NWR: Bamenda youth use internet to foster peace and employment
By Mayayong V.A
In early 2025, according to datareportal.com, the online penetration in Cameroon was 41.9%, with 25.5 million people having an active mobile connection. The population was estimated at 29.5 million in January 2025. Figures that have regressed remarkably compared to 2024, when online penetration was 43.9%, with 12.4% of internet users.
Some experts attribute this drop in internet use to bad connectivity, high cost of access to bandwidth, the poor maintenance of the wired network, the lack of healthy competition on the local market, etc.
A situation that affects small businesses most especially Startups. In Bamenda, North West region, several tech graduates have, however, chosen to look beyond poor connectivity and focus on restoring peace through different digital means.
One of them is SOH Juvitus LEONG. With 5 years of experience in the tech business, he has been deeply involved in building digital solutions, mentoring young talent, and fostering innovation through both private and community-driven initiatives. ” Our activities are centered around solving real, local challenges. We run high-productivity internships and organize community training sessions focused on digital literacy. We also develop tailored software solutions for schools, hospitals, businesses, and the general public, some of which integrate AI to enhance efficiency. We also focus some of our resources on research efforts geared toward ethical AI, and we’ve been actively drafting proposals to guide the ethical use and implementation of AI in Cameroon.” He said.
Currently working with 14 youth full-time and part-time, Juvitus and his collaborators equally provide mentorship to tech enthusiasts who want to broaden the tech industry in Cameroon, transmitting peace ideologies to them.
“In a region affected by conflict, I see technology as a powerful bridge. Through digital innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, we create opportunities that keep young people engaged and hopeful. We believe that training individuals from diverse backgrounds and encouraging collaboration on meaningful projects unifies and provides constructive alternatives to conflict, hence helping to build a more peaceful and resilient community through tech.”
Restoring peace that could pave the way for development remains a focus for these youngsters who have expressed regrets on how the North West region has become due to the ongoing social unrest.
Akwo Thomas Ngwa, having a BTech – Software Engineering with 7+ years of experience on the tech scene in Bamend, has built several software’s tailored towards satisfying the needs of the population
” I’ve built so much software, some of which used to be operational, and the only one I’ve decided to focus on is Matazm. (https://matazm.net) The software is tailored to the needs of my people; it’s even named according to the people. For example, my people have trouble dealing with technology. Our business uses a mixed approach to customer service. We have an app and a WhatsApp chatbot. I’ve previously taken up teaching in a non-profit organisation, and in my capacity as teacher, I’ve instilled moral values and encouraged many to use their knowledge and intelligence as a way to pull this country out of poverty.”
Given its cross-cutting nature, almost all areas of the economy have adopted ICTs to increase their productivity, create new market opportunities, and reduce their operating costs through the range of products and services offered by digital technology.
