Success Story E-Magazine No 016

About Talented Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
N° 016
Educating Africa
on the Benefits of
Information and
Communication
Technologies
Roland
Kwemain
Jacques
Bonjawo
Dr. Ernest
Simo
“Africa missed
the industrial
revolution; we
can’t afford to
stand aside
and let the
communication
revolution
go by, too.”
Late Houphouet Boigny
Former President of Côte d’Ivoire
1987
W
elcome, dear readers, to yet another issue of THE SUCCESS STORY E-MAGAZINE that focuses on the efforts by some
talented Cameroonians to bridge the digital divide and empower more Africans with skills necessary to take full advantage of information and communication technologies so as to speed up development.
To set the ball rolling, we take you through the different activities and discussions organised during the four days ICT
For Africa Conference that was recently organised in Yaounde. Throughout the discussions and presentations, participants were
satisfied with the different research findings presented and were convinced that Africa needs to move at a faster pace towards
information technology in order to secure meaningful sustainable development. At the end of the Conference, we met the Director of Louisiana Southern University’s International Center for Information Technology and Development (ICITD) Professor Victor
Mbarika, to better understand Africa’s achievements in the ongoing rush towards digital technology.
We also discussed with Mr. Roland Kwemain, the Executive Director of ADCOME, a Buea-based organisation that is successfully
implementing a bold mission to bridge IT and education through activities that are receiving support from the Government, the
private sector as well as international organizations.
The impact of Information and Communication Technology is now visible in every behaviour, household and city in Cameroon,
hence some municipalities have set up IT Training Centers to empower their population with ICT skills in order to combat the ills of
poverty and unemployment. One of such Centers is the Limbe City Council Computer Training Center that has set so many youth
and women on the path to employment. Likewise, the TK Computer and Linguistic Foundation is a private initiative to empower
women and other vulnerable groups with ICT and other professional skills to enable them secure employment in the
fast-growing industrial city of Limbe.
Cameroon has been blessed with so many sons and daughters around the world who have written their names in
gold in the domain of information and communication technology. We selected two very successful individuals
whose achievements are just outstanding. Jacques Bonjawo has risen to fame for his performance in great companies like Microsoft. Likewise Dr. Ernest Simo’s track record in information and communication technology is exceptional. In this issue, we give you just a taste of their profiles and promise to approach them, on your behalf, with
questions about their achievements.
Tonge B. Ebai To end, we take you briefly through a few newsworthy stories and join the OBAMA couple on the dance floor.
Enjoy...
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
3
T
he city of Yaounde played host to the International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Africa, from December 18 to 21, 2008.
Scholars, researchers, students, workers, industrial, and
corporate professionals joined ICT experts from all over
the world to reflect and exchange views on the theme
“Sustaining Africa’s Socio-Economic Renaissance.”
Throughout the four-day conference, participants effectively shared knowledge and experiences on how the use
of ICTs promotes business, education, public service delivery, healthcare, agriculture, and research.
The conference set the premises for the acceleration of
efforts by ICT experts and sub-Saharan African governments to lay down concrete actions aimed at introducing
ICT technology and equipment in every sector of community life so as to finally bridge the narrowing digital divide
separating Africa from developed countries.
The Conference was organised by the International
Center for Information Technology and Development (ICITD) based in Louisiana, USA in collaboration
with ADCOME Cameroon. These organizers were supported by a number of other US-based partners including
the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National
Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), the
Louisiana Board of Regents and other Cameroonbased partners like ANTIC and AIESEC.
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
T
he Opening Ceremony was marked by keynote
addresses from representatives of the US Embassy in Yaounde, the Cameroonian Government
and the organizers.
The Deputy Chief of Missions at the U.S. Embassy,
Stephen Fox affirmed that Cameroon is a promising
destination for every industry or company dealing in
ICTs, but he urged the conference organizers to think of
how ICTs could be used to strengthen the fight against
corruption and create a more favourable climate for foreign investment.
On his part, the representative of the Minister of Posts
and Telecommunications, Mr. Edouard Ebah Abada iterated Cameroon’s firm commitment to promote the use
of ICTs in Cameroon. “The Government of Cameroon is highly
engaged in promoting the use of ICTs as well as the development of ICT
infrastructures in Cameroon. Infact, the sector strategy document of the
Telecommunication and ICT domain attaches a lot of importance not
only to the development of ICT infrastructures but also the integration
of ICTs in the educational system. In this regard, the document earmarks the creation of an interuniversity telecommunications network as
well as the interconnection of primary and secondary schools, through a
high-speed optical fibre national backbone...this falls in line with the
national vision of universal access to the Internet by the Cameroonian
people, as stated by the Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya,” he
said.
The lunch that followed was spiced with keynote addresses from ICITD’s Director, Professor Victor
Mbarika and Auburn University’s Professor Terry
Bryd. Both speakers justified why Africa needs the ICT to
speed up its socio-economic and political development.
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
T
he ICT for Africa Conference hosted a Doctoral Consortium that was an international workshop for PH.D
students working in the area of ICTs and development related to Africa.
It was co-chaired by Professor Adekunle Okunoye from
the Xavier University (USA) and Professor Enoh Tanjong
from the University of Buea (Cameroon).
The Doctoral Consortium offered PH.D. students the opportunity to present, discuss, and receive constructive and
critical feedback on their research in an interdisciplinary and
international setup. It was marked by a keynote address
from Professor Joseph Tan.
Beyond the presentations, the Doctoral Consortium offered
students the opportunity to meet with experienced scholars
and professionals in the domain of ICTs. From the questions
that the students asked and research challenges explained,
there were indicators that the Consortium was intellectually
enriching for the participants.
T
he ICT For Africa Conference was successful in bringing together
some of the most productive researchers in the domain of ICTs.
Prior to the Conference, more than 50 papers were received and
peer-reviewed. During the Conference, more than 20 approved
papers were presented in several sessions.
Papers presented dwelled on ICT and Business; ICT and Education; ICT
and the Public Sector; ICT and Healthcare; ICT and Society; and ICT
and Development.
The speakers proved, from different angles, that the penetration of ICTs
in all domains of life will speed up development and improve on livelihoods in Africa.
The panellists and chairs included: Dr Ebote (Director of ANTIC Cameroon), Professor Vincent P.K. Titanji (Vice Chancellor, University of
Buea), Professor Sammy Beban Chumbow (Dept of Linguistics, University of Yaounde I), Professor Terry Bryd (Auburn University), Dr. Lind
Bryd (Auburn University), Professor Michael Best (Georgia Institute of
Technology), Dr. Carlos Thomas (College of Business, Southern University), Mr. Roland Kwemain (Executive Director, ADCOME Cameroon),
Professor Mohammadou Kah (American University of Nigeria), Dr. Richard Boateng (ICITD, Southern University), Professor Adekunle Okunoye
(Xavier University, USA), Dr Abiodun Bada (George Washington University, USA), Dr. Felix A. Bollou (American University of Nigeria), Dr. Patience Akpan-Obong (Arizona State University, USA), Prof. Anele
Nwokoma (American University of Nigeria) Dr. Mathias Fonkam
(American University of Nigeria.
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
T
he ICT experts furthered exchanged information during
different Panel Discussions that were held during the Conference.
Most remarkably, was the presentation on Telemedicine
and the Multimedia, in which panellists explained the possibilities for integrating ICTs in solving complex health problems in
Africa with patient and doctors at different sites.
From simple text messaging between doctor and patient in managing hypertension, to effective
interactive surgical interventions,
Telemedicine could limit expensive evacuations of patients to
developed countries for treatment.
T
he ICT For Africa Conference was
crowned with a VIP Summit, in
which the participants and eminent scholars, as well as ICT experts, discussed the way forward and the
stakes for ICT implementation and Development in Africa.
The participants were satisfied at the end
of the Conference to have enriched their
experiences on ICT promotion in Africa.
O
ne of the highlights of the ICT For Africa Conference
in Yaounde was the signing of a Memorandum between the University of Buea (UB) and ICITD.
The partnership agreement includes an exchange
programme and collaboration to help UB doctoral students and
lecturers tap from ICT wealth and
knowledge of Western universities,
which would enable them produce
and transport knowledge to develop their country.
Outlining expectations, Professor
Mbarika called on research students in UB to develop research
proposals that address local realities.
Educating Africa
on the Benefits of
Information and
Communication
Technologies
Professor Mbarika Victor. Welcome once more to the pages of the
SUCCESS STORY E-MAGAZINE. For the sake of our new
readers, could you tell us who you are?
Wow... difficult question. I would rather someone else answer that about
me. However, I am a child of God who believes ALL knowledge stems
from Him and he is Lord of the sciences and technology.
Professionally, I am a Professor of Information Technology and a lover
of research in the domain. I am also a Visiting Professor as well as an
external examination member for several African universities including
Makerere University, University of Mauritius, University of Cape Town and more
recently, the University of Buea. Further, I consult in the ICT arena with
companies and governments.
You are an Information Communication Technology (ICT) crusader
in the Third World. How do you define Information and Communication Technology and how is it different, similar, or synonymous to
Informatics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence?
ICTs include all the above with the difference being the level of technological complexities. For instance, I can run a telemedicine modality
whereby I use just text messaging - like we are doing with some colleagues at the Reference Hospital-Yaounde - or using robotics whereby
the robot is in a different location from the main person operating it.
Again, both are ICTs but with different levels of complexity. In the case
of Africa, we continue to advocate keeping things as simple as possible.
It is wrong to want to adopt the same technologies as Europe and the
U.S. These are regions with totally different socio-economic and cultural
settings from those of most African countries.
From December 19th to 21st 2008, you organised the ICT FOR AFRICA 2008 Conference in Yaounde. What was the purpose of this
Conference and why Yaounde?
The main purpose of the conference was to bring together ICT intellectuals from all around the world (including Cameroon) to brainstorm on
best practices for transfer and adoption of ICTs within the African context. For example, how can a “bayam sellam” use ICTs to promote her
business? Or how can a subsistence farmer use ICTs to obtain crop/
fertilizer information? It was all about moving the ICT focus beyond the
urban areas to help the less advantaged in our rural societies in Africa.
Could you give us some of the highlights of that Conference as well
as the most important outcomes?
During the Conference, a number of new ideas on the opportunities and
challenges of using ICT in education, business, healthcare and development in Africa were shared. Recommendations and
solutions from the VIP summit had a key emphasis
on education and policy implementation. More im-
10
“I can predict that in about 10 years
we will see a growing trend of
software development outsourced
from the ‘West’ to Africa.”
portantly, partnerships between American and Cameroonian educational institutions were established during the conference to support
doctoral research in Africa. With peer-reviewed paper presentations, a
panel session on telemedicine, a VIP Summit, and networking during
lunch and dinner events, the 2008 ICT for Africa conference was an
unforgettable educational and practice-oriented event.
The most visible outcomes were:
First, the International Center for Information Technology (ICITD)
signed a memorandum with the University of Buea to support doctoral research in the University of Buea.
Second, to extend support given to the Doctoral Consortium participants at the Conference, an online/electronic resource portal will be
developed to support research students in Africa.
This will also be a platform for resources on ICT research in Africa as
explained at www.ictforafrica.org/eresources . The platform is managed by
Dr. Richard Boateng and inquiries can be made through email eresources@ictforafrica.org.
Third, a number of selected papers from Conference proceedings are
to be published into a book and a special issue of the African Journal of
Information Systems. The lead editor of the book is Dr. Patience AkpanObong. If you visit www.ictforafrica.org - and click on Book Publication
you will get more information. The Lead editor of the special issue of
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
“I am also a
Visiting Professor as well as
external examination member
for several African
universities including Makerere
University, University of
Mauritius, University of
Cape Town and more recently,
the University of Buea.”
AJIS is Prof. Victor Mbarika.
Fourth, from policy to practice: the Conference Chairs will support ADCOME to seek ways of developing projects from ANTIC’s policy document.
The next ICT Africa conference will be held in Cameroon in 2009 at a
venue and time to be announced. We will inviting interested persons to the
conference website – www.ictforafrica.org – for updates or to sign up to our
mailing list by clicking on the "Subscribe Now" icon on the left menu bar.
When you look at the boom in some domains of ICT and the corresponding lack of resources to promote the sector, how could ICT play
a critical role in improving the socio-economic and governance performances of developing nations in general and states south of the
Sahara most particularly?
First, it is essential to keep it simple. Do not rush to “latest” technologies
all the time. The technology does not do the work for you. You make it
happen using technology as an “enabler” and not as “the solution.” There
is a lot yet to be done with the technologies we have in Africa. Let’s start
from there and move onto the newer ones in due time.
Unlike other domains, there has been very little production of theory
on ICT in Sub-Saharan African countries. What accounts for this lack
of interest from ICT researchers and promoters?
One of the biggest hindrances all across Africa is that research is encouraged, but not rewarded. Hence, it is just a matter of words with no action
to encourage university faculty to perform theory-based research, which
requires resources. For example, I was talking with two doctoral students
from University of Yaounde II (Soa) who lamented not having reliable
Internet access on campus to conduct research. Today, such researchers
need Internet access to get research materials such as online journals much
needed to build “theory.” I do not want to join the complaining line;
hence, I am working out some opportunities to help in this domain, mainly
with students and professors collaborating with my research team. That is
a start; we hope to extend this all across campuses as we acquire the muchneeded funding. I have the faith it will happen.
As an expert in ICT, you know much about the growth of the Silicon
Valley in the U.S. and Bangalore in India as major ICT nerve centers.
When should we expect to see the growth of some towns or cities as
ICT strongholds, south of the Sahara?
I can predict that in about 10 years we will see a growing trend of software
development outsourced from the “West” to Africa, hence being an impetus to an African ‘Silicon Valley’ (though very limited). You must, however, see a major obstacle being that of piracy in Africa. People are so used
to piracy that it might seriously discourage local software developers from
making the kind of income they deserve for their talents.
You have lots of experience working with several African countries.
Which of these African countries has so far been successful in showcasing best practices in the transfer, adoption, and use of ICTs to foster socio-economic and political development?
I must say Uganda; there are several cases of rural ICT adoption in that
country. Ghana is also making strides in ICTs with a slowly growing software development sector.
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
How much emphasis do you place on the use of ICTs to
strengthen the empowerment of Women?
I have researched and published several articles in this domain.
There is great promise in empowering women through ICTs. By
the way, women manage a large percentage of cybercafés all across
Africa. Why leave out such a major demographic if one is serious
about change?
“There is great promise in
empowering women through ICTs.”
You have been writing so many projects on ICT development
in Sub-Saharan states. Could you name a few that have been
funded?
Some of my funded projects follow:
- Information technology transfer to developing countries: an e-medicine model
for Sub-Saharan Africa;
- Using Louisiana’s supercomputer optical network (LONI) to optimize development, delivery and assessment of multimedia instructional technologies: implications for improving higher order decision-making skills;
- Optimizing development, delivery and assessment of multimedia instructional
technologies for e-business training: a multi-institutional study;
- Determinants of social networks: ICT inhibitor and facilitator factors for
youth groups in developing economies; and
- Adapting multimedia instructional materials to communicate engineering and
information technology issues to business students
What similarities and differences could exist in the telecommunications stakeholders’ perspectives of specific strategies used
to address teledensity limitations in Latin America as well as
Sub-Saharan Africa?
The results of a study in this regard revealed that while there was
great similarity in perspectives of strategies for overcoming organizational obstacles to teledensity growth, this was not the case for
financial and geographical obstacles. This is an indication that one
-size strategy may not fit all regions of the world. Rather, strategic
response to teledensity obstacles is more specific to the contexts
and unique problems that define each different global region.
However, there seems to be an emerging, if not underlying commonality in how to respond most effectively to organizational teledensity growth obstacles. This may be a reflection of emerging
“best-practices” or standards as the various countries of the world
converge in their approaches to organizing and governing the telecommunications infrastructure. It is difficult to predict if the same
result will be forthcoming in the approaches for addressing the
financial, geographical, and perhaps also the technological obstacles. These obstacles are much more sensitive to local contexts
than is the organizational set of obstacles. They
are also much more complex. Therefore, responding to them effectively may still call for
11
“Cameroon
needs to
consider allowing dual
citizenships for
its citizens abroad.”
localized strategic approaches, even in the distant future.
In Cameroon, the mobile telecommunication industry is booming
alongside the Internet. Most secondary schools have computer
laboratories. Cyber Centers are on every street in the urban areas.
How do you see the future of ICT in Cameroon?
Hold on… I want us to look at Cameroon’s (as well as Africa’s) telecommunications progress with cautious optimism. Yes, the infrastructures are fast improving largely due to privatization. However, what is
the effect of this in the long run when almost all the companies buying
our telecommunications incumbents are foreign companies. The profits are going back to develop the “Western” world. Local investments
must be encouraged to keep long-term economic sustainability in our
nations. Many African countries still do not insist that these foreign
telecommunications companies reinvest in rural areas. Hence, we keep
developing mainly the urban telecoms…. That is pseudo-development.
Absolutely not sustainable in terms of the general populace.
Cameroon has so many of its sons and daughters abroad who have
gained international reputation in the domain of ICT. Besides you,
one could cite the achievements of Ernest Simo and Jacques Bonjawo. What do you think of these Cameroonians and when should
Cameroonians hope to see all of you come together in one ICT
scientific community and set a city in Cameroon on the path towards being the first African ‘Silicon Valley’?
I have the utmost respect for these very accomplished individuals. You
are very correct; we need to bring our efforts together to make greater
impact. The question is how do we begin to do so? It is easier said
than done; but it is my earnest wish. For one thing, Cameroon needs
to consider allowing dual citizenships for its citizens abroad. I am sure
you would agree with me that it is disheartening for a Cameroonian
with British Citizenship to request for a visa to enter his/her own
country of birth. While it may be easy to accuse some of us living
abroad as “sellouts,” it is extremely important to do something for
those that have a heart to do much for their country. Believe me, there
are many who want to. To build a ‘Silicon Valley,’ Cameroon needs all
the ICT and managerial talents we can put together. These little things
I have mentioned do matter in making this possible.
Professor, you have risen to prominence at a very young age. Who
do you give credit to for your success story and how could young
Cameroonians who see you as a role model follow your footsteps?
All glory to God. I am sure you know that is my answer. There is still
much I believe He will do for my beloved country, and I am very hopeful as I look at the future. I encourage many young Cameroonians who
come to me for mentoring to realize that success is not about being
smart. It is about trusting God as all and in all. He gives the tenacity
to succeed. However, never think you have succeeded; else you stop
moving forward. My dad (and hero) has always advised me never to
stop learning. He always says just learn it even if you do not know
where or how you would use that knowledge. I encourage young Cameroonians to take that advice. Finally, success comes with a lot of bitterly jealous individuals who will do all it takes to bring you down. Pray
for such individuals and MOVE ON. There are many whose job is sit
down, do nothing, and specialize as critics. Listen to them and take
what is constructive. Remember only the ripe mango on the tree attracts people to shoot it. If God is blessing you and you are moving
on, many will aim at you as that ripe mango. Again just MOVE ON!
And love them as Christ loved His enemies. I always remember this
advice from the American humorist and writer, Mark Twain (18351910), “Keep away from people who try to belittle your
ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great
make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
12
“I encourage many young
Cameroonians who come to me for
mentoring to realize that success is
not about being smart. It is about
trusting God as all and in all.”
The SUCCESS STORY E-MAGAZINE is a collective effort by
Cameroonians to promote excellence using ICT. How do you
appraise the impact that this online publication could have on mobilizing views and experiences for the development of Cameroon?
George, the editorial team of the Success Story E-Magazine is a gift to
Cameroon. Believe me, I have been thinking of what best ways to encourage your most respected publication; and believe me I am sure I
will figure out a way. I see this publication going well beyond Cameroon to impact other African countries. These countries face VERY
SIMILAR challenges as we do in Cameroon. Keep up the great work.
“...the editorial team of the
Success Story E-Magazine is a gift
to Cameroon.”
Professor, what is your last word to our readers?
You can do ALL THINGS through Christ!!!
You just spent a few days in Cameroon. Which favourite traditional meal did you catch up with?
Eru, Eru, Eru. That should be named the meal of the century.
Professor, thanks for talking to us.
I am most honored.
Interviewed by George Enow Mbella-Martin
“Keep away from people who
try to belittle your ambitions.
Small people always do that, but
the really great make you feel
that you, too, can
become great.” Mark Twain
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
Spreading
ICT Skills and
Equipment throughout
Cameroon
Welcome to the SUCCESS STORY E-MAGAZINE, Mr. Roland Kwemain. You are the Executive Director of ADCOME. Could we know
more about you?
I was born on April 4, 1971, and reside in Buea. Married to Marjolaine with
have two children, Patrice-William and Diana. I worked as Country Manager
of the former Air-Affaires Afrique, for Sao Tome, and Equatorial Guinea
before deciding to work and invest in Cameroon. I am the Founder and
Executive Director of ADCOME since 1999, an NGO that focuses in
bridging IT and Education.
ADCOME has been a leader in the field of ICTs in Cameroon. What
vision and values underlie the ADCOME initiative?
ADCOME’s vision is to create sustainable development in our communities. It has five main values: commitment, leadership, integrity, discipline,
and respect.
Cameroonians have embraced the use of Information and Communication Technologies in various domains. What are the visible benefits
of ICTs to the lives of Cameroonians?
ICT has a contribution in every domain of business in the world of today.
It provides individuals with variable opportunities, skill building, job creation and placements, information from variable sources and above all,
freedom to research and to communicate as a citizen wherever you find
yourself. It also allows people to access, analyze, create, exchange, and use
information and knowledge in ways that benefit not only the individuals,
but the communities.
"ICT has a contribution in every
domain of business in the world
today. It provides individuals with
variable opportunities, skill
building, job creation and placements, information from variable
sources and above all, freedom to
research and to communicate as a
citizen wherever you find yourself.
It also allows people to access, analyze, create, exchange, and use information and knowledge in ways
that benefit not only the
individuals but the communities.”
Why is it important to train youth and women in the use of ICTs?
I believe in change. Youths constitute the most important category in
our economy today and are the future leaders who need to be trained
on how to lead, become active citizens; be results-oriented and promote love for our fatherland. On the other hand, women are the
bread winners in our families, and thus constitute a major determinant
in addressing the problems faced in our country today. Equipping
them with ICT skills will keep them abreast with the current challenges faced by our leaders. They form part of our global economy
which has been neglected for a very long time. If the world rejects,
your family will always be there for you.
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
13
“The School Connectivity
Program conceives,
installs and manages
computer labs and
multimedia centers in
schools.”
“...30 multimedia centers in
secondary schools are
already operational
nationwide, within the
framework of the ADCOME/
MTN School
Connectivity Program.”
ADCOME is executing with success the School Connectivity Program. Which schools have benefited from this program and what
challenges has ADCOME faced?
The School Connectivity Program conceives, installs, and manages
computer labs and multimedia centers in schools. Here is a brief description on facts and figures of the SCP:
- ADCOME provides technical expertise for the rollout of the program (conception, installation, and management)
- At least 10 multimedia centers are installed per year under the framework of the ADCOME - MTN Cameroon partnership convention.
- 30 multimedia centers in secondary schools are already operational
nationwide within the framework of the ADCOME/MTN School
Connectivity Program.
- A total of 37 young professionals have been inducted and deployed
to deliver training in ICT to students and staff of the various schools.
- More than 50,000 students and 3,000 teachers are impacted through
the program.
- The Cameroon project was showcased as 2007 Best Case Practice
project within the MTN network in 21 countries in Africa and the
Middle East – Meeting of MTN Corporate Social Investment Managers, 24th – 26th April 2007, Cape Town , South Africa.
- Schools already connected and benefitting from the initiative include:
GBHS and GHS Limbe. GTHS and GTC, Kumba, College Libermann, Lycée
Bilingue de Foumban, GTHS and GHS, Buea. GBHS Tiko, Lycée de Matomb, Our Lady of Lourdes College Mankon, Lycée de New Bell
(Douala),Collège Polyvalent de Garoua, Collège de la Retraite (Yaounde), Lycée
Classique de Foumban, ENSPT (P&T), GBHS Ekondo Titi, GBHS Muyuka, GSS Ekona, St. Joseph’s College Sasse, St. Francis College Fiango,Bishop
Rogan College Small Soppo, Lycée Classique de Bangangte. Collège NKWIMY
(Douala), Lycee de Nyalla (Douala), ISMAM (Nkongsamba ), GHS Kake,
GHS Kombone, and many others.
14
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
“The Cameroon project was
showcased as 2007 Best Case
Practice project within the MTN
network in 21 Countries in Africa
and Middle East –during the
Meeting of MTN Corporate
Social Investment Managers,
April 24th - 26th 2007,
Cape Town, South Africa.”
ADCOME also runs a program to promote Rural Entrepreneurship
with ICTs. What is the impact of this program?
The ICT & Rural Entrepreneurship Program is an initiative developed by
ADCOME to train local governments, community-based organizations
and youths in rural communities on computer and information technologies. The program provides a wide rage opportunity to extend technology
skills and increase rural access, and also to solve the great challenge of
information diffusion amongst venerable groups within communities. The
impact with this program is greatly felt by women and farmers who
thought that using computers was meant for particular class of people.
With ADCOME’s initiative, they are grouped in similar and different
fields and trained on how to improve on their farming techniques and
how to look for suitable markets.
Cameroonians in Buea have been enrolling into ADCOME’s IT
Academy. What programs do you offer in this Academy and why is it
different from other IT academies?
ADCOME IT Academy offers certified training programs in Microsoft,
Comptia, Cisco, Maintenance and Repairs, Advanced Data Processing,
and Web Developments. ADCOME differentiates itself from other IT
centers in that, all students have computers connected to the Internet,
Qualified IT instructors, recognized by the Ministry of Employment and
Vocational Training, provides jobs for some students who gradate from
the school; provides internship opportunities to other big organizations
which are partners to ADCOME; and finally offers free language course
programs for the trainees.
About Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
“ADCOME IT Academy offers
certified training programs in
Microsoft, Comptia, Cisco,
Maintenance and Repairs,
Advanced Data Processing,
and Web Developments.”
Youth in Cameroon are facing so many problems in creating
better lives for themselves. How could the Youth Leadership and
Entrepreneurship (Y.L.E.) program help them?
The Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship program (Y.L.E) is
designed to solve some out standing leadership and entrepreneurship
problems faced by youth. The importance of the private sector and
free enterprise system can not be underestimated, thus the need for
knowledge development in practical Leadership and Entrepreneurial
skills. Under the Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship program,
we organise sensitisation forums to support the creative thinking and
later offer professional training and mentorship to young people, especially young graduates, on generating businesses and wealth creation. The awareness forums are organised mostly in collaboration
with higher institutions of learning and offer opportunities for public
participation. Young people get coaching support and mentorship on
their business ideas, including support schemes in areas like how to
apply for grants, scholarship, and also how to become the active citizens the African economies desire.
“A total of 37 young
professionals have been
inducted and deployed to
deliver trainings in ICT to
students and staff of the
various schools.”
“Under the Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship program, we organise sensitisation
forums to support the creative thinking and
later offer professional training and mentorship to young people, especially young graduates, on generating businesses and wealth
creation...Young people get coaching support
and mentorship on their business ideas,
including support schemes in areas like how
to apply for grants, scholarship, and also how
to become the active citizens the African
economies desire.”
“...we have been working
very well with these
partners both abroad
and in Cameroon.”
How does ADCOME work with its local and foreign partners?
Very cordially, each partner has a responsibility and we have been
working very well with these partners both abroad and in Cameroon.
“partnerships between American
and Cameroonian educational
institutions were established
during the ICT for Africa
Conference to support doctoral
research in Africa, which I find
very important in our
educational sector.”
Mr. Roland Kwemain, you put up a remarkable performance, as
Conference Co-Chair, at the recent IT For Africa 2008 Conference in Yaounde, alongside other great names like Professor Victor Mbarika. What were your contributions to the Conference and
what lessons did you get from there?
The emphasis on education and policy implementation were more
captivating and necessary for me. More importantly, partnerships
between American and Cameroonian educational institutions were
established during the ICT for Africa Conference to support doctoral
research in Africa, which I find very important for our educational
sector.
What benefits did ADCOME draw from its participation at
PROMOTE 2008?
ADCOME seeks avenues for an inclusive approach for delivering our
services to communities through communicating and engaging potential partners and key stakeholders within our deferent programs. During PROMOTE 2008, brochures, flyers, and other gadgets were distributed to more 2000 people, notably the youth who were interested
in entrepreneurship trainings and also on how to write business plans
as well as gaining a government grant. We also had some potential
partners whom we can trust. It was a good opportunity for ADCOME.
How do you see the future of ICTs in Cameroon?
Very bright.
Thanks Mr. Roland Kwemain for talking to the SUCCESS
STORY E-MAGAZINE.
Thank you for approaching ADCOME with the E-Magazine.
Interviewed by Nkeng David
“During PROMOTE 2008, brochures, flyers,
and other gadgets were distributed more than
2,000 people, notably the youth who were
interested in entrepreneurship trainings and
also on how to write business plans as well as
gaining a government grant.”
“Technological
innovation is
the only road
to sustainable
development.
st
Africa in the 21
Century must
embrace this
paradigm shift if it
seeks to get out of
the cycle of
illiteracy and
poverty,”
Jacques Bonjawo
February 4, 2006
Harvard Graduate School
of Education
L
ike most growing cities in Cameroon, the seaside industrial city of Limbe
has also witnessed a rise in the use of information and communication
technologies in offices, businesses, homes, telephone booths, and cybercafés. The impact has been the creation of thousands of new jobs for
the great number of unemployed youth and women who have bothered to gain
computer skills.
Recognising the growing importance of ICTs in empowering city dwellers, the
Limbe City Council created the Limbe City Council Computer Training Center
two-and-a-half years ago, to offer special computer training to youth and
women so as to give them an added advantage in the highly competitive job
market.
The Center also runs a special training session for holiday makers such as pupils and students to complement the initiation training that they receive in their
respective schools.
Conceived as social weapon against poverty and unemployment, the Center
offers training at unbeatable prices. For example, the Center offers low payment rate of 5,000 FRS per month per student and 2,500 FRS per holiday student.
The Center is a challenging place where you meet people with various capacities of understanding guided by two dedicated trainers who teach different application and operation system software programs. The proximity between the
trainers and the trainees ensures that each person goes home satisfied with
the knowledge gained daily.
Testimonies from former trainees spread in the neighborhoods, leading to the
rush of more city dwellers to the Center for training.
With more jobs offered by more companies implanting in Limbe, the Limbe City
Council Training Center ensures that more youth are employed and the population as a whole is prepared to fight computer illiteracy and bravely face the
challenges of the Computer Age in this 21st Century.
By Emma Yoyo Ngale
T
K Foundation was begun in December 2005 in Newtown, Limbe by Mme. Tecla SuhNeba, as a
women’s association that will intensify attention towards vulnerable women in Cameroon by
addressing their most pressing development needs and risk mitigation in the face of a modern
patriarchal society. In collaboration with a group of like-minded young women they began
with the promotion of computer literacy and ICT training programs for women working or owning
small business enterprises and school dropouts.
As the organization became more exposed to the multiple challenges facing women in society, other
programs such as Women’s Human Rights , Economic Empowerment and Sexual Reproductive Health
as well as Political Participation were introduced and became key aspects of the Foundation’s development intervention. Today, the Foundation has put in place an Organizational Secretariat, a Center
for second chance education (Center for Professional Studies), an Ultra modern Internet facility
and various program units to cater to the present needs of underprivileged women in society.
The Foundation runs its activities under the tutelage of three outstanding women and youth-focused
projects: The Center for Professional Studies (CEPS), the TK Multi – Media Center, and the TK Foundation Documentation Center. Under these projects the Foundation carries out the following knowledge sharing and exchange programs: Computer Literacy and ICT awareness amongst the women and youths in Cameroon;
training of unemployed graduates and undergraduates, school drop outs, and women on business skills to facilitate self employment, welfare
enhancement and social integration; mutual understanding and knowledge enhancement on HIV/AIDS, STDs, Family Formation, and
Adolescence Reproductive Health amongst women and young people in churches, organizations, educational institutions etc; Vocational and
Professional Training (VPT) Courses for School dropouts and graduates/undergraduates who seek marketable professional skill training;
collaboration with government line agencies on specific development issues and project targeting women, Youth at risk and people with disabilities; and women’s right advocacy training seminars/workshops.
The main goal of TK Computer and Linguistic Foundation (TK Foundation) through its activities, is to
create active and empowered women and youth citizenry in society. An individual who understands
his rights, is capable of contributing in the development of society and posterity in a way that is sustainable and enriching. As a way of giving back to society, the Foundation has put in place a Scholarship Fund, which provides awards in kind to outstanding young girls in secondary and high schools
and equally provides partial or full scholarship to society’s underprivileged women and school dropouts who are motivated to learn but can not afford the finances to study on their own. We give them
the chance to enroll for the full duration of a particular course program at the Center for Professional
Studies (CEPS).
In the past the Foundation has organized the following events:
ICT Workshops for Primary and Secondary Schools; Adult Computer literacy Training Workshops; Hardware Maintenance Trainings;
Courses on Secretariat Duties; Short Courses on Accounting, Management and Marketing; Organized Radio Program on Gender and
Societal Issues and organized Youth Empowerment Workshops
So far the foundation has been moving on, but has not been having it easy, since it has been generating its funds mainly from income generating projects. The National Employment Fund has been our
lone funder, as it has been sending trainees to the Center on Scholarship. Interested persons who
may benefit from or be of assistance to the Foundation can contact us at: TK Foundation Cameroon,
Ground Floor, Petit Papa Building, Limbe, Fako, South West Province, P.O. Box 1232 Limbe, Office Tel : (+237) 33
33 31 75, Fax : (+237) 33 33 31 75, Mobile : (+237) 77 69 62 84, Email: tkclfoundation@yahoo.com, tkcomputefoundation!yahoo.com,
ICT Legends
Africa’s
Outstanding Talent
in the Silicon Valley
J
acques Bonjawo is one of Africa’s most outstanding
and ambitious ICT professionals based in the USA. He
is currently the chairman and chief strategist of
GENESIS Futuristic Technologies Inc, after a brilliant and remarkable career at the software giant Microsoft
where he served as senior program manager for MSN.com
and later as senior manager of Microsoft’s IT Academy which
was launched in 2004 to cover 46 African States.
His concern for Africa’s digital maturity is remarkable. He
participated in the organisation of Bill Gates’ first journey
to Africa in 2003 and was present in President Abdoulaye
Wade’s delegation to the World Economic Summit that was
held at Davos, Switzerland, in 2004.
Jacques Bonjawo has since become a respected voice in
matters pertaining to Africa’s sustainable development
through the progressive transfer and adoption of information
and communication technology.
Born on December 30, 1960, in Yaounde, Jacques Bonjawo
traveled to France after completing his high school education
in Cameroon. Graduating later from ESIP in France with an
engineering degree in Computer Science, he opted to work
for Philips in the Netherlands. Attracted by the booming
software development industry in the USA, Jacques Bonjawo
left for Washington D.C. in Autumn 1989 and immediately
secured employment at Nalu Technologies Inc, a software
development company based in Washington. He dedicated his
talent and hardwork to the company while studying for an MBA
in Finance and Investments at the George Washington University. He later moved to the international consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers in Fairfax, Virginia to serve as the chief of
the IT Project. He also worked with Coopers & Lybrand in Arlington, Virginia. His performance attracted the attention of Microsoft which invited him over to its headquarters in Redmond,
Washington in 1997. Put at the head of Microsoft’s internet service MSN.com, Jacques Bonjawo was the first African to occupy
a managerial position in Microsoft’s head office. He was 37 years
old.
Jacques Bonjawo became famous in Africa for his belief that new
technologies of information and communication offered new opportunities to African youth by facilitating access to knowledge.
He took stands on technology at the service of education in Africa. He was called by the World Bank to help develop the Virtual University of Africa (www.avu.org) which he headed as
Pioneer Chairman and Director in 2002.
Jacques Bonjawo left Microsoft on July 3 2006 to join GENESIS
Futuristic Technologies Inc. as chairman and chief strategist.
He listens to Jazz Music and flies for leisure.
J
acques Bonjawo is a celebrated speaker at Conferences on issues related to
Africa’s development and information technology. During most conferences
he has affirmed his belief in Africa’s capacity to develop thanks to technology, much like India.
On February 4, 2006, Jacques Bonjawo gave a lecture about Education, Technology
and Sustainable Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
“Technological innovation is the only road to sustainable development. Africa in the 21st Century must embrace this paradigm shift if it seeks to get out of the
cycle of illiteracy and poverty,” he said. Jacques Bonjawo has published several books and participates in several reviews. He is a
member of Washington-based National Economists’ Club and the National Press Club, among others.
J
GENESIS
FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGIES Inc.
acques Bonjawo is chairman and chief strategist of Genesis Futuristic Technologies, Inc., where he leads a young and dynamic team dedicated to providing services oriented towards
addressing the total IT needs of an organisation.
Genesis Futuristic Technologies, Inc. is a professional
organisation dealing in providing highly customized software solutions for Industries and Management organisations. See www.genesis-in.com
ICT Legends
I
n 1969, the world listened and received the news of
man’s first landing on the moon with surprise and disbelief. The Apollo 11 mission ushered in a new era of man’s
discovery of the unknown through technology.
In Cameroon, very few yet understood the impact that this
major event was going to have on mankind’s development.
Yet, in a high school called LYCEE LECLERC in Yaounde, a
young student was so fascinated that he made the irreversible
decision to break into technology and if possible make it to
space. In Cameroon, nothing is impossible.
Ernest Simo, as he then was, made it brilliantly through his
Baccalaureate in 1974 with high scores in mathematics and
obtained a British Council Scholarship to study engineering
in Great Britain. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical
Engineering in 1978 from the Polytechnic in Portsmouth and a
Master’s degree in Telecommunications from the University of
Essex in England in 1979.
He returned to Cameroon to serve as the Chief of Service of
Transmissions at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. In 1980, Ernest Simo returned to Britain because he was
the beneficiary of a British Defence Scholarship in the
AWRE (Atomic Weapon Research Establishment) branch. His
research work led to his Ph.D. in 1983.
NASA’s First
African-born
Astronaut Selection
Finalist
Noted by his professors as extraordinarily brilliant and
creative in research methodology, Dr. Ernest Simo’s research findings crossed the Atlantic in 1983 prompting an
invitation from the U.S.-based firm Hughes Network Systems to develop the VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminals) satellite communication systems. From 1983 to 1986,
Dr. Ernest Simo participated in the development of VSAT
technology, particularly in the first VSAT operating in KU
(12 and 14GHz) band. Infact, he demonstrated the very
first VSAT installation in the world in Memphis, Tennessee
for a Hughes’ client in the headquarters of the Federal Express in 1984.
Tireless and inspired, Dr. Ernest made another breakthrough from 1987 and 1991 when he participated in the
development of the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
which, in 1991, was adopted as the fundamental technology at the heart of the American cellular system and also
used in Latin America and Asia. Europe and Africa adopted
the GSM technology for their cellular systems.
Dr. Ernest Simo’s fame in Satellite Communication technology enabled him to serve as consultant for several institutions such as Motorola.
I
n 1991, Dr. Ernest Simo was recruited by the George
Washington University to deliver conferences on VSAT
technology. In that capacity and as a consultant, he has
delivered lectures and conferences around the world on
VSAT and CDMA technologies, especially in the USA, Latin
America, and Asia. Students of the Advanced School of Posts
and Telecommunications were privileged to listen to his lecture in 1999.
He also trained several engineers of private companies for the
U.S. Defense Departments and the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA).
As destiny would have it, in 1994, one of NASA’s directors invited Dr. Ernest Simo to submit his candidature for selection
of NASA Astronauts. His candidature benefited from the support of senior politicians like Senators Bob Kerry (Nebraska),
Ted Kennedy and John Kerry (Massachusetts) and Congressman Charles Rangel (New York) and William Jefferson
(Louisiana). Twice in 1994 and 1996, Dr. Ernest Simo reached
the finals of the NASA Astronauts’ selection program becoming
the first African to get there. His jury included space icons like
John Young who also walked on the Moon in the early 1970s.
Dr. Simo also had as co-finalists the Flight Commander Rick
Husband and the Pilot William Cool who commanded the space
shuttle COLUMBIA which was lost tragically in February, 2003.
While providing training through his Consulting Firm SPACE
2000, Dr. Ernest Simo has focused much attention recently on
Africa’s development. He believes that Africa is a continent
blessed by God but neglected by man.
In February, 2004, Dr. Simo was part of a delegation of US
businessmen led by Congressman William Jefferson that visited
Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Sao Tomé, and Equatorial Guinea.
On August 24, 2004, he was invited by the Whitaker Group to
give a thank you message on behalf of Africa at a dinner to
celebrate the prolongation of African Growth and Opportunities
Act (AGOA).
CDMA ONLINE
CDMAonline.com is a meeting and virtual working place for CDMA professionals from around the world. It was created by Dr. Ernest Simo and his
team of Space 2000 professionals, and designed to support and supplement
the live, instructor led, seminar training provided by Space 2000 since 1987
on a worldwide basis. Other members of the Space 2000 team include Mr.
Scott Baxter, Kristi Glinski, and Kathy Simo.
Since 1992, Dr. Simo has also trained more than 12,000 Telecommunications Executives, managers and Engineers in the United States and around
the world.
T
hirteen (13) students undertaking a degree in
“Tourism and Hotel Management” at cfa Stevenson’s Vocational Training Center and at the Pantheon IREST University in France, visited the division from December14th to 19th 2008.
During their stay in Buea, they enjoyed visiting Mount
Cameroon, some German colonial relics, and the French
Cultural Center (Alliance Franco Camerounaise).
In Limbe, they were received by the Director of Fako Tourism Board office, Eko Victor Mosoke on December 16th
2008. Mr. Eko gave a lecture on the development of the
tourism department (product, territory, method of production, management method, and so on) in Fako Division.
The visitors were later entertained with a photo presenta-
T
he Military Indomitable Lions of Cameroon won the Military African Nations’ Cup tournament on Saturday, December 13, 2008, in Kampala, Uganda by defeating Algeria after penalty shoot-outs that followed a 0-0 tie during
the encounter.
The victory consolidated the strength of Cameroon’s military men
in soccer after winning same tournament last year. Another
feather on the hat of head coach Jean Paul Akono.
The victory also qualified the military Lions for the next Military
World Cup Soccer tournament in Brazil.
tion of some tourist potentials of the Fako Division. Also, on the
schedule were visits to some colonial relics (The Alfred Saker
Monument and Bota Catholic Church) and the Limbe Botanic Gardens. Also included in the program were visits to the palm and
banana plantations of the Cameroon Development Corporation
(CDC), Seme New Beach, and the Lava terminal of March 1999 at
Bakingili before departure to Yaounde.
The raison d’être of the visit was to understand the different missions and activities of tourism actors and to exploit tourist resources in Fako. It should be noted; another batch of students of
cfa Stevenson visited Fako Division in 2007 and spent four days
in Limbe with the Fako Tourism Board Office.
By Eko Victor
www.fakotourism.com
U
nder the framework of the Partnership Agreement that links his
Foundation to the University of Yaounde II Soa, Cameroon’s goal
getter Eto’o Samuel Fils offered 50 scholarships worth 100.000
CFA Francs each to the 50 best students of this institution last
Christmas.
The Soccer hero saw this gesture as his support to excellence among his
peers in the academic milieu, a gesture that was also praised by the Rector
Jean Tabi Manga who hailed Eto’o Fils’ magnanimity.
T
he Yaounde City Council and its partners organised the
3rd Edition of the Yaounde Festival (Yà-fé) from December 22, 2008, to January 2, 2009, at the May 20 Boulevard. For two weeks, the Yaounde population visited the
mini trade fair stands as well as entertaining games for children.
Most entertaining during the Yà-fé Festival was the giant MTN
Musical Concerts that showcased more than 60 music entertainers.
Besides local entertainers, the crowds enjoyed watching the Nigerian duo P-Square and Cameroon’s music legend Richard
Bona.
Yà-fé is organised every years to provide entertainment in the
city of Yaounde during the end of year festive season.
CONGRATULATIONS
Success Story
E-Magazine
About Talented Cameroonians at Home and Abroad
Published by
The GLOBAL NETWORK FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE (GNGG)
« ...Promoting Best Practices... »
Reg. Nº 152/L/E32/084/2000
Country Office: First Floor, Petit Papa Building
Tel: (237) 99 10 40 23 / 77 53 66 82 P.O. Box 607 NewTown, Limbe
South West Province, Republic of Cameroon
www.successstorymagazine.info
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Mukete Tahle Itoe
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Executive Editor
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Tonge Brunhilda Ebai
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Nfinyo Mabu
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