The Government of Cameroon has officially launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA), a landmark policy framework that aims to embed artificial intelligence at the core of national development and position the country as a regional leader in AI by 2040.
- Seven Strategic Pillars for AI-Led Growth
- 1. Governance and Digital Sovereignty
- 2. Data and Infrastructure
- 3. Multilingual and Inclusive AI
- 4. Sovereign Technological Infrastructure
- 5. Human Capital and Research
- 6. Innovation and Sectoral Use Cases
- 7. Regional and International Cooperation
- Measurable Impact and Economic Ambition
- A Vision Beyond Technology
Unveiled by Minette Libom Li Likeng, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, during the second edition of the National Consultations on AI (CONIA), the strategy outlines a long-term vision anchored in digital sovereignty, inclusiveness, and sustainability. The initiative is also designed to align Cameroon’s digital transformation with broader national and continental development agendas, including the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Seven Strategic Pillars for AI-Led Growth
The SNIA is structured around seven strategic pillars, each addressing a critical component of AI readiness and integration:
1. Governance and Digital Sovereignty
The government will establish a dedicated AI Authority and a Presidential Council on AI to provide high-level coordination. A comprehensive national legal framework will regulate AI ethics, data protection, and inter-ministerial implementation, reinforcing Cameroon’s control over its digital future.
2. Data and Infrastructure
Plans include the creation of a national Data Lake, mass digitisation of public services, and the adoption of interoperability standards to enable seamless data sharing. An Open Data policy will support wide-scale deployment of AI applications and foster innovation across sectors.
3. Multilingual and Inclusive AI
Cameroon will develop a sovereign large language model, “GPT Cameroon,” designed to support both official and indigenous languages. The initiative will focus on voice data collection, natural language processing, and linguistic research, ensuring that AI technologies reflect the country’s rich linguistic diversity.
4. Sovereign Technological Infrastructure
To ensure nationwide AI accessibility, the strategy includes the deployment of 15 edge computing nodes powered by solar microgrids, providing energy-resilient computing capacity in remote regions and reducing dependence on external infrastructure.
5. Human Capital and Research
The government aims to train 4,000 individuals annually in AI-related disciplines, establish five national centres of excellence, and implement a diaspora engagement program to attract Cameroonian AI experts abroad. Increased funding will support national research institutions and collaborative innovation with academia.
6. Innovation and Sectoral Use Cases
The strategy promotes AI integration across healthcare, agriculture, education, and justice, with dedicated programs to scale local startups and stimulate innovation ecosystems. These sector-specific interventions are expected to drive inclusive, AI-enabled development.
7. Regional and International Cooperation
Cameroon will spearhead a Regional AI Network for Central Africa, aimed at harmonising policy frameworks and promoting cross-border collaboration. A “Made in Cameroon” label will be introduced to support the export of domestically developed AI technologies and services.
Measurable Impact and Economic Ambition
Government projections suggest the implementation of the SNIA could result in the creation of 12,000 direct jobs and increase AI’s contribution to GDP by up to 1.2% by 2040. Officials describe the strategy as a foundational tool for institutional reform, digital infrastructure investment, and private sector engagement.
By aligning policy, infrastructure, and human capital with AI innovation, the SNIA is intended to transform public service delivery, drive industrial modernisation, and reinforce Cameroon’s digital sovereignty.
A Vision Beyond Technology
More than a technical roadmap, the strategy reflects Cameroon’s intent to ensure that AI serves national priorities, respects cultural diversity, and contributes to inclusive economic growth. In emphasising ethical use, local language inclusion, and equitable access, the SNIA seeks to redefine how frontier technologies can be deployed across emerging economies.
As the country moves forward with implementation, the SNIA is expected to serve as a model for other African nations navigating the opportunities and risks of the global AI revolution. It also strengthens Cameroon’s voice in regional and international debates on digital governance and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
