A DIGITAL SYSTEM TO MITIGATE CORRUPTION

IN CAMEROON

Country: Cameroon

Problem area of focus: Mitigating Corruption and corrupt practices in Cameroon

Target Audience: Policy and Decision Makers in Cameroon

Project Objective: To inform top decision makers about a key aspect that can be

focused on to get a lot of things

accounted for and more under control which will greatly reduce corrupt practices in Cameroon and therefore create an enabling environment for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

• The country has been receiving ODA over the years, but it is clear that no amount of money received or locally generated would ensure the realisation of the above goals or indicators of an improved economy except the management of those resources are best handled in accordance with development guidelines which directs them to the appropriate areas of interest and ensures that the resources get to their destinations as planned

The ProblemCameroon is in the process of growth like many

other countries in Africa. Much has beendone towards achieving developmenthowever, the lack of transparency,accountability and authentic reporting,recording and lack of audit controls especiallyin the tax system and in the methods ofadministering services is a very serious issuethat greatly affects the quality of servicesrenderred by the government and by themasses as well.

• The consequence of not putting money into proper use and of to personal gains (Capture as said in one of the FFD videos) is huge and affects different sectors of development for example poor infrastructure, bad roads even in the heart of the cities etc (snap shots taken by me yesterday 9th December 2015 in the city of Bamenda in Cameroon)

Consequences of the Problem on development

Photos of delayed completion of infratructure

Proposed Solution Migrate from mannual processes that have loop holes

which allow illicit financial flows to a digital system that easily allows for checks and audits.

The achievement of this emergent nation by 2035 or the realisation of the SDGs would be enhance greatly by better managing the following lines:

- Reduce corrupt practices and improve public expenditure and financial accountability (PEFA)

- Partnering with the private sector as a means of increasing domestic resource mobilisation and getting developmental infrastructure realised for the population

- Improve revenue collection systems to ensure efficiency and growth in total revenue mobilised for state expenditures (move from manual to computerisedrevenue collection systems – toll gate and taxation systems).

Why the government would want to participate in solving this problem…

Because the solution will curb not only corruption but several factors that contribute to illicit financial flows

In addition, a trasparent and an accountable system will attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of the private sector.

Why the official aid provider or private sector would want to

participate in solving this problem…

• Because a digital system is a call for more transparency and control that will lead to a more predictable and stable economy

Conclusion

Financing for development and the SDGs by 2030 are coming up at a time, coinciding with a proclamation of an emergent economy of Cameroon by the year 2035 by the government through the president of the republic of Cameroon.

The SDGs are clearly a clearer way of showing an emergent economy (KEY INDICATORS). An economy that guarantees:

No poverty; no hunger; good health and wellbeing; quality education; gender equality; availability of clean water and sanitation; available and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry m infrastructure and inovation; reduced inequalities;sustainable cities and communities; responsible production and consumption;climate action; life below water,life on land; peace justice and strong institutions; and partnerships for the goals. (See next page for these goals)