High Technologies in Central Africa’s Countries: Distant Future or a New Reality?

Abstract

The article emphasizes the strengthening of the Central African states leadership position in the need to develop the latest technologies. The focus is on the ICT development as a digital platform for economic and social transformations. The realization of Central African Backbone project, which aims to expand the fiber optic cable network within the CEMAC countries, is of particular importance. Its implementation led to the emergence of 3G/4G networks, significantly increasing the population access to broadband services and penetration rate of high-speed Internet and mobile telephony. The unified telecommunications network will make an important contribution to the countries’ integration. The startup system development contributes to solving the problem of young population employment, by realizing the latest technological advances, using digital technologies in such important areas as medicine, finance, trade, farming, education. There is a gradual reduction in the gap between the digital market needs and the level of training for employees working in high technologies sphere. The impact of COVID-19 recession on the digital sector in the countries of the region is inevitable. Overall progress towards expanding 3G/4G networks could be slowed down and the cost for telecommunication services is possible to rise. However, the governments of most countries are striving to ensure that the citizens can make the best use of the digitalization advancements by developing subsidy schemes and promoting projects for telemedicine, education, financial and banking services.