Yaound: The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, has expressed approval for the collaborative effort between ICT University and its Brazilian counterpart, aimed at enhancing agricultural practices in Cameroon. The initiative is expected to significantly impact the agricultural sector and create employment opportunities for numerous Cameroonians, aligning with President Paul Biya's vision to modernize agriculture in the country.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of adhering to the project's guidelines to ensure its success. He assured the delegation of the government's full support in modernizing agriculture, while the head of the Brazilian delegation, Prof. Flavio Henrique Vasconcelos De Medeiros from UFLA University, highlighted the long-standing expertise of their institution in agriculture. Prof. Flavio stated that the goal is to combine efforts to improve agriculture in Cameroon and across Africa, leveraging the popularity of ICT University to benefit the continent in training and empowering young entrepreneurs.
Prof. Mbarika, representing ICT University, explained that the project aims to transition from traditional agricultural practices to incorporating modern technology, such as artificial intelligence and robotics. The project intends to employ 10,000 young Cameroonians within five years and shift perceptions about agriculture, demonstrating its potential for significant exportation.
The Agricampus-500-ICT-U project, a brainchild of ICT University, seeks to promote digital agriculture and entrepreneurship among students in Cameroon. The project, with a five-year budget of 996 million FCFA, is projected to generate 830 million FCFA in revenue. Its objectives include training 10,000 students in digital agriculture, fostering entrepreneurship in rural areas, and enhancing food security in Cameroon.
Key components of the project involve integrating ICTs, artificial intelligence, and robotics into agriculture, providing practical training on micro-plots, establishing local processing units, and incubating agro-entrepreneurial projects to support 500 rural microenterprises. The initiative has received backing from the Minister of Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo, who acknowledges its potential to tackle youth employment and strengthen food sovereignty in Cameroon.