In the Case Studies section:
Success/Failure Case Study No.9
The Cameroon Government Web Portal
Case Study Author
Kenhago Tazo Olivier (okenhago@yahoo.fr)
Application
The Cameroon government portal is a Web-based mechanism for publishing to, and interacting with, Cameroon citizens and businesses. It uses the Internet and a variety of database and Web publishing software.
Application Description
The portal is intended to publish data about all Cameroon's government agencies, and to enable interactions - including public service delivery and online transactions - for citizens and businesses.
Application Purpose
The portal arose as part of a wider national ICT strategy, initiated in November 2001 when Prime Minister Peter Mafany Mussonge set up an ad hoc committee. The committee's remit included defining a strategy for better use of ICT in public administration, including better access to public information, better services, and greater use of online processes. The portal was created as a result at the end of 2001. Its role was boosted by the creation in April 2002 of a National Agency for ICT as part of a Presidential decree that required all government agencies to have a Web presence and to offer online versions of their processes.
Stakeholders
Three key stakeholders exist for the portal: a) all government agencies and their staff who provide online data and services; and b) citizens and c) businesses who can access online data and services. The portal is managed by CAMNET, the Internet section of CAMTEL, the public telecommunications agency. The National Centre for the Development of Computing has helped train and advise staff involved in Web site creation.
Impact: Costs and Benefits
In November 2001, less than 10% of government agencies had a Web presence. Of those that did, the value of data provided was poor. By August 2002, nearly half of ministries have a Web presence, and other ministries and government agencies have defined plans and timescales for their Web presence. There has been standardisation of Web site structure and appearance via the portal. There has been an increase in the volume of data available online, including budgets, government plans and regulations. Businesses can get access to some tender information online. Figures on costs and hard evidence on benefits are not yet available.
Evaluation: Failure or Success?
Use of the Web in the Cameroon government is still in its infancy. Outwardly, there has been an increase in data volume and scope, but the early stage of development and lack of evidence mean it is too early to attempt any meaningful evaluation of the outcomes of this e-government application.
Enablers/Critical Success Factors
- Political will at the highest level . Top officials were engaged in the process, and it has borne the stamp of both Prime Minister and President.
- Prior formal structures . The project has made headway relatively quickly because it has been able to make use of existing organisations for support and implementation.
- Strategic guidance . The strategy laid down by and for the ad hoc committee set a framework that has provided effective guidance for the work of government agencies.
Constraints/Challenges
- Low Internet penetration . Less than 3% of Cameroonians have Internet access, and there is no access in rural areas. This hinders both progress with, and value of, Web-based applications.
- Poor use of feedback . Some public forums were created to provide feedback about the portal's development and operation. Such feedback has not been taken into account in implementing public agency Web presence.
Recommendations
- Focus on Web content . eGovernment portals, and other public Web sites, succeed or fail on the basis of their content. With useful content, they can create a positive spiral of interest, debate and increased demand for more and better Web services.
- Promote public/private partnerships . These can be of value in development of both Web strategy and infrastructure.
- Make use of citizen feedback . Feedback on how to improve a service provides a vital guide to future developments.
Further Information
(originally launched as http://www.cameroon.gov.cm)
Case Details
Author Data Sources/Role : Web Site and Interviews; No Direct Role
Outcome : Too Early To Evaluate. Reform : eCitizens (talking to citizens).
Sector : General Services.
Region : Central Africa. Start Date : 2001. Submission Date : August 2002