Artificial Intelligence: PM Instructs Completion Of National Strategy

“The Prime Minister, Head of Government, His Excellency Joseph Dion Ngute, chaired a Cabinet Meeting on Thursday 30 July 2026, starting at 10:00 am, in the Audi­ torium of the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting was attended by Ministers of State, Ministers, Ministers Delegate and Secretaries of State. The following items featured on the agenda: 1. Statement by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation on "strategic priorities for harnessing artificial in­ telligence to foster innovation and op­ timise scientific research"; 2. Statement by the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications on "harnessing artificial intelligence to boost strategic sectors of the economy: issues, chal­ lenges and prospects"; 3. Statement by the Minister of Public Health on "recent trends in the national epidemiological situation and prospects for strengthening public health sur­ veillance"; 4. miscellaneous. Following the introductory statement by the Head of Government, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation pre­ sented artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic, scientific, military and diplomatic power. For Cameroon, this tech­ nology represents an opportunity to ac­ celerate national development, enhance the competitiveness of the economy, mo­ dernise public services and harness the skills of young people. The Minister noted in particular that artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming research methods by facilitating the analysis of large vo­ lumes of data, the modelling of complex phenomena, the automation of certain laboratory tasks and the formulation of new scientific hypotheses. It could the­ refore enable Cameroon to overcome cer­ tain structural shortcomings in research and development through the use of tools that are now more accessible. With this in mind, ten priority strategic areas have been identified. These focus in particular on building a sovereign scientific database through the creation of a dedicated na­ tional platform and a centre for the digi­ tisation of scientific and technical infor­ mation; establishing a National High-Per­ formance Computing Centre; strengthe­ ning human capital by integrating artificial intelligence modules into training curricula; mobilising the expertise of the diaspora; and adapting the legal framework for go­ vernance, sovereignty and data protection. An implementation roadmap, accompanied by funding proposals, has also been put forward. Taking the floor next, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications highlighted the particular importance the Head of State attaches to the development of ar­ tificial intelligence, as reflected, in parti­ cular, in Cameroon's accession as a foun­ ding member of the Global Organisation for Artificial Intelligence Cooperation. Her presentation underscored the cross-cutting nature of this technology and its potential to transform strategic sectors of the eco­ nomy. In particular, artificial intelligence could help increase productivity, optimise the use of equipment, raw materials and public resources, improve planning, and facilitate the development of new products and services. The Minister emphasised, however, that the quality and effective­ ness of artificial intelligence solutions depend primarily on the reliability of data, the availability of appropriate digital in­ frastructure, the existence of specialised skills, and the establishment of an ap­ propriate governance framework. She also highlighted the risk of exclusion facing individuals and organisations that fail to adaþt to these changes, thereby unders­ coring the need to anticipate training and skills development requirements. Other challenges identified include, amongst others, deperidence on foreign technologies, the inadequate use of na­ tional data, the persistence of the digital and regional divide, and the need for a legal framework to clearly define respon­ sibilities, protect data and safeguard public order. In light of the challenges identified, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications called for a controlled acceleration of the development of artificial intelligence, ba­ sed on sustained national coordination, the identification of sectoral priorities, the adoption of common standards, the establishment of sustainable funding, and the gradual roll-out of proven solu­ tions. These guidelines are being consi­ dered in the National Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence, which is currently being developed....