In the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology, Felix Fomengia Atabonglefac has emerged as a critical guardian of Africa’s digital infrastructure. As a Cybersecurity Professional and Strategic Coordination Expert at the African Union (AU), Fomengia sits at the heart of the continent’s efforts to harmonize digital transformation with robust information security.
Academic Foundation and Global Specialization
Felix Fomengia’s journey is rooted in a deep technical curiosity that began in his home country of Cameroon. He pursued his higher education at the University of Buea, studying at the College of Technology from 2016 to 2020. There, he obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Engineering, specializing in Computer Networks and System Maintenance.
Recognizing the escalating global threat of cybercrime, Fomengia sought to refine his expertise on the international stage. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship—an honour granted to only a small fraction of global applicants. He used this opportunity to attend the University of Westminster in London, where he earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity and Forensics. This advanced training provided him with the analytical tools to not only defend systems but to conduct the forensic investigations necessary to track and mitigate sophisticated digital threats.
The African Union: A Strategic Digital Mission
In early 2025, Fomengia joined the Office of the Director General (ODG) at the African Union through the AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship. His mission was clear: analyze the internal systems of the AU and co-create tailored solutions to improve the delivery of the organization’s mandate.
His work within the ODG has produced tangible digital tools designed to modernize the Union’s operations:
- The ODG Portal & Knowledge Management Tool: He developed specialized platforms to enhance data access and inter-departmental collaboration, ensuring that the “institutional memory” of the AU is preserved and easily accessible.
- File Management & Workflow Optimization: To eliminate operational overlaps, he designed tools that streamline the internal movement of sensitive documents, backed by the rigorous security protocols of his forensics background.
- Calendar of Events Portal: He spearheaded the creation of a centralized digital hub for the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) and its sub-committees, bringing much-needed coordination to the AU’s complex diplomatic schedule.
- Cyber-Forensic Oversight: Leveraging his expertise, he manages the ODG’s SharePoint and OneDrive environments, ensuring that the cloud-based collaboration of Africa’s top leaders remains shielded from emerging cyber threats.
Innovation and Social Impact: The “Cameroon GCE Guide”
Long before joining the African Union, Fomengia was already a recognized innovator. In 2018, he developed the Cameroon GCE Guide App, an EdTech solution designed to help students in conflict-affected regions access study materials offline. The app has helped over 30,000 students prepare for their exams despite internet shutdowns and security challenges.
This spirit of community-focused innovation continues through the Felix Fomengia Foundation, a non-profit initiative dedicated to empowering young Africans in STEM. By introducing students to project-based learning and cybersecurity culture, he is fostering a new generation of “homegrown” tech leaders.
Recognition and Global Engagement
Fomengia’s contributions have been celebrated through numerous international accolades:
- 2022 European Union TIE Champion Award: Recognizing his startup’s response to the impact of COVID-19.
- Strategic Coordination: He played a pivotal role in the 2025 African Union Mid-Year Review Report, ensuring that data from various AU entities aligned with the Agenda 2063 Moonshots.
- Global Learning Tours: As a fellowship ambassador, he has engaged with digital innovation hubs in Berlin and across Europe to bring global best practices back to the African Union Commission.
A Vision for a Secure Africa
For Felix Fomengia, cybersecurity is not just about code and firewalls; it is about trust and sovereignty. By working within the African Union, he is helping to build a framework where African nations can digitize their economies without fearing the vulnerabilities that often accompany rapid technological growth.
Through his dual focus on high-level policy at the AU and grassroots empowerment via his foundation, Fomengia is ensuring that Africa’s digital future is both innovative and, most importantly, secure.
