Driving a Thriving Digital Innovation Ecosystem: UNDP Cameroon at the 2024 CITS
At the 2024 Cameroon International Tech Summit (CITS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Cameroon emerged as a key enabler of digital transformation in the country. With a clear focus on building an inclusive and dynamic digital innovation ecosystem, UNDP showcased its commitment to empowering youth, addressing regional disparities, and accelerating technological advancement to meet sustainable development goals.
Addressing the Digital Divide
Despite growing digital interest in Cameroon, many regions—particularly rural and underserved areas—still face serious barriers to connectivity. These include limited access to internet infrastructure, high data costs, and gender inequalities in digital education and participation. Recognizing these challenges, UNDP is actively working to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital economy.
Through strategic collaborations with government entities, local startups, educational institutions, and civil society, UNDP is building a foundation for inclusive digital growth. A core part of this strategy was its role in organizing and supporting a national hackathon in the lead-up to the CITS.
Nationwide Hackathon: Innovation from the Grassroots
The hackathon brought together over 1,000 young innovators from all ten regions of Cameroon. Participants were tasked with identifying and solving local development challenges using digital tools. This decentralized model allowed regional concerns to be addressed with context-specific solutions:
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Far North, North, and Adamawa (Grand North): Teams focused on climate-smart agriculture, digital health services, and tools to improve community resilience to climate change.
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Littoral Region: Participants worked on innovations in urban mobility, circular economy solutions, and platforms to improve waste management in cities like Douala.
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Centre Region: Youth designed digital platforms aimed at strengthening governance, transparency, and citizen engagement, particularly within public services.
These young innovators not only developed solutions but also gained exposure to entrepreneurship, pitching, and teamwork, laying the groundwork for future digital entrepreneurs.
From Ideas to Impact
UNDP didn’t stop at organizing the event—it also provided technical guidance, financial backing, and networking opportunities to help the best projects scale. Several standout teams secured funding to further develop and implement their solutions, and partnerships were forged with the private sector, academia, and other UN agencies.
In addition to supporting grassroots innovation, UNDP used the summit as a platform to advocate for digital inclusion policies and stronger support for youth-led tech initiatives. Their presence and support amplified the voices of young entrepreneurs and emphasized the role of digital innovation in solving Cameroon’s development challenges.
A Sustainable Digital Future
UNDP’s work at the 2024 CITS highlights the importance of investing in youth, building equitable digital infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships. By empowering local talent and supporting innovation ecosystems, UNDP Cameroon is helping shape a future where technology is a tool for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
