Android Generation, En Avant!
I was in Cameroon's capital Yaoundé last week for 2 special events. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications - also in charge of the digital economy - organised a Digital Exposition at the National Museum, and the Presidency organised an International Economic Forum where my CEO Nino shared a panel about the digital economy. It's in that context that I was invited to a reception hosted at the Presidency of the Republic Tuesday evening, a real honour and very humbling moment.
I was very excited to have the opportunity to see our Head of State in person. Whether one likes him or not, it is a rare privilege for one to see and talk to one's President. Surprisingly, I got some particularly ungracious comments from sharing my excitement publicly... Should I remind some of us that not holding Mr Biya in high regards should never be confused with the respect we all owe to the institution he represents? Given the opportunity I had, I hurried myself to share moments of that special day in images.
First, my invitations. One for plenary sessions at the Conference centre and workshops at the Hilton Hotel and one for the reception at the Presidency.
Second, a shot from the plenary session Tuesday Morning at the Conference Centre. Left to Right: UBA's Chairman Tony Elumelu, Former EU Commission's President Jose Manuel Barroso, Cameroonian President Paul Biya and former South Korean Prime Minister Chung Un-chan.
Third, 3 members of Kerawa Management Team with Mr Barroso. Who by the way, is a very nice guy!
There's been a lot of noise from the Government pushing the digital agenda lately, especially after the Head of State mentioned the so-called Android Generation - Cameroonian version of the Smartphone Generation - in its 2015 end-of-year address. Anecdotally, we realised how powerful that expression is in the high circles of the country: whenever we shouted it, we immediately got attention from Ministers. We even managed to get the (very short) President's attention with it!
Being invited at the Presidency, though we know is a political operation, was a bit of a milestone in my view. For once, young entrepreneurs in new innovative industries had the opportunity to sit next to legacy players, bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation. We the Android Generation are definitely up, ready to hack any window opened to us. About time!
