The National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC) has launched a drive to accelerate digital transformation among councils in Cameroon’s North West Region, warning that many local authorities are still lagging behind in adopting digital tools for governance and service delivery.
The call was made in Bamenda on July 15, 2026, during the opening of a three-day capacity-building seminar organised for mayors and Information Technology administrators from the region’s 35 councils. The training is focused on helping councils integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into their daily operations under the theme: “Local Development in the Era of Digital Transformation.”
ANTIC Director General, Prof. Ebot Ebot Enaw, said digitalisation has become a necessity for councils seeking to improve public service delivery, transparency, accountability and citizen participation.
He revealed that only 17 out of the 35 councils in the North West Region currently have official websites, representing 48.6 percent, while only 12 councils operate Facebook pages, none of which has been officially verified.
According to him, the limited digital presence of councils exposes local institutions to challenges including misinformation, identity theft and weak communication with citizens.
“Embracing ICT is no longer an option but a necessity aimed at improving service delivery, promoting local development, enhancing transparency and fostering greater citizen participation,” Prof. Enaw told participants.
He added that ANTIC has already provided technical assistance and digital capacity-building support to 230 councils across Cameroon, representing about 64 percent of councils nationwide.
The ANTIC boss also stressed the importance of cybersecurity as councils move towards digital systems. He noted that protecting public information must be considered a continuous process integrated into the design and management of digital platforms.
During the seminar, ANTIC officials introduced participants to digital governance tools, cybersecurity measures and ICT reference guides designed to help public institutions adopt safer and more efficient digital practices.
Atem Arrey Mbi Emmanuel, Sub Director at ANTIC, explained that the agency’s guides cover areas such as cybersecurity, internet safety, digital governance and organisational security. He encouraged councils to use the materials not only for internal administration but also for educating communities on safe digital practices.
Participants were also introduced to the importance of developing ICT Master Plans, which ANTIC described as a roadmap for councils to plan technology investments, improve budgeting, strengthen cybersecurity and enhance service delivery over a three-to-five-year period.
Houda Oumaroudjam, Service Head at ANTIC, said councils that lack the capacity to develop their own ICT strategies can seek technical support from the agency, which provides such assistance free of charge.
The cybersecurity session of the seminar challenged council officials to rethink how they manage and protect public data. Takwa Habib Palay, an ANTIC cybersecurity specialist, warned that councils face growing threats from cybercriminals, malware attacks, data theft and system failures.
He urged councils to adopt stronger passwords, maintain regular backups, install security systems and continuously train staff responsible for managing digital platforms.
The seminar, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development (MINDDEVEL), FEICOM, BUNEC and the Public Contracts Regulatory Agency (ARMP), continues with sessions on civil status digitalisation, ICT project financing and change management.
The initiative is expected to help North West councils strengthen their online presence, modernise administration and bring public services closer to citizens through digital solutions.
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