Os Shrimp guaranteed USD 100 million from the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) to boost its digital economy, with specific support for agricultural technology.
The funding will be used to support a government project, Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Cameroon, to be implemented by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industry and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. It is expected to run until March 31, 2027.
The project will be divided into three components: firstly, reducing the digital divides affecting rural areas, improving digital connectivity and inclusion, secondly, supporting the improvement of the strategic, policy and regulatory environment for the emergence of a digital economy vibrant, secure and inclusive and then, thirdly, facilitate the implementation of data-based solutions to drive innovation in the agricultural sector.
All of these components are expected to be achieved through linking public investments, including schools, community centers, hospitals, local administrative offices and security posts.
IT infrastructure will also be built in rural areas. The project will also support digital entrepreneurship and assist small farmers and producer organizations to promote the adoption of innovations developed by agrotechnology start-ups.
In a 2021 report titled “Dynamics of Internet access in Cameroon: trends, challenges and perspectives” , civil society organization ADISI-Cameroun highlights the digital gender divide, constant power cuts, poor internet services, poor internet infrastructure, high cost of data/call packets, limited internet services and digital illiteracy as factors that impede digital growth in Cameroon.
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The current project is expected to stimulate economic growth, productivity and job creation, as ICTs remain a strategic priority in Cameroon's ambition to move from a low-income to an upper-middle-income country by 2035 .
Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Director for Cameroon, said: “By supporting policy, regulatory and institutional capacity building reforms, the project will improve broadband access and help to stimulate growth and innovation, promote competition and facilitate investment in the digital economy and the agricultural sector."
