by Cameroon has unveiled a bold vision to become Africa’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) hub by 2040. The government, led by Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Minette Libom Li Likeng, introduced the comprehensive 7-pillar AI strategy at the National Consultations on AI in Yaoundé.
This move marks a turning point for the nation’s digital ambitions and sets a new benchmark for the continent.
Minister of posts and telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng stated, “Faced with the challenges of the 21st century, artificial intelligence represents a strategic lever to accelerate Cameroon’s emergence. This event embodies our desire to position AI as a lever for governance, growth, and digital sovereignty, in a spirit of inclusive transformation serving national emergence”
Cameroon’s 7-Pillar AI Strategy: A Blueprint for Transformation
The 7-pillar AI strategy includes:
1. Governance and Digital Sovereignty
The first pillar focuses on robust governance. Cameroon will establish a national AI Authority and a Presidential Council on AI. The government will draft a framework law to address ethical issues, privacy, and inter-ministerial coordination.
This legal backbone ensures responsible AI development and digital sovereignty.
Related: The Rise of AI Accelerators and Innovation Hubs in Africa
2. Data and Digital Infrastructure
The second pillar targets digital infrastructure. Plans include a government Data Lake, mass digitization of public services, and interoperability standards. Cameroon will adopt an Open Data policy to foster innovation and improve access to information.
The country will expand high-speed internet and fiber-optic networks to support AI applications nationwide.
3. Multilingual and Inclusive AI
The third pillar champions linguistic diversity. Cameroon will develop a local language model, “GPT Cameroon,” to support its many national languages. This approach includes voice data collection and linguistic research, ensuring AI solutions are accessible and culturally relevant for all citizens.
4. Sovereign Technological Infrastructure
The fourth pillar invests in homegrown technology. The government will deploy 15 regional edge computing nodes powered by solar microgrids. These nodes will boost energy resilience and provide the computing power needed for advanced AI across the country.
5. Training, Research, and Human Capital
The fifth pillar centers on people. Cameroon will establish five AI centers of excellence and train 4,000 individuals annually, with a special focus on women. The strategy includes a diaspora talent return program and increased support for local AI research. The aim is to train 60,000 people by 2040, with 40% being women.
6. Innovation and Sector-Specific Use Cases
The sixth pillar drives innovation. Cameroon will launch accelerators for startups and promote AI adoption in health, agriculture, justice, and education. The government will support 12 sovereign, high-impact AI solutions, aiming to create 12,000 direct jobs and boost GDP by up to 1.2%.
7. Cooperation and Regional Outreach
The seventh pillar extends Cameroon’s influence. The country will create an AI network for Central Africa, strengthen international partnerships, and export its best AI solutions. This regional approach will help position Cameroon as a continental leader in AI.
Also read: AI Regulation in Africa: Ethics Meets Innovation
Goals and Targets of the 7-Pillar AI Strategy
- Train 60,000 people by 2040 (40% women)
- Create 12,000 direct jobs
- Develop 12 sovereign, high-impact AI solutions
- Increase AI’s GDP contribution to 0.8–1.2%
- Expand high-speed internet and digital infrastructure
- Promote responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI
Tackling Challenges and Closing Gaps
Cameroon’s 7-pillar AI strategy addresses critical gaps. The country currently ranks low in global AI readiness, scoring 30.2 out of 100 and placing 153rd out of 193 countries. The government recognizes the need to improve infrastructure, talent, and regulatory frameworks. The strategy aims to transform these weaknesses into strengths and unlock Cameroon’s potential.
Related: Africa in the AI Age: Can the Continent Leapfrog into the Future?
Key sectors targeted include:
- Health: AI for diagnostics, telemedicine, and public health management
- Agriculture: Smart farming, crop monitoring, and supply chain optimization
- Education: Personalized learning, language models, and digital classrooms
- Governance: E-government, public service digitization, and data-driven decision-making
- Justice: AI-assisted case management and legal research
National and Regional Impact
The 7-pillar AI strategy aligns with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy (SND30) and Vision 2035. It positions the country alongside African peers like Nigeria, Senegal, and Benin, which have also adopted national AI strategies. Cameroon’s approach stands out for its focus on local languages, inclusive growth, and regional leadership.
Cameroon’s 7-pillar AI strategy is ambitious, inclusive, and forward-thinking. It promises to transform the nation’s digital landscape, empower its people, and set a new standard for AI leadership in Africa. As the world watches, Cameroon is ready to lead the continent into a new era of technological excellence.
