[DIGITAL Business Africa] – As Cameroon accelerates its transition toward a knowledge-based economy, bridging the skill gap while retaining top local talent remains a critical challenge. At the UK Pavilion during PROMOTE 2026, AECO, an educational advisory and investment consultancy, unveiled a series of strategic solutions designed to make world-class learning accessible directly within the country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Digital Business Africa, Ewang ATABE, Founder of AECO, highlighted how localizing international education can help stem the growing issue of brain drain in Cameroon.
“Over the years, we have observed a steadily rising demand for quality international education among Cameroonians. However, we also noticed that most of this talent leaves the country to pursue these opportunities and rarely returns, contributing to a significant brain drain. To address this, AECO—in partnership with the UK—is working to delocalize education by bringing top-tier international learning directly into Cameroon,” explained Ewang ATABE.
An e-learning platform starting at 10,000 XAF
Aligning with the Cameroonian government’s national priorities on technical training and human capital development, AECO launched a new skills platform during the salon. Through its British partnerships, the company acquired access to over 2,000 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified courses.
Like global e-learning platforms like Udemy, the solution allows Cameroonian students, job seekers, and working professionals to upskill or reskill according to actual market demand.
“Cameroonians now have the opportunity to access a local platform and pay using everyday payment methods such as MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, or bank cards. They can purchase a course for as low as 10,000 XAF and learn high-demand skills that employers are actively looking for,” added Ewang ATABE.
Building human capital for sovereign digital governance
Representing the dynamic Silicon Mountain innovation hub, AECO’s approach demonstrates how private sector partnerships can directly support national development goals by training market-ready talent locally.
This effort to build a digitally skilled, highly qualified local workforce aligns seamlessly with the vision of E-Gov’A 2026 (E-Gov Africa Summit, Expo & Awards), scheduled to take place from October 14 to 16, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé under the patronage of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Organized by Digital Business Africa in partnership with Smart Click Africa, the upcoming summit will address “Artificial Intelligence and E-Governance: Building Efficient Public Services in a Cashless and Paperless Africa.”
By democratizing access to professional certifications and digital skills, initiatives like AECO ensure that both the public and private sectors have access to the homegrown expertise needed to drive Africa’s paperless and cashless transformation.
By Digital Business Africa
