By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Dr. Fon Joshua Ghogomu, a political analyst, has urged Cameroon’s government to establish a Ministry of Hi-Tech Industry to harness the potential of its youthful population and drive digital transformation.
Speaking on CRTV’s “Press Hour” on Sunday, Feb. 16, Dr. Fon Ghogomu responded to President Paul Biya’s recent address to the nation’s youth, in which the President highlighted the challenges young people face, particularly in securing employment.
Dr. Fon Ghogomu praised Biya’s emphasis on youth engagement in agriculture, livestock farming, and professionalism, saying the President “hit the nail on the head.” However, he stressed the need for practical mechanisms to turn these ideas into reality.
Dr. Fon Ghogomu proposed creating a dedicated Ministry of Hi-Tech Industry, separate from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, to prioritize digital innovation and provide opportunities in information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
He argued that such a ministry, staffed predominantly by young people, could steer youth away from socio-political manipulation and toward productive engagement.
“This ministry should be entrusted to the youth; 90 percent of its workforce should be young people. You will be amazed at the outcome,” Dr. Ghogomu said. He added that the Ministry of Hi-Tech Industry presents a bold strategy to empower the nation’s future leaders and unlock their potential in a rapidly evolving global economy.
He also called for integrating professional skills training into primary and secondary education, rather than waiting until university. “It is easier to shape children when they are young than to wait until they are grown,” he said, comparing the process to “bending iron while it is still hot.”
Dr. Fon Ghogomu criticized Cameroon’s education system for being overly theoretical, with 90 percent of instruction focused on theory and only 10 percent on practical training. To address this, he recommended establishing practical sanctuaries or laboratories in schools where students can apply their skills in real-world settings.
Dr. Fon Ghogomu’s proposals align with President Biya’s vision but go further by advocating for a structured, institutional approach to technology and skill development. Dr. Fon Ghogomu believes that investing in ICT and professional training will not only reduce youth vulnerability to manipulation but also propel Cameroon into a new era of digital and economic transformation. He has studied in many fields both home and abroad.
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