The second edition of the Cameroon International Tech Summit – CITS26 officially opened at the Yaounde Congres hall this October 15, 2026. The event is to run to October 17, 2026.
Centered around the vital theme, “Advancing child rights through digitalization,” the three-day international gathering serves as a premier venue dedicated to fostering innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and expanding the national technology ecosystem.
The opening ceremony convened key government officials especially the Minister of Post and Telecommunications Minette Libom Li likeng, technical and financial partners, and major tech stakeholders, including representatives from the United Nations Development Programme – UNDP, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ, UNICEF, and the United States Embassy in Cameroon.
Throughout the summit, attendees are engaging in vibrant exchanges and discoveries delivered through thematic panel discussions, exhibition booths, and corporate presentations featuring established tech companies and emerging startups.
These interactive sessions highlight cutting-edge innovations while showcasing the vast socioeconomic opportunities offered by digital technologies across Cameroon. By bringing together corporate leaders, tech entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, the event aims to drive job creation, boost capacity building, and catalyze the nation’s overall digital development.
UNICEF’s active participation at CITS26 underscores its steadfast commitment to driving an inclusive digital transformation that places children and young people, especially those from vulnerable and underserved communities, at the very heart of technological innovation.
Recognizing that digital access is increasingly linked to fundamental rights, the agency is using the summit to advocate for child-centered digital strategies, equitable technology access, and safer online spaces across African nations.
Delivering an address during the summit, Juliette Haenni, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Cameroon, stressed the urgent necessity of building sustainable, scalable digital solutions. She emphasized that these technologies must be deeply integrated into national systems and tailored specifically to meet the evolving needs of children.
Haenni further highlighted that strategic partnerships between public authorities and private sector actors are essential to delivering accessible, secure, and impactful solutions capable of meaningfully improving children’s daily lives.
Ultimately, CITS26 marks a crucial milestone in aligning technological advancements with social development goals in Central Africa. By uniting diverse international partners, government institutions, and private sector innovators around a shared mission, the summit lays down a clear blueprint for leveraging digital tools to empower youth, safeguard child rights, and secure a more inclusive technological future for Cameroon.
