To the hashtag#WorldBank and International Monetary Fund (hashtag#IMF), it is the bedrock of financial inclusion. To the hashtag#UnitedNations, it is the foundation of SDG 16.9-legal identity for all. Even the hashtag#AfricanUnion sees it as a fundamental instrument for security. But for the millions of “invisible” citizens without one, it is the difference between participating in the modern economy and being locked out of it entirely.
In my recent analysis of Cameroon’s civil status infrastructure, the data reveals a critical roadmap for development partners and institutional investors alike.
The reality on the ground is a study in contrasts. Cameroon has successfully operationalized 44 diplomatic centers and 373 primary centers, but the grassroots level remains the true frontier. Right now, 22.2% of secondary centers (that is 540 locations) are non-functional. This isn’t just an administrative lapse; it’s a bottleneck for social protection and credit access. Closing this gap is where infrastructure investment meets meaningful reform.
As Cameroon rolls out its National Master Plan for Computerization, these 540 silent centers represent a clear “digital divide.” For the African Development Band (hashtag#AfDB) and other partners, this is the prime opportunity to bridge the gap between urban hubs and enclaved populations through tech-enabled governance.
Yet, the most striking finding isn’t about hardware. It’s about people. Women represent only 13.1% of civil status personnel. Inclusive governance requires inclusive administration. When women are underrepresented at the point of service, we inevitably overlook the unique socio-legal barriers female citizens face in accessing the very documents that serve as keys to healthcare and education.
Modernizing the civil registry is far more than a clerical task. It is an economic imperative. A robust, gender-balanced registry is the only way to ensure “no one is left behind” in the digital economy.
So, if you think a birth certificate is just a “piece of paper,” try to open a bank account, start a business, or cross a border without it (…).
How can development partners better support the digitalization of civil status centers across Sub-Saharan Africa? I look forward to hearing the perspectives of colleagues in the field.
hashtag#InternationalDevelopment hashtag#SDGs hashtag#DigitalGovernance hashtag#Cameroon hashtag#WorldBank hashtag#AfDB hashtag#UnitedNations hashtag#PublicPolicy hashtag#IdentityForDevelopment hashtag#GenderEquality
This is just a starting point. For more expanded thoughts, visit my website at www.manyanyepaulikome.com
