Cameroon has launched its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA), aiming to become a regional AI leader by 2040. The plan, announced by Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Minette Libom Li Likeng at the second National Consultations on AI, outlines a long-term framework for AI development across governance, infrastructure, education, and key economic sectors.

The strategy is built on seven pillars, including the creation of a national AI Authority, a Presidential AI Council, and a legal framework to guide ethical and regulatory oversight. Plans also call for a government Data Lake, national digitization, and interoperability standards to scale AI deployment.

A sovereign large language model, “GPT Cameroon,” will be developed to support local languages, and solar-powered edge computing nodes will provide energy-resilient AI infrastructure nationwide.

Cameroon aims to train 4,000 people annually, establish five AI centers of excellence, and attract diaspora talent to build local research and technical capacity. The strategy also promotes AI adoption in health, agriculture, education, and justice, with support for startups and sectoral innovation.

Regional cooperation is a key focus, with plans to establish a Central African AI network and promote “Made in Cameroon” AI solutions abroad.

Officials estimate the strategy could generate 12,000 direct jobs and raise AI’s contribution to GDP by 1.2% by 2040, positioning AI as a core driver of digital sovereignty and economic transformation.