CEPI, Free Tech Institute Explore Pathways to Boost Tech Sector in Cameroon, Burundi

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, PAV – The Cameroon Economic Policy Institute (CEPI), in partnership with the Free Tech Institute, have examined the opportunities and challenges confronting the technology sectors in Cameroon and Burundi with a focus on identifying policy reforms and practical measures capable of strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation in the two countries.

The webinar, which brought together technology experts, entrepreneurs, researchers and students, was held on February 27 and was under the theme “Stimulating the Tech Sector in Burundi and Cameroon: Opportunities, Challenges and Prospects.”

Haiwang Djamo, Research Analyst and National Coordinator at CEPI, who moderated the session, said technology has become increasingly important to economic competitiveness, job creation and inclusion.

He, however, noted that the potential of the technology sector in Cameroon and Burundi remains largely untapped because of structural challenges, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited access to financing and weaknesses in policy frameworks.

The panel brought together Barakana Guy, Co-founder and Director of Operations at the Free Tech Institute; Advaxe Ndayisenga, Co-founder and Chief Information Officer at the Free Tech Institute; and Henri Kouam, Founder and Executive Director of CEPI.

Policy and regulatory gaps

A major focus of the discussion was the policy and regulatory environment governing the technology sector. Panellists highlighted weak coordination of digital policies, limited legal frameworks for innovation and insufficient participation of young entrepreneurs in policy-making processes as some of the challenges slowing technological development.

In Cameroon, they observed that although several digital regulations are already in place, implementation and policy monitoring remain major concerns. Burundi, meanwhile, faces the additional challenge of developing a comprehensive institutional and legal framework for its emerging technology ecosystem.

According to the experts, stronger collaboration between governments, technology companies, entrepreneurs and civil society organisations will be necessary to create an environment where innovation can thrive.

The panel also examined the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly the emerging digital trade framework. Experts argued that digital trade could open new markets for African businesses by facilitating cross-border e-commerce, promoting regulatory harmonisation and encouraging innovation-driven trade.

They stressed that Cameroon and Burundi must strengthen their digital ecosystems if they are to take full advantage of these continental opportunities. The discussion further highlighted the importance of supporting startups and young entrepreneurs who are increasingly developing technology-based solutions to local challenges.

Financing and infrastructure remain major obstacles.

Despite the growing number of technology hubs, entrepreneurs and digital initiatives in both countries, access to financing remains a major obstacle. Panellists said many startups struggle to secure investment because of limited understanding of digital businesses among investors and inadequate support structures.

The absence of sufficient incubation, mentorship and business development opportunities was also identified as a challenge. Infrastructure emerged as another critical concern, particularly unreliable electricity and limited internet connectivity, which can significantly increase the cost of developing and operating technology businesses.

The webinar also explored the growth of financial technology and mobile money services in Cameroon and Burundi. While mobile money has expanded access to financial services, panellists argued that greater efforts are needed to transform widespread digital adoption into locally developed and scalable businesses.

They encouraged policymakers and stakeholders to create conditions that would enable entrepreneurs to build sustainable digital products and services around existing technological demand.

The issue of informality in the digital economy was also discussed. Rather than relying exclusively on restrictive measures, experts advocated progressive approaches to formalisation, including simpler registration procedures, incentives for startups and improved digital literacy.

The webinar ended with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants raised fears about policy reforms, startup financing and the role of public-private partnerships in developing the technology sector.

For Cameroon and Burundi, the technology sector holds significant potential for economic transformation, but unlocking that potential will require more than technological talent. It will require stronger infrastructure, accessible financing, supportive policies and greater opportunities for young entrepreneurs to participate in shaping the digital economies of their countries.