Cameroon launches National AI Strategy to lead Africa by 2040
Cameroon rolled out its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA) on July 7, aiming to become Africa’s top AI hub by 2040. The plan targets training 60,000 people, with 40% women, creating 12,000 AI jobs, and boosting GDP by up to 1.2%. A key focus is on homegrown AI solutions reflecting African culture and languages.
The strategy rests on seven pillars: 
- Governance & sovereignty: setting up a Cameroonian AI Authority, Presidential AI Council, and a new AI legal framework.
- Data & infrastructure: building a government Data Lake, digitizing public services, open data policies.
- Inclusive AI: developing “GPT Cameroon” local language model and collecting voice data.
- Tech infrastructure: launching 15 solar-powered regional Edge Computing nodes.
- Training & research: five AI centers of excellence, training 4,000 annually, and diaspora talent return initiatives.
- Innovation: AI startup support and sector use in health, agri, justice, education.
- Regional cooperation: Central African AI network and exporting “Made in Cameroon” AI tech.
The IMF ranks Cameroon low in AI readiness (0.34/1), citing gaps in infrastructure and innovation, which the strategy aims to fix.
Minister Minette Libom Li Likeng announced the plan during the second National AI Consultations, pushing for sustainable, culturally grounded AI growth.
"The strategy seeks to make Cameroon ‘the leading AI hub in Africa’ by promoting solutions based on African values."
"It aims to create 12,000 direct jobs, generate a GDP contribution from AI of between 0.8 percent and 1.2 percent, and develop 12 sovereign, high-impact AI solutions."
Cameroon plans to ride Africa’s digital wave by boosting AI adoption in public services and strengthening regional ties. The clock is ticking toward 2040.
