At launch of Cameroon Digital Skills Campaign: ANTIC DG calls for investments in digital education of youth.

Prof Ebot Ebot made the appeal in Douala yesterday while launching the sixth edition of the Cameroon Digital Skills Campaign. 

It is holding under the theme: “Digital Skills foe Youth Entrepreneurship in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.

The campaign is bringing together 100 students from several higher institutions of learning in the city of Douala, including Polytechnic Douala, St Louis University, IUGET, IGETAG.

Addressing stakeholders during the launch, the ANTIC boss described the campaign organised by his institution, in collaboration with an organisation known as The Change Engine, as a key initiative aimed at capitalising on the potential of Cameroon in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

The ANTIC DG stressed that digital technologies are reshaping every aspect of human life at an unprecedented pace, adding that it is paramount that youth are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly changing landscape. 

“My call to action is simple, yet profound: let us unite, collaborate, and invest wholeheartedly in the digital education and entrepreneurship development of our youth. Together, we can bridge the digital divide, address critical skills gaps,” Prof Ebot Ebot said. 

He said the Douala forum underlines the importance ANTIC attaches to collective efforts to accelerate the development of Cameroon’s digital economy.

Efforts lauded

According to the boss of ANTIC, enormous effort is already being made in the digital education of youth in government and private higher institutions of leaning.

“I also express my gratitude to our esteemed experts from academia and cutting-edge industries who have been with us every step of the way…,” Prof Ebot Ebot said, adding that: “The future belongs to those who can harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurship, and it is our collective responsibility, indeed our duty, to pave the way for their success”.

To the ANTIC boss, the campaign resonates with the undeniable truth that the digital economy is a driving force for growth, innovation and improved quality of life for all citizens.

Prof Ebot Ebot said a future where youth are equipped with the cutting-edge digital skills to create groundbreaking solutions, launch innovative businesses, and contribute to the global technological landscape, can only become a reality through concerted efforts and strategic partnerships.

“It is by joining forces with academia, the tech industry, and visionary organisations like The Change Engine that we can build a robust digital ecosystem, fostering innovation and empowering our youth to become the architects of our nation’s future prosperity,” Prof Ebot Ebot said.

Prof Ebot Ebot quoted the E-Economy Africa 2020 report, jointly published by the International Finance Corporation and Google, forecasting that the digital economy is expected to contribute 6.19% to Cameroon’s GDP by 2025 and 10.16% by 2050.

Overcoming challenges

The ANTIC Director General said there is need to intensify the digital skills campaign, given that the road to get to an acceptable level of digital education and entrepreneurship development of the youth is still long.

“The road ahead may be challenging, but our determination and collective efforts will pave the way for a prosperous and digitally-driven Cameroon. 

Let us embrace this opportunity to shape a future where our youth are empowered, our economy thrives, and our nation stands as a beacon of innovation and progress,” the ANTIC boss appealed.

He expressed the wish to see the campaign ignite the flames of digital transformation and propelling Cameroon towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

It should be noted that the campaign which opened officially yesterday will wrap up tomorrow July 19.

During the three days, experts will impart invaluable knowledge and skills to over 100 young Cameroonians, igniting their passion for entrepreneurship and equipping them with the tools to safely navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3172 of Thursday July 18, 2024