Cameroon Postal Services à l’ère du numérique entre avancées et entraves (2004-2020)

Abstract

This research, entitled "Cameroon Postal Services in the digital age, between progress and obstacles (2004-2020), is a scientific study that questions the level of digital transformation of postal services in a market that is increasingly irrigated by digital technology. It is an attempt to clarify the continuing dependence of postal services on information systems, but also to trace the path taken by the products offered by CAMPOST since its creation in 2004. The history of postal services in Cameroon is closely linked to the advent of the colonial era in French Equatorial Africa (AEF). Prerequisite for the functioning of the "colonies", thanks in particular to telegraphs and postal services, the Cameroonian postal sector has undergone a number of changes, ranging from state monopoly to liberalisation. Numerous players have entered the market, offering highly competitive services. At a time when all areas of activity are undergoing the transition to digital technology, CAMPOST needs to redefine its postal services. To achieve this, we used traditional historical methods such as document and data collection, analysis through historical criticism, and the use of diachronic and synchronic methods to identify the level of digital transformation of postal services. Also, given the field of specialisation, namely the history of Civilisations, qualitative data were mobilised. The empirical-deductive method, based on the facts observed, finally made it possible to draw conclusions about the real changes within CAMPOST. At the end of this study, it emerged that the history of CAMPOST is one of profound organisational and structural change. Thanks to ICTs, positive progress has been made in the operation of postal services, infrastructure and post offices are being upgraded, and digital postal services are being offered in line with market and customer requirements. However, the resources deployed by the State and the hopes raised by the population are somewhat in vain. The company has a mixed record due to a number of obstacles to the transformation of its services, including an unsatisfactory legal framework, weak regulation, unsuitable and uninnovative products, misappropriation of funds and an ineffective marketing strategy.