Cameroon is intensifying its efforts to define a clear strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI), a rapidly expanding sector worldwide. During a workshop organized by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (Minpostel) in Yaoundé on February 17 and 18, 2026, government officials examined the economic, social, and budgetary implications of this transformative technology. The main objective is to position Cameroon not only as a user but also as a key player in the AI value chain.
Jean Jacques Essome Bell, a data science and artificial intelligence expert, emphasized that AI is already a reality and a driver of growth, although it carries risks. The global AI market, estimated at $300 billion, could exceed $700 billion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 26%. The World Bank projects that AI could add 10% to global GDP by 2040.
While AI is increasingly present in the Cameroonian entrepreneurial ecosystem, with startups developing solutions in Douala, Yaoundé, and Buea, the crucial issue lies in institutional maturity. In 2023, few African countries had a formalized national AI strategy. Cameroon has since joined this group and ranks 16th on the continent in terms of AI maturity.
The challenge for Cameroon is twofold: economic and political. It involves producing local data, training experts, integrating AI into public administrations, and securing uses against disinformation. Jean Jacques Essome Bell stressed the need for regulation to prevent AI from becoming a threat.
The African AI market, although modest ($6 billion), shows the fastest annual growth in the world (30%). However, Africa's share of global revenue remains limited. Less than 5% of the data used to train algorithms comes from Africa, posing a problem of relevance of solutions for local realities. One in four jobs in Africa could be affected by AI, highlighting the need to choose between being a simple user or a value producer in this expanding sector. Cameroon's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA) aims to train 60,000 talents by 2040, with an emphasis on women's participation, and to create 12,000 direct jobs. This strategy is based on seven pillars, including governance, digital infrastructure, and regional cooperation.
Cameroon, aware of the challenges of digital sovereignty, seeks through its AI strategy to position itself as a key player in Central Africa.
