To improve service delivery: ANTIC urges NW councils to embrace digital transformation.

This is the focus of a three-day capacity building seminar on Information and Communication Technologies, ICTs for Municipal Councils in the North West Region, taking place in Bamenda from July 15 to 17, under the theme, “Local Development in the Era of Digital Transformation”. 

Organised by the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies, ANTIC, the seminar seeks to strengthen the digital capacities of mayors and IT administrators, enabling them to better integrate technology into the daily management of councils.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, ANTIC Director General, Prof. Ebot Ebot Enaw, said the training is designed to equip participants with the practical skills needed to leverage ICTs to improve productivity and public service delivery.

“The objective of this seminar is to equip the IT administrators of the councils of the North West Region, as well as the mayors, with digital skills which will enable them to better leverage the transformative potential of ICTs in their daily operations, drive productivity and enhance public service delivery,” Prof Ebot said.

Prof. Ebot explained that successful digital transformation goes beyond purchasing computers or creating websites. According to him, it rests on three equally important pillars: people, processes and technology.

“Usually, the focus is on technology to the detriment of people and processes. But these three pillars must evolve simultaneously. Any imbalance is an indication of a weak digital transformation policy,” he noted.

North West still lags in digital presence

The ANTIC boss painted a picture of the Region’s current digital landscape, describing it as still being in its early stages.

He disclosed that only 17 of the North West Region’s 35 municipal councils currently own official websites, representing less than half of the councils. Even fewer, just 12 councils, have official Facebook pages, none of which has been verified.

According to him, the absence of verified social media accounts exposes councils to risks such as identity theft, impersonation and the spread of false information.

“We want a situation where websites mature from being merely static to becoming transactional. Citizens should no longer need to travel to council offices to pay taxes or carry out administrative procedures. From the comfort of their homes, using their smartphones or tablets, they should be able to access council services online,” Prof Ebot added.

He added that ANTIC remains committed to supporting councils in verifying their official social media pages and implementing secure digital systems.

The Director General also revealed that ANTIC has already supported 230 councils across Cameroon in their digital transformation journey through technical assistance, ICT master plans and cybersecurity initiatives.

Over the three-day seminar, participants are expected to receive training on ICT reference guides, developing ICT master plans, building secure information systems, digitalising civil status registries, financing ICT projects, electronic public procurement systems and change management.

For mayors like Ndang Denis of the Boyo council, the message from ANTIC was clear: digital transformation is no longer optional. Strengthening digital governance, securing information systems and expanding online public services will be essential for councils in the digital era.

According to the North West Regional President of the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon, UCCC, Ndang Denis, they will implement the knowledge and skills in all the councils in the Region, to make sure that the objectives of the training are achieved.

The seminar is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development, MINDDEVEL; the Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance, FEICOM; the National Civil Status Registration Office, BUNEC; and the Public Contracts Regulatory Agency, ARMP.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3848 of Wednesday July 15, 2026