FEICOM partners National Archives to modernise its documentation.

The Inspector General in the Ministry of Arts and Culture, MINAC, Ngeh Rekia, chaired the event on behalf of the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mpkatt.

Meanwhile, Aliou Moussa, the Inspector of Services No.1 of the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development, that oversees the activities of FEICOM, witnessed the sealing of the agreement.

The Director General, DG, of FEICOM, Phillippe Camile Akoa, signed for his institution, while the Director of the National Archives of Cameroon, Dr Esther Olembe, put pen on paper for the archival institution. 

The Inspector General of MINAC saluted the management of FEICOM for aligning the institution with provisions of the law of July 2024, which calls for the standardisation of archives to ensure transparency and security.

She described the deal between FEICOM and the National Archives as a “virtuous alliance” between two pillars of the country. 

Rekia said through the move, FEICOM has shown it prioritises archives as a vital component of the architecture of the institution.

FEICOM, the Inspector General stated, has, through the deal, shown it takes the memory of its institution’s actions seriously. 

She underscored that by engaging to modernise its archives, FEICOM is guarding itself from going into oblivion. Securing, preserving and transmission of archives, Rekia said, is what makes great institution’s like FEICOM.

Boosting research, serving future generations

FEICOM Director General stated that, the ambitious project is part of measures to modernise and render the institution dynamic. 

He said by modernising its archives, FEICOM seeks to lay the foundation for research in local development, other purposes and to preserve vitals to serve future generations.

Camille Akoa said FEICOM is committed to extend same to councils which are its major development partners. 

He disclosed that since the institution started collaborating with MINAC in 2019, several projects have been realised. 

Camille Akoa stated FEICOM has invested over 511 million FCFA in the setting up of libraries in councils.

On her part, the Director of the national archives said, her institution will do all it takes to fulfil its part of the deal. 

Dr Olembe noted that, the deal carries a message of improving the culture of archiving and building a system that guarantees the conservation of memory, security, traceability and continuity of public service.

Deal’s key points 

According to portions of the deal made public during the event, the National Archives of Cameroon will provide institutional and technical assistance to FEICOM in the management of its “documentary information system”.

It also spells out that, both institutions will cooperate in aspects such as:  auditing of FEICOM’s existing archiving infrastructure; review and approval of existing document management tools; computerisation of the physical archiving system and assistance in the putting in place of an electronic archiving system.

Yesterday’s deal also binds the National Archives of Cameroon to build the capacity of FEICOM staff and raise their awareness on archiving concepts and techniques. It is also required to carry FEICOM along in national and international engagements related to archiving activities.

Still within the contours of the deal, the national archives is charged with enforcing compliance with regulations and international archiving benchmarks. 

It will also oversee the control and protection of confidential data of FEICOM in addition to monitoring and assessing its data archiving system.

The deal also binds the national archives to test, update and validate archival policies of FEICOM plus guidelines vital in the organisation and management of documentary information.

FEICOM on its part, is within the ambits of the deal mandated to provide all forms of support needed to the national archives, ensure its staff take part in trainings, uphold confidentiality and abide by the method agreed upon.

A Steering Committee with the support of a Technical Secretariat is charged with overseeing the implementation of the deal.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3520 of Thursday July 31, 2025