National ICT Research Capacity and Priorities for Cooperation - Republic of Cameroon
National Priorities
Based on Cameroon's development program (growth and employment) for the period 2010 to 2020, most of the research is focused on the following areas:
- Infrastructure development : energy, building construction and public works, transport, water and sanitation, land management
- Modernisation of the production mechanism : rural sector, mining, social economy and handicraft, industry and services, human development, health, education and training, gender, social protection, national solidarity
- Regional integration and diversification of trade : regional integration
- Financing the economy : fiscal policies, banking system, micro finance.
ICT research is also incorporated to develop electronic services including e-health, e-agriculture, e-banking, e-commerce, e-learning, electronic surveyance on transport highways.
National ICT Research Priorities include:
- eInfrastructure - Adaptation of eInfrastructure to the country's environment so as to be cost effective, easy to maintain and sustain. Institutions involved include: University of Yaounde I, University of Douala, University of Ngaoundere and University of Maroua.
- Cyber Security - Put necessary tools in place to secure Cameroon's cyber space. Institutions involved include: University of Yaounde I, University of Douala, University of Ngaoundere and University of Maroua.
- Connected Enterprises - Support SMEs through reduced costs in investment, access to new skills and diversify expertise. Institutions involved include: University of Ngaoundere
- Cloud Computing - Support SMEs through reduced costs in technological investment, increase technology adoption and usage, and improve ICT security. Institutions involved include: University of Ngaoundere and University of Maroua
- Technology Enhanced Learning. Institutions involved include: University of Yaounde I, University of Douala, University of Buea and University of Dschang
- Sustainable Agriculture: Using ICT solutions to address the following issues: soil management, crop planting management, finished product marketing etc. Institutions involved include: University of Yaounde I, University of Dschang, University of Ngaoundere
National Research Capacity
The table below provides an overview of universities with ICT/Engineering Courses:
| Institution | Location | Total Students | ICT/Engineering Department(s) | ICT/Engineering Teaching Staff | Undergraduate Students | Post-Graduate (Masters, PhD) |
| University of Yaounde I (Faculty of Sciences) University of Yaounde I
(Faculty of Sciences)
|
Yaounde | 68,000 | 01 | 23 | 1500 | 320 |
| University of Yaounde I (ENSP) | Yaounde | 02 | 12 | 150 | 13 | |
| University of Douala (Faculty of Sciences) | Douala | 44,000 | 01 | 18 | 480 | 80 |
| University of Douala (Faculty of Industrial Engineering) | Douala | 04 | 11 | 350 | 0 | |
| University of Douala (Institute of Technology) | Douala | 04 | 12 | 280 | 0 | |
| University of Dschang (Faculty of Science) | Dschang | 25,000 | 01 | 08 | 1,000 | 45 |
| University of Dschang (Institution of Technology) | Fotso Victor de Bandjoun | 02 | 12 | 180 | 0 | |
| University of Ngaoundere (Faculty of Science) | Ngaoundere | 17,500 | 01 | 15 | 400 | 11 |
| University of Ngaoundere (Institute of Technology) | Ngaoundere | 02 | 9 | 300 | 0 | |
| University of Buea (Faculty of Science) | Buea | 16,500 | 01 | 6 | 300 | 6 |
| University of Buea (Faculty of Engineering) | Buea | 02 | 15 | 400 | 0 | |
| University of Buea (College of Technology) | Buea | 02 | 400 | 0 | ||
| University of Maroua | Maroua | 1739 | 01 | 15 | 432 | 19 |
| Catholic University for Central Africa | Yaounde | 2,000 | 01 | 5 | 90 | 30 |
The following universities and research centres in Cameroon are undertaking ICT-related initiatives:
University of Yaounde I
- Depts include: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Computer Science; National Advanced School of Engineering
- Research areas include: Software Engineering; Network Engineering; Electronic and Electrical Engineering
University of Douala
- Depts include: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Computer Science and Mathematics; Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering; Institute of Technology
University of Dschang
- Departments include: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science; Telecom Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Institute of Technology
- Research areas include: Artificial Intelligence; Computer Engineering; Modelling Complex Networks; Software Engineering; GIS; ICT for Education; Modelling of Signal Analysis
University of Buea
- Departments include: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Computer Science; Faculty of Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering; Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering; College of Technology
- Research areas include: Data mining; Information retrieval; Change Management; Information System development
University of Maroua
- Departments include: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Computer Science; Higher Institute of Sahel
- Research areas include: Outsourcing Telecommunication; Embedded systems; Software Engineering; Data mining; Networking
University of Bamenda
- Departments include: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Computer Science; Faculty of Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering
University of Ngaoundere
- Departments include: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Computer Science; Institute of Technology
- Research areas include: Systems and Software for Distributed Environments
Catholic University of Central Africa
- Departments include: Department of Information System;
Protestant University of Central Africa
- Departments include: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Computer Science
Inter-University Research Centre for Information and Communication Technologies, Yaounde
- To promote the sharing of online resources between Cameroonian universities to support scientific research activities (created by Ministry of Higher Education)
- Based on a consultation process, each University has identified their areas of research expertise and track record and has been encouraged to develop an organisational profile. Existing relationships with European research institutions have also been identified. A summary of these findings are provided below:
Department of Computer Engineering, National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaounde I
Research Expertise
- Simulation of flows in porous media; E-learning concepts and tools; Software testing concepts and tools; Network protocols; Health statistics; Remote system administration based on GSM protocol; Epidemiology; Bio-Informatics; Image Analysis Synthesis; Spatial Information System Techniques; Cryptography and Security
- Existing relationship in place with INRIA, France; IRISA (Rennes-France) & GDAC (Canada)
Laboratoire d'Imagerie Spatiale et d'Informatique (LISI) & Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Université de Douala
Research Expertise
- Distance learning environments (Optimal design of interfaces, traffic characterization and modelling, coding and compression of data for optimal transmission, synchronization and authentication of learners)
- Traffic engineering for integrated services networks (Development of new traffic models that capture the self-similar property of network traffic; performance impact of self-similarity; QoS characterization and provisioning in the presence of self-similar traffic; Application to network intrusion detection (anomaly detection))
- Geographic Information Systems for environmental management (Remote sensing, processing of remote sensing images)
- Mathematical modelling for epidemiology
Existing relationships in place with Université Paris-Est (Marne-La-Vallée), France in relation to Geographic Information Systems for environmental management & University of Siegen and the University of Technology of Ilmenau, Germany in relation to Traffic engineering for integrated services networks.
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Université de Dschang
- Data mining, Distributed systems and services, Scientific calculations, Multi-agent systems, sensors; Parallel Processing; Digital signal processing; Technology-enhanced Learning
- Existing relationships in place with AUF: Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie; Université de Paris 13; Cisco Systems
Department of Computer Science, University of Buea
System Modelling: Organisational Change Management; Agent Modelling and the Dynamics and Transmission of Malaria, Semantic issues in systems); Programming Language Technology (Formal Methods, Transformation Systems, Tools and Semantics);
ICT-39 Priority Themes
Based on consultation with stakeholders and additional information collected during the IST-Africa Horizon 2020 Training Workshop in December 2016 the following thematic areas are considered to be important in the context of the ICT-39 Calls:
| Thematic Areas | Topics | Partners include |
| eHealth | Disease prevention, Distance access to medical care, Efficient Epidemic Alerts, Disease Treatment and Management | University of Buea (Dept of Computer Science); University of Ngaoundere (Institute of Technology); University of Yaounde I (Dept of Computer Science), University of Dschang; University of Maroua; University of Doula |
| eAgriculture | Efficient Climate and Weather Information Management; Crop Management; Efficient Soil Exploitation | University of Maroua (Dept of Computer Science); University of Ngaoundere (Dept of Computer Science & Maths); University of Yaounde I (Dept of Computer Science), University of Dschang; Institute for Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Yaounde University of Maroua (Dept of Computer Science); University of Ngaoundere (Dept of Computer Science & Maths); University of Yaounde I (Dept of Computer Science), University of Dschang; Institute for Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Yaounde
|
| Environment | Climate Change Management; Flood and Drought Management; Water & Pollution Management; Forestry & Wildlife Management | University of Maroua (Dept of Computer Science); University of Ngaoundere (Dept of Computer Science & Maths); University of Dschang (Institute of Technology); University of Yaounde I (Dept of Computer Science) University of Maroua (Dept of Computer Science); University of Ngaoundere (Dept of Computer Science & Maths); University of Dschang (Institute of Technology); University of Yaounde I (Dept of Computer Science)
|
| Technology-enhanced Learning | Distance Learning & Student Evaluation; Virtual Classroom; Social Network of Institutions, Scholars & Professions | University of Maroua (Dept of Computer Science); University of Ngaoundere (Dept of Computer Science & Maths); University of Dschang (Institute of Technology); University of Yaounde I (Dept of Computer Science), University of Buea (Dept of Computer Science) |
Mapping to H2020 Themes
The mapping to Horizon 2020 Research areas is summarised below:
| Horizon 2020 Industrial Leadership | Institution, Relevant Dept and Research area |
| Components and Systems | University of Dschang (Math/CS): Smart Embedded Components and Systems, Large Area Integration and Complex System Engineering; University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Smart Embedded Components and Systems, and System of Systems; ; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Complex Systems, Communicating Systems. |
| Advanced Computing | University of Dschang (Math/CS) : Interconnect and Data Localisation Technologies, Cloud Computing, Parallel Computing and Simulation Software; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Processor and System Architecture, Cloud Computing and Parallel Computing. |
| Future Internet | University of Dschang (Math/CS): Networks, Digital signal processing & distributed systems, Software and Services, Wireless Communication, Multimedia and Connected Enterprise, Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Software Modelling and Numerical methods; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Networks, Software and Services, Wireless Communication, Mesh Networks for Internet coverage, Virtualisation, High performance computing and enterprise services, Ambient devices; University of Maroua (CS/Telecommunication): Model Based Software Engineering, Cloud Computing; University of Douala (Math/CS) : Numerical methods, Software Modelling; Faculty of Industrial Engineering (Computer Engineering) ; Software Modelling; University of Beau (CS) : Software Modelling |
| Content Technologies & Information Management | University of Dschang (Math/CS): Technologies for Language, Learning, Machine Learning, Advanced Data mining; University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Advanced Data mining; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Technology-enhanced Learning; University of Buea (CS) : Technology-enhanced Learning, Digital Content; University of Douala (Math/CS) : Technology-enhanced learning; University of Yaounde I (CS) : Technology-enhanced Learning |
| Robotics | University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Service Robotics; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Service Robotics, Smart Spaces and Sentient Machines |
| Horizon 2020 Societal Challenges | Institution, Relevant Dept and Research area |
| Health | University of Dschang (Math/CS): Wellbeing and Disease, Treating and Managing Disease; University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Wellbeing and Disease; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Preventing Disease; Methods and Data; University of Doula (Math/CS) : Mathematical modelling for epidemiology; University of Yaounde I (Faculty of Biomedical Science); University of Buea (Faculty of Health Science) |
| Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture | University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry; Sustainable and Competitive Agri-food Sector, Sustainable and Competitive Bio-based Industries and Supporting Development of Bio-Economy ; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry.; University of Dschang (Faculty of Agronomy); Institute for Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Yaounde University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry; Sustainable and Competitive Agri-food Sector, Sustainable and Competitive Bio-based Industries and Supporting Development of Bio-Economy ; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry.; University of Dschang (Faculty of Agronomy); Institute for Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Yaounde
|
| Energy | University of Dschang (Math/CS): Reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints by smart and sustainable use, Low-Cost, Alternative Fuels and Mobile Energy Sources, Robust Decision Making and Public Engagement.; University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints by smart and sustainable use, Low-Cost.; University of Yaounde I (Faculty of Science) |
| Transport | University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Resource Efficient Transport that respects the environment; Socio-Economic Research |
| Climate Action, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials | University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Protection of Environment, Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, Observation and Information Systems; University of Yaounde I (Faculty of Science) |
| Inclusive, Innovative and Reflective Societies | University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): cultural heritage; University of Yaounde I (ENSP) |
| Secure Societies | University of Maroua (Computer/Telecom): Cryptography, Cyber Security; Risk and Management; Enhance Standardisation and Interoperability of Systems, Including for Emergency Purposes.; University of Ngaoundere (Math/CS): Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust; University of Yaounde I (ENSP) |
Level of Research Maturity
Cameroon has a good research base and experience of collaborative research with involvement from in 23 projects and research funding of €3.66 million in FP7. There is a strong aspiration at government level to further strengthening research capacity within the country, and facilitate the continued development of post-graduate programmes. As the number of publication increase the international awareness of specific organisation is also more visable. For example University of Yaoundé I is ranked top 30 in Africa with 876.33 as note for publications and 49.2 as citation score for the period 2009 to 2013 in the December 2015 issue of the Times Higher Education
Up to September 2018, Cameroon has secured 7 Horizon 2020 projects with research funding of over €702,000, across a number of thematic areas:
- LEIT - ICT-39-2015 - DMC-MALVEC (RIA - Research and Innovation Action) - Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale
- ERC-2015-CoG - OurMythicalChildhood (Universite de Yaounde I)
- H2020-MG-2016-SingleStage-RTD-MOVE - SaferAfrica (CSA - Coordination & support action) - Ecole Nationale Superieure des Travaux Publics
- H2020-ICT-2016-INT - IST-Africa 2016-2018 - Agence Nationale des Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication
- H2020-SFS-2016-1 - LEAP-AGRI (ERA-NET-Cofund) - Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
- H2020-SFS-2016-2 - BREEDCAFS (RIA) - Institut De Recherche Agricole pour le Developpement
- H2020-MSCA-RISE-2016 - SLAFNET (MSCA-RISE) - Universite de Yaounde I