Distinguished Patronage of His Excellency Building Blocks for a Digital Cameroon Forum 9
Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon Innovators’ Forum 10
Youth Forum 11
Committed to digitalisation 16
Cameroon FutureScape 16
Welcome to
Digital Week: Cameroon
Dear participants of Digital Week: During this Digital Week, we will address
Cameroon — it is with immense pleasure crucial topics such as artificial intelligence,
and great pride that I welcome you to the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, digital
Cameroon for this special edition of business transformation, and much more.
Digital Week, taking place from 16–20 We will also encourage dialogue on digital
October 2023. Under the theme Towards a regulation because it is essential to ensure
digital future, this week promises to be a that the benefits of technology reach
rewarding and inspiring experience for all everyone while preserving our core values.
stakeholders in digital transformation in
our country. I encourage you to make the most of this
week to broaden your horizons, establish
Indeed, digital transformation is fruitful partnerships, and contribute to the
revolutionising our lives, our businesses, our advancement of the digital revolution in
governments, and our society as a whole. As Cameroon and Africa.
the Minister responsible for technology and
H.E. Minette
innovation, I am convinced that Cameroon I would like to thank all the organizers,
Libom Li Likeng can play a central role in creating a promising partners, and sponsors who have made this
Minister, Ministry of Post and inclusive digital future for our nation and Digital Week possible. Your commitment
and Telecommunications, Africa as a whole. to innovation and progress is truly
Republic of Cameroon commendable.
Throughout this week, we will explore
the latest technological advancements, In conclusion, I hope that this Digital Week
emerging trends, and collaboration will be a time of inspiration and action.
opportunities in the digital domain. We will Together, we can build a brighter, more
bring together experts, entrepreneurs, inclusive, and promising digital future for
researchers, and policymakers from around Cameroon and the African continent.
the world to share their knowledge, ideas, I wish you all a productive and memorable
and experiences. Together, we will seek stay in Cameroon.
to understand how to fully harness digital
technologies to solve complex problems, Welcome to Digital Week: Cameroon, and
stimulate economic growth, and improve the may digital transformation lead us towards a
quality of life for our citizens. better future.
Welcome to
Digital Week: Cameroon
It is my privilege, as the Chairman of the Commonwealth I am delighted to welcome you to the CTO’s second edition
Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) to welcome you of Digital Week which is being hosted by the Government
to our second Digital Week from the 16 to 20 October of the Republic of Cameroon from the 16 to 20 October
in Cameroon. We are indebted to the Government of 2023, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Digital Week: Cameroon will
the Republic of Cameroon for their commitment to the feature a series of events, all relating to ICT and focus on
CTO over many years and for so graciously agreeing to digital transformation.
host this week of events, all relating to information and
communication technologies (ICT). The unrelenting pace of innovation in ICT is transforming the
world, economies, societies, and the lives of ordinary citizens.
Transforming a nation is no mean undertaking so the activities No country is immune from effects of the ICT revolution, so
we have planned with the theme, Towards a digital future, are it is imperative for governments and organisations to move
designed to provide insight and strategies for effective ICT decisively to effectively adopt ICT by planning and successfully
adoption and accelerating digital transformation. We will be implementing digital transformation programmes.
giving participants the opportunity to experience life in a digital
country. Through these activities, the CTO proposes to present a In keeping with the CTO’s new thrust to support members
compelling case for accelerating digital transformation across the with the formulation and implementation of digital
Commonwealth. transformation programmes, the theme for the Week’s
activities is: Towards a digital future. Digital Week: Cameroon
This week’s activities would not have been possible without will convene a Ministerial and Parliamentary Seminar
the support of the Government of Cameroon and our Platinum presenting the imperatives for national digital transformation,
Sponsors: CAMTEL, Orange Cameroon and MTN Cameroon. As demonstrate the effective adoption of ICT in Cameroon
well as Silver Sponsors: ANTIC, Huawei and Yango and our Topaz FutureScape — a technology-enabled immersive experience
Sponsors: ICANN and IHS Towers. and explain the essentials for a digital Cameroon in a Building
Blocks Forum. The week’s activities will also feature fora for
To our esteemed ministers, speakers and moderators who have women, innovators and youth.
joined us, thank you for accepting our invitation to participate in
Digital Week: Cameroon. Cameroon has been a steadfast supporter of the CTO and
has contributed greatly to the its growth and development,
To our members and delegates, we are grateful for your so we are very grateful for the support of the Government
presence. It is a tangible demonstration of your commitment to and our sponsors.
the CTO and a great encouragement to us.
Thank you for your participation. My expectation is that this
Finally, to the staff of the Secretariat, thank you for your diligence Digital Week provide you with the insight and tools that will
and dedication to making this week possible. enable you to contribute positively to your organisation’s
digital transformation aspirations.
My expectation is that Digital Week: Cameroon will be engaging
and productive and that the programme will help our members
accelerate their journey to a digital future.
Follow us
Professor
Philémon Zoo Zame
Director General,
Agence de Régulation des
Télécommunications
Over the years, both the CTO and the Republic of Cameroon
have enjoyed a win-win relationship. As host organisation,
the Telecommunications Regulatory Board is delighted to
welcome you all to the Republic of Cameroon for Digital
Week: Cameroon. We are pleased to be the first member
state to benefit from the new course of the CTO, and we
look forward to reaping the fruits of this encounter. We
hope that the organisation of Digital Week: Cameroon will
contribute immensely to the digital transformation process
of our beloved country in general, so as to ensure that
access to open networks by the general public is carried
out in objective, transparent and non-discriminatory
conditions. Also to ensure safe and legal competition in the
Telecommunications sector and Communications Information.
We hope that our relationship with the CTO and member
countries will grow from strength to strength. We wish you all
our beloved guest a pleasant stay in Cameroon.
www.cto.int
Women’s Forum
Monday 16 October 2023
Moderator: Professor Justine Diffo née Tchunkam, Seizing the opportunities of the digital
Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB), Board Chair,
Republic of Cameroon
economy for inclusive development
Moderator: Professor Patricia Asongwe, Lecturer, Faculty of Laws,
10:05 Equality of access for an inclusive digital world University of Yaoundé, Cameroon
Ms Cathérine Bikay Mutlen, Director, The Directorate
of Infrastructure, Equipment and Postal Networks (DIER), 14:05 Digital professions: opportunities for women to seize
Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Republic Senior Representative, UN Women
of Cameroon
10:15 Ms Yvonne Meva, Magistrate, Director of Human Rights, 14:15 Women’s initiatives in digital transformation
Ministry of Justice, Republic of Cameroon Ms Christelle Youmbi, Digital Communication Expert
14:25 Ms Marjorie Gege, Pan Africa Youth Ambassadors for Internet
10:25 ducation and training of women in the
E Governance
use of ICT (protection in cyberspace,
media education, etc.): a case study 14:35 Digital solidarity as a lever for the
Ms Marie Rose Daya, General Manager, Customer Experience, development of rural women: case study
MTN Cameroon Mr Herman Yves Chiegue Tchuinmogne, National ICT
Ms Sylvia Nfonba, Director, Orange Business, Solutions Director, Huawei
Orange Cameroon
14:45 ngineering for life and the role of
E
10:50 Discussions women in business and Society
Ms Reine Mbang Essobmadje, Co-founder of Digital Coalition,
11:00 REFRESHMENT BREAK Chief Executive Officer, Evolving Consulting, Vice-President,
Cameroon Inter-Employers’ Association (GICAM)
14:55 Discussions
15:45–17:00
Opening Ceremony
Tuesday 17 October 2023
Moderator: Mr Jean-Jacques Massima, ITU Representative for Official Dinner — Hilton Hotel
Central Africa and Madagascar
15:25 Discussions
13:00 LUNCHEON
09:00–11:00 SESSION ONE
This session will highlight opportunities and challenges in realising Education, Digital Literacy and Content
affordable universal broadband and last-mile connectivity. It will also
address infrastructure roll-out and explain ICT solutions to accelerate This session will reflect the importance of equipping educators and
digital transformation. learners with the necessary digital skills and resources to thrive in the
digital age. It will encourage discourse on innovative approaches for
leveraging digital tools and content to transform education for the better.
Moderator: Dr Abdou Khadre Lo, General Manager,
WESAYWEDO, Senegal
Moderator: Dr Vivian Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State,
09:05 ccelerating Investment in high-speed
A Ministry of Basic Education, Republic of Cameroon
Infrastructure deployment
14:05 Re-thinking and accelerating citizen education
Mr Ludovic Lançon, Networks and Services Director,
Orange Cameroon Ms Anne Lawrence Moume UNESCO Cameroon
09:25 Solutions for Nationwide Connectivity 14:25 Options for Expanding Digital Literacy
Mr Amadou Said, Technical Director, CAMTEL Ms Helen Radford, Head of Product, Mwabu
09:35 Mr Reuben Opata, Chief Technical and Information Officer,
14:45 ICT Talent Development
MTN Cameroon
Mr Leo Kung (Kong Lingyu), Deputy President, In Charge of
09:45 takes and Challenges of Enterprise
S Governmental Affairs, CEMAC Zone, Huawei
Digitalisation: Case of Cameroon
15:05 Discussions
Mrs Aline Mbono Ngono, Executive Secretary, Cameroon
Inter-Employers’ Association (GICAM)
15:30 REFRESHMENT BREAK
10:05 The Power Issue and infrastructure sharing
16:00–17:30 SESSION FOUR
Mr Olufemi Arosanyin, Chief Executive Officer,
IHS Towers Cameroon
Serving Citizens, Communities, Businesses
10:25 Discussion This session will highlight the critical role of collaboration between
government agencies, communities and business in addressing the
11:00 REFRESHMENT BREAK technology needs and challenges faced by citizens.
12:10 The Right to Privacy and other Ethical Considerations 17:10 Discussions
Mr Georges Mpoudi Ngole Managing Director,
Infrastructure Solutions – Cybastion Institute of Technology 17:30 END OF SESSION
Innovators’ Forum
Thursday 19 October 2023
10:55 Discussion
Youth Forum
Thursday 19 October 2023
Moderator: Mr Armand Claude Abanda, Resident Representative 16:45 outh and employment in the
Y
IAI-Cameroon & Chairman of the Board of Directors of IFTIC-SUP
Digital Transformation Era
Dr Ibrahim Abba, Director of Training and Professional
14:35 Technology and You
Guidance, Ministry of Employment and Training (MINEFOP),
Mr Armand Ngueti, Chief Executive Officer, UBTS Republic of Cameroon
International Corp
17:00 ccelerating innovation via coworking, hubs
A
14:50 Cultivating and Developing Digital Talent — E-Sport and incubators — Kmertech Network
Mr Douglas Ogeto, Head of Growth,
Mr Georges Mpoudi Ngole, Managing Partner, Cybastion
Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Infrastructure Solutions, Founder, Cowork Africa, and
member of the Kmertech Network
15:05 Dangers in Cyberspace
Mr Samuel Tataw Ghogomu, Computer Engineer, ANTIC 17:10 Supporting ICTs, Innovation and Youth
(National Agency for Information and Communication
Mr Akhenaton Laborde, General Manager Raxtive,
Technologies), Republic of Cameroon
Trinidad and Tobago
15:50 Discussion
In March 2020, CAMTEL received CAMTEL boasts today a completely service providers across Africa to build
three concession licenses from interwoven and highly redundant domestic strategic networks that will accelerate
the Government of Cameroon to network which spans all the 10 regions of the reduction of the digital divide across
operate in three key areas of the the country, 49 out of the 51 divisions, and Africa. One such project is the WE-Africa-
telecommunications sector — 209 of the 360 subdivisions with close to NA project, which is a joint venture
mobile telephony services; fixed line 12000 km of fibre deployed. CAMTEL plans between CAMTEL, SUDACHAD in Chad
services which includes Fibre-To-The- to deploy an additional 3500km of fibre to and SUDATEL in SUDAN to provide a
Home (FTTH) as well as traditional expand network supply further and bring highspeed transcontinental backbone,
fixed line telephony; and transport digital services to the most remote of connecting Kribi in the Gulf of Guinea to
services, including backhaul services, communities, with targets set for 2024 and Port Sudan in the Red Sea. This is a major
International Private Leased Circuit beyond to meet with the demands of the project that provides a short cut from
(IPLC)/International Ethernet Private enterprise. Latin America to Asia through the middle
Line (IEPL) and Internet Protocol (IP) On the international scene, CAMTEL East as it positions as an extension of the
transit solutions. controls access to four (04) submarine SAIL submarine cable.
cables with global reach: The West African To guarantee resiliency in terms of
The Transport Business Unit, also referred Cable System (WACS) from London to connectivity nationwide, CAMTEL signed a
to as Business Unit Transport (BUT), is South Africa through the seaside town of partnership with the power transportation
responsible for providing the nation, Limbe since 2012; SAT-3 from Lisbon to company of Cameroon (SONATREL and
and all digital communications service South Africa via Douala in 2002; Nigeria ENEO) to exploit power transport lines for
providers operating in the country, with Cameroon Submarine Cable System the deployment of digital communications
highspeed and reliable communication (NCSCS) which connects Lagos to Kribi infrastructure. This will greatly improve
services to serve both domestic and in 2016, and the South Atlantic Inter Link the availability and capacity of the
international needs. (SAIL) submarine cable which is counted network. Other partnerships that promote
Driven by the vision to become the as one of the only two submarine cables enhanced infrastructure through the
digital hub of Sub-Saharan Africa, CAMTEL crossing the south Atlantic connecting deployment of more fibre, to improve
engaged in a network expansion plan Africa to Latin America through Brazil, resiliency are envisaged alongside the
targeting the extension of the domestic commissioned in 2018. existing rail roads.
network, developing global digital hotspots At the subregional level, Cameroon With growing need to supply
to increase connectivity across the country. stands as an economic driver in the Cameroon and the Central African digital
This involved building new infrastructure to central African region, its geographical economy, CAMTEL stands as a strategic
leverage new technology to reduce costs location in the Gulf of Guinea provides for player providing the infrastructure
and improve the quality of service. With an optimal gateway to reach the rest of requirements to usher this sub-region
an ever-increasing tech-savvy population Africa from the connectivity perspective. further into the digital era. CAMTEL is also
with an incessant appetite for digital This is why the Central African Backbone focusing investment to develop critical
services, demands are aggregating the project is recognised as a strategic infrastructure, that safeguards from
need for highspeed telecommunications mission which puts CAMTEL’s rich numerous threats.
services that will sustain the burgeoning submarine cable assets at the service Over the past decade, CAMTEL has
digital economy — a common premise of the central African economic market. focused on infrastructure development,
for modern-day economic development. This project enables the deployment of the backbone on which digital
Driven by the desire to provide Cameroon terrestrial optical fibre technology to transformation relies. Today, CAMTEL
with the appropriate infrastructure whilst interconnect all Central African states goes further, planning to be much more
also focusing efforts on modernising to foster a collective for economic than an infrastructure provider, but to
access to the rest of the world through development. Connectivity is established also facilitate and nurture local content
the comprehensive network of submarine with the Republic of Chad, the Republic of delivery. Achieving such transformation
cables to reduce, CAMTEL is looking to Congo, The Republic of Gabon, Equatorial requires alliances with top players in
reduce costs and enable affordability of Guinea, and the Federal Republic of the digital industry, and securing crucial
access to the nation, as well as the rest of Nigeria. Today, CAMTEL is also working in partnerships, these now lie as a top
the digital world. close collaboration with other transport priority for the business.
Montreal
Marseille
Sesimbra
USA New York
EXA
Ashbum
Suez Iran
Pakistan
Gwadar
Boca Ranton BRUSA Egypt
Doha
Karachi
ire
a
City
Ghan
Côte
d’Ivo
Barranquilla CAR Penang
Mogadishu
Kribi n lic
Singapore
bo
b
pu
Ga Re
go DRC
Punta Carnero Co
n
Fortaleza Mombassa
Brazil Dar Es Salaam
Lurin
Mtunzini
Las Toninas
Partner routes Cape Town
Valparaiso
SAM-1
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MTN Cameroon is a subsidiary of MTN’s network has been instrumental MTN Cameroon has also become one
the MTN Group, the largest mobile in democratising the access to mobile of the five biggest contributors to the
operator in Africa, whose strategic telephony in Cameroon; and is today one of State in terms of taxes, fees and other
intent is to provide digital solutions the key enablers of the country’s ongoing duties paid. The leading company in the
for Africa’s progress. MTN was digital transformation. telecommunications sector is a major
established in Cameroon in February employer and has created a thousand
2000, following the acquisition of Enabling financial inclusion direct jobs and, thanks to its activities,
the state-owned operator, CAMTEL MTN also supports financial inclusion has developed a network of SMEs in
Mobile, with the mission of offering in Cameroon, in particular by providing subcontracting, including supplies and
Cameroonians simple, innovative and individuals, businesses and other distribution, this workforce is estimated at
accessible solutions to meet their institutions with a simple, affordable almost 200,000 people.
communication needs. and secure means of payment, the MTN
Mobile Money, which is managed by Corporate citizenship
The purpose of MTN Cameroon is to enable its FINTECH subsidiary, Mobile Money Beyond its economic performance and
the benefits of a modern connected life Corporation (MMC). impact, MTN Cameroon is also a company
to everyone in Cameroon. MTN is inspired With an MTN Mobile Money account with a heart. It was the very first company
by Cameroon’s potential and is committed created from a mobile phone, users can to create a corporate foundation in
to bridging the digital divide, furthering access the Mobile Money service with Cameroon: the MTN Foundation. And every
financial inclusion and advancing the complete peace of mind and security. And year since 2006, MTN has invested 1% of its
attainment of the UN’s Sustainable to make daily life even easier for users, profits in the activities of its Foundation for
Development Goals in the country, through the Mobile Money platform goes further the wellbeing of communities in the fields
the company’s core business activities by integrating a constantly evolving of education, environment, health, rural
and its support of government initiatives, ecosystem. This modern service enables development, arts and culture.
communities and customers. users to pay tax, electricity bills, hotel The MTN Foundation has been
bills, supermarket bills, restaurant bills, particularly active in promoting the use
Enabling digital inclusion pharmacy bills, e-commerce bills and of new technologies in Cameroonian
Since February 2000, MTN has built make money transfers. schools. It has set up multimedia centres
the most modern, solid and extensive All MTN Mobile Money transactions are that benefit more than 60,000 pupils
telecommunications network in carried out in strict compliance with the and 4,000 teachers in secondary schools
Cameroon. This network includes regulations in force in the CEMAC zone. across the ten regions of the country. The
thousands of base stations, as well as Since 2019, MTN Cameroon is the first MTN Foundation now intends to devote
05 state-of-the-art technical centres and and only operator in the CEMAC zone to 75% of its investments to developing the
03 Tier-3 data centres. It covers all 10 receive GSMA Mobile Money Certification; ICT ecosystem.
regions of Cameroon, with uninterrupted the latter obtained in 2019 and 2023.
service in all administrative units of more Doing for tomorrow today
than 5,000 inhabitants. Internationally A major investor MTN Cameroon plans to go further in
renowned agencies such as Ookla and Many Cameroonians recognise MTN implementing its social responsibility
Rhodes & Schwartz have repeatedly Cameroon as “the greatest success of policy, by playing a more significant
certified the MTN network as the best and the privatisation policy pursued by the role in building a more sustainable and
fastest network in Cameroon. Cameroon government since the end of inclusive world.
Today, MTN is the most widely used the 1990s”. MTN has invested massively For MTN Cameroon, acting for
network in Cameroon. Some of its in the national economy in the past 23 tomorrow today means challenging its
technologies cover almost 9.7 out of 10 years. These investments have helped teams to think and act for the future;
Cameroonians, including in remote areas. to develop more than a thousand small it means creating shared value for
MTN Cameroon serves nearly 12.3 million and medium-sized enterprise (SME) all stakeholders through responsible
active customers across the 10 regions partners and suppliers. One of MTN’s environmental, societal and governance
of the country, as at June 2023; which key investments has been to connect practices.
represents the majority of electronic Cameroon to the West Africa Cable MTN Cameroon staff will remain fully
communications users in Cameroon. In this System (WACS) submarine cable, a mobilised to master the technological
way, the network helps to bring families strategic tool that now gives the country changes that digital transformation
closer together on a daily basis, and to access to high-speed internet at lower demands, in order to provide Cameroon
consolidate ties between Cameroonians. cost and at all times. and Cameroonians with the best future. ■
Extrême Adamaoua
Committed to digitalisation
Salon 8
Nord/Nord
Orange Cameroon understands the role digital technology will play in our contemporary society
and the positive impact made for future generations. We, at Orange Cameroon have adopted an
approach that promotes human, societal and community progress.
Mr Patrick Benon,
Committed to digital equality Committed to making of Chief Executive Officer
Lack of digital access can be considered digital technology a source for of Orange Cameroon,
as a form of social exclusion. For this opportunities will be glad to tell you
reason, we work every day toNord-ouest
extend We promote innovation, creativity, more at Digital Week:
Bybolo Sud-ouest Littoral Sud Est Centre
our territorial network coverage, to
Ouest employability, entrepreneurship and Cameroon. We look
promote learning in less privileged financing through inclusive programmes. forward to welcoming
communities, to promote the use of Our initiatives have generated over 600 you from 16 to 20
digital technologies through inclusive jobs so far, and many of the start-ups October 2023.
services, to develop skills, and so on. we support are receiving awards and
international recognition.
Cameroon FutureScape Citizens of CFS are issued a unique digital identification card
(CFS) is a futuristic that allows them to move freely from region to region; securely
representation of a fully buy and sell products and services; establish businesses; access
digital, interconnected government services; and unlock all the benefits of citizenship
inclusive Cameroon that in a cashless, digital CFS. Citizens will be required to use their
makes use of ICT in all digital ID card to travel freely to each of the regions in CFS
aspects of every-day life. following the arrows and to observe the laws in CFS
Bureau
Camtel
Asc Serv
Control
L.Tech
Centre
Citizen
Centre
Conference East
room Region North
MTN Orange Region
Innovator
South West
Region Region Land
Digital Urban Registry
Tourism Class
Terrace
@antic_cameroun /ANTIC237
It is mandated to monitor and With regard to its mission of securing ANTIC equally secures the
follow up government’s policy in the national cyberspace, ANTIC Cameroonian cyberspace via its public
the ICT sector; secure the national carries out security audit missions on Key Infrastructure, which guarantees
cyberspace and manage the information systems and formulate the security of sensitive applications
country’s code top level domain corrective measures with a view to of public and private institutions open
— “.cm.” mitigating identified risks. to the public by offering four security
services notably; user authentication,
In keeping with the activity of following In a bid to efficiently fulfil its mission data integrity, confidentiality of
up government’s policy in the ICT of security watch, ANTIC has set up exchanges and non-repudiation of
sector, ANTIC accompanies public a Computer Incident Response Team messages exchanged during online
institutions in identifying their hardware (CIRT) that carries out three main transactions. ■
and software needs, organises ICT activities notably: prevention, detection
training workshops for state personnel and response. Its CIRT is endowed with
and makes recommendations on the a forensic laboratory which makes for
course content of ICT professional effective response in the event of a
training programmes. cyber incident.
www.cto.int
@cto_ict
/commonwealth.organisation
/commonwealth-telecommunications-organisation