On the occasion of the International Forum on Digital Economy in Cameroon, close to 200 participants of several nationalities are awaited in the political capital, Yaoundé. Today, the digital economy is a catalyst for growth, productivity and competitiveness for enterprises and nations.

 Concerning the digital economy, the Head of State, H.E. Paul BIYA in his 2015 end of the year address to the nation told his fellow citizens and I quote:
 « (…) We should make the most of it.
 In its organization, the Government will give this sector all the attention it deserves ".
                                       

The International Forum on Digital Economy will be held from 15 to 17 May 2017 in Yaoundé, under the theme “How to successful carry out digital economy in Cameroon?”

This heuristic and business meeting, which is an extension of the International Economic Conference entitled " Investing in Cameroon, land of attractiveness", which was held on 17 and 18 May 2016 in the political capital of Cameroon coming on the heels of the organisation of videoconferences, the digital economy "Globe-Trotter", the Digital Economy National Days, and the holding of the Digital Sectorial Committee.

Some of the objectives of the Yaounde Forum are, inter alia, the establishment of conditions for a successful transition of Cameroon to the digital economy, the display of the digital economy assets in Cameroon, the mobilisation of international funding for innovative projects in the digital economy sector.

It also aims at favouring the implementation of partnerships between institutions, Cameroon project holders, North American companies and national investors.
 These partnerships will then contribute to the development of digital economy, in line with goals of the Strategic Plan for Digital Economy in Cameroon, in order to increase its contribution to the GDP from 5% in 2016 to 10% in 2020, the creation of direct jobs from 10,000 in 2016 to 50,000 in 2020 and the increase in taxes from CFAF 136 billion in 2016 to CFAF 300 billion in 2020.
 The short term ambition is to turn Cameroon into an African technology leader.

The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mrs Minette Libom Li Likeng, in her communication before the press on Tuesday 9th May 2017 as a prelude to this event, pointed out that this forum will also be marked by the holding of a digital professional exhibition, a showcase of Cameroon's assets in this sector. An ideal opportunity to connect experts and international investors from the public and private sectors, as well as young entrepreneurs, creators of startups and holders of relevant and innovative projects in the digital sector.

About two hundred participants of several nationalities, including personalities, high-level experts, the civil society and press men, are expected to attend this meeting in Yaounde.

The International Forum of May 2017 on digital economy is held on the initiative and under the distinguish patronage of the President of the Republic of Cameroon, H.E. Paul BIYA.

 Claver ETOUNDI.