Cameroon Sets Out AI Strategy for 2040, Centered around Seven Key Principles
Cameroon has taken a significant step towards becoming a leading AI hub in Africa with the launch of its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA). This comprehensive plan, unveiled on July 7, 2025, during the National Consultations on AI, outlines a vision for 2040 that focuses on job creation, economic development, and regional cooperation.
## Job Creation and Training
The SNIA aims to create 12,000 direct jobs in the AI sector, with a focus on inclusive development. To achieve this, the strategy emphasises training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to handle emerging AI technologies across various sectors. In particular, 40 percent of these trainees are expected to be women, reflecting Cameroon's commitment to gender equality in AI development.
## Economic Development
The SNIA targets a GDP contribution from AI between 0.8 percent and 1.2 percent, indicating a significant focus on economic growth through AI adoption. The strategy also promotes the development of 12 sovereign, high-impact AI solutions, aligning with the concept of "Made in Cameroon" digital solutions. This move aims to enhance local innovation and reduce dependency on foreign technologies.
## Regional Cooperation and Governance
Cameroon seeks to become a continental AI hub, fostering regional cooperation and collaboration to leverage AI for socio-economic development across Africa. The strategy emphasises improving governance frameworks and digital infrastructure to support AI integration across public services and sectors. Special attention is given to linguistic diversity, with the development of multilingual AI models that incorporate national languages.
## Progress and Challenges
Since its launch, the SNIA has faced challenges, particularly in digital infrastructure and innovation. Cameroon ranks low in AI readiness according to the IMF (0.34/1), indicating gaps that need to be addressed. The next steps involve accelerating regulatory alignment, enhancing digital infrastructure, and promoting AI adoption across public services to close these gaps and achieve the strategy's objectives.
## Additional Measures
The SNIA also includes measures such as the creation of a government Data Lake, the implementation of an Open Data policy, and the establishment of five national AI centers of excellence. Furthermore, a program to attract diaspora talent and startup support, as well as sector-specific innovation programs, will be deployed to accelerate AI-driven development.
In conclusion, Cameroon's SNIA is a forward-looking approach that aims to harness AI for comprehensive national development while addressing current challenges in infrastructure and innovation. By focusing on job creation, economic development, and regional cooperation, Cameroon is positioning itself as a leading AI hub in Africa.
"The strategy additionally focuses on improving Cameroon's digital infrastructure, including the creation of a government Data Lake and implementation of an Open Data policy, to support AI integration in public services.
*In synergy with technological advancements, the SNIA intends to incorporate artificial intelligence in the creation of domestic, high-impact solutions, thus fostering local innovation and reducing reliance on foreign technologies."
