Protocole de Yaoundé Abdel Akimi Ngapout Ngouh: Cameroon's Digital Sovereignty Plan

• Abdel Akimi Ngapout Ngouh's book, *Protocole de Yaoundé*, proposes a strategy for Cameroon's economic survival and competitiveness in the AI era.
• The strategy advocates for digital sovereignty, digital currency, and blockchain technology to counter external dependence.
• Key proposals include the Binary CFA for monetary sovereignty and a Digital Sovereignty Fund (FSN) to reduce state debt.
• CameroonChain is suggested to make all public funds traceable, enhancing transparency and citizen trust.
• The author, an Inspector of the Treasury and public finance expert, urges Cameroon to move from discourse to courageous action to implement its SNIA 2040.

To address these challenges, the *Protocole de Yaoundé Abdel Akimi Ngapout Ngouh* proposes a fundamental shift, advocating for several key levers.

Abdel Akimi Ngapout Ngouh, an Inspector of the Treasury and expert in public finance, has put forth a comprehensive strategy for Cameroon and Africa to navigate the complexities of the artificial intelligence era. His work, titled *Protocole de Yaoundé: Charte du nouvel Ordre économique mondiale…*, serves as a powerful call for citizen engagement and decisive action. Ngouh emphasizes the critical juncture facing the Cameroonian economy, stressing that its survival and competitiveness hinge on embracing technological advancements rather than succumbing to external dependencies.

Cameroon, currently categorized as an intermediate potential country in Central Africa at stage 2, has already formalized its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA 2040). This strategic framework aims to transform technology into a genuine engine for growth. However, Ngouh argues that the nation must move beyond mere discourse and implement courageous decisions to capitalize on the historical opportunities presented by the digital revolution. He warns that any delay in action carries significant economic costs, including the loss of seigniorage, savings, and talent, particularly as global powers actively construct the monetary infrastructure of the 21st century.

To address these challenges, the *Protocole de Yaoundé Abdel Akimi Ngapout Ngouh* proposes a fundamental shift, advocating for several key levers. These include fostering digital sovereignty Cameroun, developing a monnaie digitale Cameroun, leveraging blockchain Cameroun technology, promoting financial inclusion, and harnessing what he terms "technological rent." These proposals are designed to empower the nation to reclaim its economic autonomy and secure its place in the evolving global landscape.

Central to Ngapout Ngouh's blueprint for a new economic order is the concept of the Binary CFA. This innovative approach is envisioned as a powerful tool to reassert monetary sovereignty and ensure the inclusion of every citizen within the financial system. Crucially, Ngouh clarifies that the Binary CFA is not intended to eliminate the existing FCFA but rather to provide a protective shield against digital colonization through an active policy of monetary non-alignment. This strategic move aims to fortify Cameroon's financial independence in an increasingly digital world.

Further reinforcing the push for souveraineté numérique Cameroun, the strategy introduces the idea of a Digital Sovereignty Fund (FSN). This fund is designed to liberate the state budget from the persistent burden of debt, offering a mechanism for greater fiscal autonomy and resilience. By establishing such a fund, Cameroon could potentially redirect resources towards strategic digital investments, fostering self-reliance and reducing vulnerability to external financial pressures.

These proposals, stemming from an expert with a background in IT Management and E-Government from Redlands University in California, USA, highlight a deep understanding of both financial systems and technological governance. They underscore the urgency of adopting forward-thinking policies to safeguard national interests in the digital age, moving beyond traditional economic models to embrace innovative solutions.

A significant component of Ngapout Ngouh's vision for Cameroon's digital transformation involves enhancing public accountability and transparency in financial management. To achieve this, he proposes the implementation of CameroonChain, a blockchain-based system designed to make every public franc traceable to citizens. This initiative aims to instill greater trust in government spending and reduce opportunities for corruption, thereby strengthening the relationship between the state and its populace.

This focus on transparency through blockchain Cameroun technology aligns with the broader objectives of the SNIA 2040 Cameroun, which seeks to leverage technology not just for economic growth but also for improved governance. By ensuring that public funds are openly verifiable, CameroonChain could represent a significant step towards a more accountable and efficient public sector. The comprehensive strategy outlined in the *Protocole de Yaoundé* thus offers a multi-faceted approach, addressing economic competitiveness, monetary independence, and governmental transparency as interconnected elements crucial for the nation's future.

This article outlines a strategic vision for Cameroon's digital future, including proposals for digital sovereignty, blockchain for public finance, and digital currency. Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor these discussions as they could influence future regulatory frameworks and policy decisions impacting technology, finance, and public sector transparency in Cameroon.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun