Govt launches test phase for virtual news agency.

The pilot phase of the project, implemented by Accent Media and Technology, was flagged off by the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Rene Emmanuel Sadi.   

Speaking during the ceremony, the minister said the AVI project has been initiated to fill in a void that was created over ten years ago with the disappearance of previous news agencies like the Cameroon Press Agency, CAP, and CamNews.

Following the example of great nations like the China, France and Qatar, Minister Sadi emphasis the need for the country to own its own news agency to not only serve the national public but also the international community. 

“A large country like ours must have a press agency that can provide both nationals and our foreign partners with information about Cameroon in real time, and all kinds of information about Cameroon. That is, in a nutshell, the role of a press agency, like the major agencies you know, AFP, Xinhua, Al Jazeera, etc,” he stated. 

The ceremony was also marked by the commissioning of the management committee of AVI, led by the Prof Felix Zogo as Executive Coordinator.

In addition, digital gadgets consisting of laptops, cameras and tripods were equally handed over to Regional and some Divisional delegates and some staff of the central service of the ministry, who have been coopted into the AVI project.

“With all the necessary technological equipment and configuration, the various actors, Regional delegates, Divisional delegates from the Ministry, and our colleagues from external communication centres, will all contribute to a central desk, which is located here at the Ministry and coordinated by the Secretary General,” Sadi added. 

Praises Cameroonian implementing the project

The member of government also took out time to hail the successful bidding Cameroonian firm, Accent Media, for the logistic configuration of the pilot phase of the news agency, which may go fully operational upon the approval of the Head of State. 

Lauding the company for its expertise, Minister Sadi said it translates into reality the promise of President Paul Biya, during his oath-taking ceremony, to place the emancipation of women and youth at the centre of the new mandate. 

“We entrusted the design of this tool to a young Cameroonian company, led by a young Cameroonian communications expert. I believe that we are also fulfilling the President's commitment to make this seven-year term one dedicated to the empowerment of young people and support for young people and women,” he stressed.  

Enter Accent Media boss 

According to the General Manager of Accent Media, Sandrine Nyambal, their

service in the AVI project consists of supplying and configuring technological equipment, developing two applications and also developing software configuration. 

She then expressed gratitude to government for entrusting Accent Media with the uphill task of developing the platform for the news agency. 

“It was a real honour that the Ministry of Communication put its faith in us, but I think they made the right choice, because we delivered exactly what was asked of us, both technically and in terms of deadlines,” she told the press. 

“I just want to get the message across that yes, in Cameroon, there are young organisations, there are young people like me who know how to do great things and who are at the service of the government to support it in its vast digital transformation project and programme. We just need to give them an opportunity,” she added, while making a case for youth in the country.  

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3693 of Wednesday February 04, 2026