(Cameroon Business) – Cameroon officially launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, known as the SNIA, in the Yound on July 7th. The strategy, published by post and telecommunications Minette Rebom Lee Liqueen, aims to position Cameroon as the leading hub of Africa's artificial intelligence by developing sovereignty, comprehensive and sustainable solutions based on Africa's values.
To achieve this goal, SNIA plans to train 60,000 AI professionals by 2040, with women making up 40% of its workforce. The strategy also targets the creation of 12,000 direct jobs and aims to contribute between 0.8-1.2% to the country's GDP. Among its goals are the development of 12 sovereigns that incorporate Japanese language, impact-driven AI solutions, and multilingual models. Called multilingual and comprehensive AI, these models include GPT Cameroon, a local language processing model.
Snia is built on seven key pillars. Focusing on regional and international cooperation, it promotes the export of “Made in Cameroon” AI products and establishes a Central African AI network. Another pillar supports innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education and justice through AI-based solutions. The strategy also emphasizes human capital development and research, training 4,000 people a year and planning to establish excellence for five national AI centres.
Additional pillars cater to sovereign technology infrastructure, including solar edge computing systems deployed in all regions. The strategy also calls for the development of data infrastructure, including government data lakes, open data policies and digitalization of public services.
The entire strategy works within a digital governance framework overseen by the President's AI Council and guided by the national regulatory framework.
Minister Libom Li Likeng said the strategy reflects Cameroon's decision to dominate the future of technology, strengthen human and cultural resources, and establish itself as a leader in responsible innovation in Africa.
Rudvic Amara
