AGP Executive Report

Digital Connectivity: MTN Cameroon and ITGStore won a CFA1.38bn contract to install Wi‑Fi and SD‑WAN at six World Bank-backed airports (Bafoussam, Douala, Garoua, Maroua, Ngaoundéré, Yaoundé), with a second CFA260.7m deal for charging stations. Health Tech & Immunisation: eHealth Africa says it helped vaccinate 23m children against polio and other diseases across 15 Nigerian states in the first half of 2026, using PlanFeld digital mapping and geospatial tracking plus renewable energy support. Health Startup Spotlight: Cameroonian healthtech Waspito won the $250,000 Grand LEAP Award at LEAP 2026, scaling an AI-enabled health service via WhatsApp and a Health Wallet for financing care. Energy & Logistics: SCDP plans a CFA11.65bn LPG logistics hub at Bonabéri depot in Douala, adding road/rail loading and new storage capacity. SME & Digitalisation: Cameroon and the EU discussed new SME support around finance, digitalisation and value chains, building on recent CFA37.16bn EU financing agreements. Border Tech: Nigeria and Benin customs launched CDES to track transit goods in real time at Seme-Krake. Policy & Research-to-Action: Central Africa think tanks met in Yaoundé under “From Evidence to Action,” pushing better policy uptake and bridging research with execution. Women’s Safety: Cameroon faces rising killings of women, with officials citing domestic and intimate-partner violence and warning many cases go unreported.

Digital Connectivity & Airports: MTN Cameroon and ITGStore win a CFA1.38bn contract to install wireless and SD-WAN networks at six Cameroon airports, supporting the PATNUC digital connectivity push. Health Tech & Innovation: Cameroonian healthtech startup Waspito takes the $250,000 Grand LEAP Award at LEAP 2026, scaling a platform linking patients, providers and payers, including an AI service via WhatsApp. Energy & LPG Logistics: SCDP plans a CFA11.65bn LPG logistics hub at Bonabéri depot in Douala, adding road/rail loading and new storage capacity to strengthen distribution inland. Public Health (Data-Driven): eHealth Africa says 23m children were vaccinated against polio and other diseases in Nigeria’s 15 northern states in the first half of 2026, using digital mapping and renewable energy. SME & EU Funding: Cameroon and the EU align on a new SME agenda focused on finance, digitalization and value chains, building on recent CFAF 37.16bn financing agreements. Gender-Based Violence Crisis: Cameroon faces rising fear and outrage as killings of women increase, with officials citing domestic and intimate-partner violence and warning underreporting. Trade Modernisation: NCS and Benin Customs launch the CDES system to track transit goods in real time at the Seme-Krake border post.

Energy & Infrastructure: Cameroon’s SCDP is set to invest CFA11.65 billion (incl. taxes) in an LPG logistics hub at Bonabéri, Douala, adding a new 1,000-ton storage sphere plus road/rail loading facilities to push gas distribution deeper into the country. Digital Health: eHealth Africa says it helped vaccinate over 23 million children against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases across 15 northern states in the first half of 2026, using digital mapping, geospatial tracking, lab support and renewable energy. Policy-to-Action Research: In Yaoundé, the Nkafu Policy Institute’s Central Africa Think Tank Forum urged a stronger research-to-policy pipeline, with calls for practical implementation and better uptake of evidence in governance. Leadership for Tech-Ready Governance: The Nkafu Policy Institute’s Emerging Leaders Programme wrapped in Yaoundé, pushing young leaders to turn training into community impact amid rapid technological change. Smart Cities & Urban Tech: Cameroon launched a national smart cities plan, signaling a push to modernize urban services with technology. Cross-Border Trade Tech: Nigeria and Cameroon assessed the Mfum-Ekok/Ekok-Mfum one-stop border post to cut delays and friction using trade modernisation and shared operational agreements. Fintech for Inclusion: JUMO and Standard Bank launched a Social Finance Framework to scale inclusive lending across African markets via JUMO’s tech platform. Digital Identity Infrastructure: A report highlights a shift toward funding the physical backbone for digital identity—data centers, fiber and power—pointing to a $75m Cybastion project in Douala. Regional Energy Cooperation: Egypt and Cameroon discussed cooperation in energy, water and SME development, with Egyptian partners invited to submit project proposals. Health Systems Capacity: eHealth Africa’s mid-year report also points to expanded last-mile vaccine delivery and stronger emergency preparedness across the region.

Digital Health & Vaccines: eHealth Africa says it reached 23 million children with polio and other vaccines across 205,000+ settlements in Nigeria in the first half of 2026, using its PlanFeld digital mapping tool to support 33,837 vaccination teams in 10 northern states and adding last-mile supply upgrades like Vaccine Direct Delivery plus solar power for primary health centres. Border Tech & Trade Facilitation: Nigeria and Cameroon launched the Mfum–Ekok Border Modernisation Initiative, starting with a joint assessment of the Ekok–Mfum One-Stop Border Post to cut bottlenecks, improve security, and speed up AfCFTA-linked trade. Policy-to-Action Push in Central Africa: In Yaoundé, the 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum urged stakeholders to close the research-action gap, with Nkafu Policy Institute leaders pointing to practical governance steps like stronger public health institutions. Cameroon–Egypt Partnerships: Cameroon and Egypt discussed energy, water, and SME opportunities, inviting proposals for projects spanning hydropower, solar, gas, and start-up support. Cameroon Digital Infrastructure: A report highlights a shift toward investing in the physical base of digital identity, including Cybastion’s $75M Cameroon plan for an AI-ready data centre in Douala and power infrastructure. Leadership & Youth Capacity: Nkafu’s Emerging Leaders Programme and Executive & Strategic Leadership Programme wrapped up in Yaoundé, pushing participants toward measurable community impact.

Policy-to-practice push: The 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum opened in Yaoundé, urging policymakers and researchers to close the research-action gap and turn studies into jobs, integration and measurable reforms. Youth skills & leadership: Nkafu Policy Institute wrapped its Emerging Leaders Programme in Yaoundé, calling 20 young Cameroonians to convert training into community impact, while the Gwags Scholars Program expands support beyond tuition toward employability and experience. Digital identity meets infrastructure: A new report argues Africa’s next digital identity boom depends less on biometrics and more on data centers, fiber and power—highlighting Cybastion’s $75m Cameroon build as a key signal. Smart cities for Cameroon: Government and UN-Habitat launched a national smart cities action plan to use digital tech and modern governance for resilient urban services. Border tech for trade: Nigeria and Cameroon began assessing the Ekok–Mfum One-Stop Border Post to cut delays and friction using technology-driven border management. Health systems tech: Nigeria’s vaccination drive hit 23m children, using digital mapping and solar-powered primary healthcare to cut fuel costs. Education under pressure: A global warning says attacks on education have pushed 93m children out of school, with incidents rising sharply. Local tech economy: Cameroon’s IT school bankruptcy in Brussels left 60 students out of pocket, raising concerns about foreign student recruitment and degree recognition.

Border Tech & Trade: Nigeria and Cameroon have started joint assessments for the Ekok–Mfum One-Stop Border Post, aiming to cut delays and use technology-driven border management to ease bottlenecks on the Mfum-Ekok corridor. Smart Cities Push: Cameroon officially launched its National Smart Cities Action Plan with UN-Habitat, targeting digital tools and modern governance to improve urban services and infrastructure. Mining & Investment: Aeternum is set to invest $10m for a controlling stake in American Renaissance Minerals, tied to securing a new mining permit for Cameroon’s Nkamouna cobalt-nickel-manganese project. Payments & Insurance Distribution: COVA and Maviance integrated auto insurance into Cameroon’s Smobilpay network, letting motorists buy/renew coverage and pay premiums through multiservice outlets. Aviation Growth: Ibom Air hit about five million passengers and added an Airbus A220-300A, with plans to expand routes including Douala, Libreville and Malabo. Policy Uptake for Research: Central African think tank leaders urged moving from “evidence to action,” pushing research institutions to shape decisions and measurable outcomes. Digital Skills & Youth: A teen advocate in Cameroon-backed youth digital literacy push highlights safer, more responsible online access for young people.

Smart Cities Push: Cameroon officially launched its National Smart Cities Action Plan with UN-Habitat, aiming to use digital tech and modern governance to improve urban services and resilience. Digital Infrastructure & AI: US firm Cybastion is proposing a $75m AI-ready data center in Douala with dedicated power generation, part of the Cameroon–US economic dialogue. Mining Investment: Aeternum targets control of Cameroon’s Nkamouna cobalt project, tying a conditional $10m investment to securing a new mining permit. Regional Trade Tech: Nigeria and Cameroon began a joint assessment of the Mfum–Ekok One-Stop Border Post to cut delays, boost security, and speed cross-border commerce. Health Capacity Building: Cameroon joins 50 senior nursing leaders from 27 countries in an international public health policy and management programme at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Insurance Payments: COVA and Maviance integrated auto insurance into Cameroon’s Smobilpay network, adding new premium payment channels via multiservice outlets. Tech for Youth: A teen advocate in Kenya pushes digital literacy and safer online use amid internet restrictions, with Cameroon included in TikTok’s youth safety council.

Cameroon-UK Trade Push: Cameroon’s Trade Ministry says it will send an economic mission to the UK in December 2026 to seek British financing, technology and industrial partnerships across energy, infrastructure, agriculture and agro-industry. Digital Payments in CEMAC: BEAC is rolling out interoperable payment upgrades, including a CEMAC QR system routed via GIMACPAY, aiming to boost financial inclusion across Cameroon and the wider bloc. AI Infrastructure for Cameroon: US firm Cybastion plans a $75m (CFA42.25bn) “sovereign” AI data centre in Douala with dedicated power generation, presented at the Cameroon-US Economic and Commercial Dialogue. Insurance Payments via Smobilpay: COVA and Maviance add auto insurance to Cameroon’s Smobilpay network, letting motorists buy/renew coverage and pay premiums through multiservice outlets. Airport Tech Rollout: ADC SA and ALO Technologies have retained 99 drivers for Taxi Go’s Douala and Yaoundé rollout, moving them into training ahead of November 2026 deployment. Leadership & Skills: Nkafu Policy Institute launches a Yaoundé Executive and Strategic Leadership Programme and an Emerging Leaders Program for young Cameroonians to turn ideas into measurable community impact.

Cameroon Digital Finance: BEAC is pushing interoperable payments across CEMAC, rolling out a CEMAC QR code system that lets customers pay across banks and mobile wallets via GIMACPAY—aimed at boosting regional financial inclusion. Cameroon Fintech Distribution: COVA and Maviance have added auto insurance payments to Smobilpay in Cameroon, giving motorists a new way to buy or renew coverage through multiservice outlets and Smobilpay agents. Cameroon AI Infrastructure: US firm Cybastion plans a $75m AI-ready “sovereign data center” in Douala with dedicated power generation, presented during the Cameroon–US Economic and Commercial Dialogue (details still limited). Cameroon Airport Tech Rollout: ADC SA and ALO Technologies have retained 99 drivers for Taxi Go at Douala and Yaoundé airports, moving into training ahead of the November 2026 launch. Leadership & Institutions (Cameroon): Nkafu Policy Institute opened the 2026 Executive and Strategic Leadership Programme in Yaoundé, challenging senior leaders to build organisations that deliver and survive leadership change. Cameroon Education Support: Ndiengso Elites of Yaounde celebrated nearly 250 top students with academic awards and back-to-school learning packages ahead of the 2026/2027 school year.

AI Capacity Building: Global South countries gathered in Beijing to push AI training, data and governance know-how, warning that without local capacity AI could deepen dependence. Digital Payments: BEAC is advancing interoperable CEMAC payments with a regional QR system routed via GIMACPAY, aiming for higher financial inclusion across Central Africa. Cameroon-US Tech Investment: Cybastion plans a $75m (CFA42.25bn) “sovereign” AI-ready data centre in Douala with dedicated power, though key specs and timelines remain undisclosed. Airport Tech Rollout: ADC SA and ALO Technologies have retained 99 drivers for Taxi Go in Douala and Yaoundé, moving them into training ahead of the November 2026 launch. Aviation Decarbonisation Study: Cameroon’s civil aviation authority begins a feasibility study for a national sustainable aviation fuel industry to meet ICAO targets like CORSIA. Human Rights & Conflict: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned that wars and rights violations are surging alongside rapid technological change, stressing prevention over emergency response. Security & Trade Disruption: Somali piracy is back off the Horn of Africa, with hijackings including a Cameroon-flagged vessel, linked to regional instability and shipping disruptions.

Digital Payments in CEMAC: BEAC is pushing interoperable payments across Central Africa, rolling out a CEMAC QR system that lets customers pay across banks and mobile wallets via GIMAC/GIMACPAY, aiming for 60% financial inclusion by 2029 and 75% by 2032. Airport Tech & Mobility: ADC SA and ALO Technologies have retained 99 drivers for Taxi Go at Douala and Yaoundé, with practical training starting mid-September ahead of a November 2026 rollout. Road Infrastructure Procurement: China First Highway Engineering Co. (CFHEC) has begun sourcing materials for the CFA43.8bn Edéa-Kribi road reconstruction, with tenders launched in China shortly after winning Lot 1. Cameroon Aviation Fuel Study: The Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) has kicked off a feasibility study for a national sustainable aviation fuel industry, including regulation and life-cycle assessment under ICAO’s CORSIA. Leadership & Skills: Nkafu Policy Institute’s Emerging Leaders Programme starts in Yaoundé with 20 young Cameroonians for three days of leadership and policy advocacy training. Cyber/AI Infrastructure (Cameroon): Cybastion backs Cameroon’s digital sovereignty with a $75M AI data center and power plant investment.

AI Talent & Jobs: A World Bank-backed warning argues Africa’s AI hiring pipeline could backfire if employers automate entry-level roles too fast, citing US payroll patterns where young workers in AI-exposed jobs were hired less. Digital Sovereignty (Cameroon): Cybastion commits $75M for AI-ready infrastructure in Douala, pairing a data center with a dedicated power plant to strengthen Cameroon’s secure digital ecosystem. Identity & Trust Infrastructure: Co-Develop and Caribou publish a practitioner guide for multistakeholder governance in digital public infrastructure, aiming to boost trust and adoption. Cameroon Aviation Decarbonisation: CCAA launches a feasibility study for a national sustainable aviation fuel industry, targeting local supply, jobs, and emissions cuts under CORSIA. Telecom Growth (MTN): MTN reports H1 2026 service revenue up 17.5% across African markets, with MTN Cameroon among growth drivers. Security & Drugs (Nigeria): NDLEA warns of Mexican-linked cartel networks setting up meth labs in Ogun/Oyo forests. Wildlife Conservation (NCF): NCF urges urgent action against illegal vulture parts trade, warning of extinction risk and calling for stronger enforcement. Regional Aviation Expansion (Nigeria): Ibom Air adds an Airbus A220-300, pushing fleet to 10 and planning more domestic and regional routes including Douala.

AfDB Leadership & Delivery: After a year in office, AfDB chief Sidi Ould Tah is reshaping how the bank raises money and prepares projects, but the real test is turning strategy into results amid Africa’s huge financing gaps. Green Aviation Fuel Study (Cameroon): Cameroon’s Civil Aviation Authority has kicked off a feasibility study to assess resources, technologies and conditions for a national sustainable aviation fuel industry, aiming to cut emissions and help airlines meet CORSIA requirements. Digital Sovereignty Investment (Cameroon): Cybastion pledges $75M for AI-ready digital infrastructure in Douala, including a data center and dedicated power plant, as part of a broader push for secure, resilient digital ecosystems. Identity & Trust Governance: Co-Develop and Caribou release a practitioner guide for multistakeholder governance in digital public infrastructure, focusing on building trust and adoption for national digital ID and data-sharing systems. Cameroon Research Network: Central African academics launch a regional research network in Yaounde to strengthen collaboration against organized crime and armed violence, anchored by a Central African Observatory. Sickle Cell Supply Chain: WHO-backed efforts are pushing African drugmakers to link local pharmaceutical production to sickle cell care, with hydroxyurea and child-friendly formulations in focus. Sports Tech Angle (VAR Debate): Cesar Peixoto again laments the lack of VAR in the Championship after a handball controversy, arguing it would improve fairness in officiating.

Digital Sovereignty & AI Infrastructure: Cybastion pledged $75M for AI-ready digital infrastructure in Douala, including a data center and dedicated power plant, as Cameroon pushes toward secure, resilient tech ecosystems. Higher Education Connectivity: CAMTEL signed a framework deal with ANIPES to provide broadband, campus interconnection, and sovereign data-hosting for private universities—aimed at improving online learning and research access. Cybersecurity & AI Research: Cameroon hosted the launch of a regional academic network in Yaounde to tackle organized crime and armed violence, anchored by a Central African Observatory on Organized Crime and Violence. Mining Policy & Investment Climate: A Yaounde forum assessed Cameroon’s Mining Code three years on, spotlighting legal and operational fixes to attract investment and strengthen US-Cameroon cooperation. Energy & Infrastructure Studies: Cameroon advanced the Mbakaou hydro-solar project with CFA1.45B in detailed studies, signaling continued momentum in power generation planning. Tech Skills for Youth: Yaounde International Business School students showcased business plans spanning agriculture, fish farming, technology, and engineering, including software ideas to tackle local service challenges.

Digital Sovereignty in Cameroon: Cybastion commits $75M to build AI-ready digital infrastructure in Douala, including a data center and dedicated power plant, as part of a broader push for secure, resilient digital ecosystems. Higher Education Connectivity: CAMTEL signs a framework with ANIPES to provide broadband, campus interconnection and sovereign data-hosting for private universities—aimed at improving access to online learning and research tools. Identity & Trust Tech (Global, with local relevance): Co-Develop and Caribou publish a practitioner guide for multistakeholder governance in Digital Public Infrastructure, focusing on building trust and adoption for systems like digital IDs and data-sharing. Cybersecurity & AI Lab: Cameroon moves to create its first laboratory dedicated to cybersecurity and AI, strengthening local capacity for emerging threats. Digital Payments & Verification: Socure integrates Aeropay into RiskOS, linking identity verification with bank account connection and payment risk decisions in one flow. Health & Research (Regional): Central African academics launch a Yaounde network to combat organized crime and armed violence, anchored by a Central African Observatory.

Digital Sovereignty Investment: Cybastion pledges $75M for an AI-ready Douala data center plus a dedicated power plant, reinforcing Cameroon’s push for secure digital infrastructure. Public Digital Infrastructure Governance: Co-Develop and Caribou publish a practitioner guide on multistakeholder governance for DPI rollouts, aiming to boost trust and adoption for national digital ID, payments, and data-sharing. Identity & Payments Interop: Socure integrates Aeropay into RiskOS, linking identity verification to bank account connection and payment risk decisions in one flow. Connectivity for Education: CAMTEL signs a framework deal with ANIPES to provide broadband, campus interconnection, and sovereign data-hosting for private higher education institutions. Cybersecurity & Digital ID Context: Madagascar advances its national digital ID with new cybercrime legislation and a Digital Protection and Investigation Unit, while Sri Lanka prepares phased production digital IDs (SL-UDI). Energy Project Studies: Cameroon’s EDC moves Mbakaou hydro-solar into detailed studies, budgeting CFA1.45B for geological and design work. Mobility Safety Tech: Yango reports a 38% drop in reckless driving incidents across Africa, citing updated driving analytics, speed controls, privacy tech, and 24/7 emergency support—plus Cameroon driver wellbeing events. Regional Research Collaboration: Central African academics launch a network in Yaounde to tackle organized crime and armed violence through a regional observatory.