(Business in Cameroon) - Morrocan firm Kavaa Global Services recently won the contracts to carry out the feasibility studies of an E-commerce platform for Cameroon Postal Services (CAMPOST). The Morrocan company’s offer was ranked first ahead of Tunisian groups Aca Expertis/BNS Engineering, CCM Consulting Group Worldwide/Jasmine Interactive, and the Cameroonian firm Megasoft/Qualisys Consulting/SNT Partners/Iccsoft SA.

According to the tender result, the study will cost XAF194.27 million. The four-month study will start as soon as the contract between the involved parties becomes effective, we learn.

The development of the E-commerce platform is one of the recommendations made by the Technical Commission for the Rehabilitation of Public and Para public Sector Enterprises (CTR) in its 2020 report on public companies’ performance. In its report, the CTR suggested CAMPOST should modernize its digital services and diversify its offers to boost operations.

Currently, the state-owned postal service is ailing. According to figures published by the CTR, CAMPOST, which is structurally in deficit, must face financial burdens that are not allowing it to cover its operating expenses. Also, due to its high debt, the postal service is unable to raise funds from financial institutions for its investment needs.

As of December 31, 2018, CAMPOST’s equity was -XAF87.807 billion with an overall stock of debt estimated to be XAF155.728 billion, subject to the clarifications expected at the end of the balance sheet and financial statement consolidation works.

Cameroon is considered as one of the African countries with high E-commerce potential due to the sharp rise in the country’s internet penetration rate in recent years. From 2%, the rate rose to over 20% in the last 10 years. Currently, 23% of Cameroonians use the internet while three-quarters of Africans are yet to have access to this tool.

Despite this perceived potential, E-commerce giant Jumia reduced its footprint in the country in 2019, claiming that the Cameroonian market was still immature for E-commerce.

Sylvain Andzongo