This is the backdrop to the conference organised by the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development in partnership with GIZ.

The conference which opened on 24 July and will close on 25 July in Douala, focuses on the leverage effects of digital approaches on the performance of local government management: applications, procedures and mechanisms for transferring resources. The event is part of the 16th forum of the Decentralisation Network (DecNet).

With the participation of countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Mali, Togo, Germany and Cameroon, the discussions provide an opportunity to share experiences and exchange skills. Participants agreed that the digitisation of public services is necessary to meet the new expectations of citizens who are increasingly connected.

Like companies, city councils, administrations and local authorities are going through a period of transition, with digital transformation at the heart of their concerns. One of the proposed is for local authorities to introduce simple tools that meet citizens’ expectations, such as online appointment booking.