Implications of digitalization on individual’s wellbeing in Cameroon

In this study, we used a tractable econometric model focusing on individual wellbeing captured through expected income in a given location, as the main economic determinant of the use of digital technologies in Cameroon. The model is estimated using panel data from the National Institute of Statistics on individuals who achieved at least the post-secondary education level, aged above 25 years old and heading a household. Our main findings is that using digital technology is substantially influenced by income prospects. We see that, distance between main cities from the previous position, characteristics/standards of house, place of living (rural/urban), marital status and household’s size are significant as per regard to the decision of an individual to change his/her current position through moving to digital technologies as the required condition. Individual’s age, level of education (more than post-secondary achieved), and current status in employment (wage/ grade /year of experience) are also significant. Controlling for these parameters, moving decision to digital technologies and changing the current position are significantly affected by expected wage/ grade in the new position. The elasticity of the relationship between wage and digital technologies use is closed to 0.75. Such results stand like an optimal search of the best wage matching with the position of an individual in a given place. Workers receiving their expected income in the current position have a great probability to stay without being tempted to use digital technologies to move to another position. Achieving the 2020 connect agenda “internet access for all”, in Cameroon could be suitable for individuals to really improve their wellbeing. We suggest to policy makers development of ICTs infrastructure all over the country. That may lead to an inclusive approach of promoting economic growth and share prosperity.