Cameroon is positioned among countries with intermediate performance in artificial intelligence (AI) in sub -Saharan Africa, according to AI Investment Potential Index (AIIPI) 2025 of the French Development Agency (AFD), published last February. Although the country benefits from a favorable position, the report stresses that additional efforts are necessary to fully exploit the potential of AI in the country. “Cameroon has promising potential, but requires targeted investment in infrastructure and human capital to fully exploit [its] potential,” read the document.
The AIIPI 2025 assesses the investment potential in AI in 193 countries, and is based on a series of indicators grouped into six categories: the economic environment, the quality of governance, the state of digital infrastructure, human capital development, data governance and statistical capacities. These criteria are measured on a scale of 0 to 100 points, making it possible to classify the countries in four distinct stages of investment potential, ranging from the low potential (stage 1) to very high potential (stage 4). Cameroon ranks in stage 2 (average potential), alongside countries like Togo and Angola.
Conversely, countries like South Africa, Mauritius, Ghana, Kenya and Senegal are among high potential countries (stadium 3), with scores higher than the global average of 52.32 points. These nations benefit from “relatively solid governance frameworks and their emerging innovation ecosystems [which] constitute a basis for future growth”, according to AIIPI 2025. Mauritius, Pioneer of AI in Africa, launched its national strategy in AI from 2018, thus becoming a model for the region. For its part, South Africa has taken an important step by publishing its first AI strategy project in 2024. On the other hand, Cameroon has not yet adopted a national strategy in this area. However, that could change.
On January 25, 2025, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng, announced that Cameroon is currently developing a national AI strategy. The goal is to position Cameroon as a key player in the AI world ecosystem. However, the Minister also admitted that it is “crucial to set up solid mechanisms to ensure responsible artificial intelligence, strengthen digital infrastructure, develop local skills and promote innovation”.
It should be noted that Cameroon seeks to exploit the potential of AI in sectors such as agriculture, health, education and natural resources management. To do this, the government plans, for example, to strengthen access to broadband Internet, essential to operate AI applications, notably through a better deployment of fiber optics. In parallel, the country provides for the creation of incubators to support the emergence of start-ups in the field of AI. In addition, it is planned to introduce AI into the training programs of the upper cycle, in order to develop a skilled workforce and prepare the younger generations to actively participate in the digital revolution.
(Loosely translated from IC)
