Document :

ITU-D SG02 RAPPORTEUR GROUP MEETING  Contribution  37

Title :

Digital public infrastructure and data interoperability for inclusive smart sustainable cities: lessons from Cameroon

Date :

2026-08-20

Source :

Ecole Nationale Superieure des Postes, Telecommunications et TIC (Cameroon)

AI/Question :

Q1/2

Meeting :

2026-10-07

Access :

Restricted to TIES users [ITU-D]

Abstract :

Cameroon's experience shows that the transition from separate e-government platforms towards interoperable digital public services should be progressive and based on concrete, high-value use cases. Key lessons include the importance of clear institutional responsibilities, adaptable technical standards, secure data exchange, reliable connectivity, data protection, cybersecurity and digital trust. Interoperability can be developed incrementally by connecting existing systems through agreed interfaces, reference data structures and authentication mechanisms, rather than requiring the replacement of all existing platforms. The proposed five-layer reference architecture covering connectivity and access, digital services, interoperability, reference data, and trust and security provides a practical basis for progressive implementation. Accessibility and citizen-centred service delivery should be integrated from the design stage. A common case-study template and maturity approach could also facilitate the comparison and sharing of experiences among developing countries.