(Business in Cameroon) – The AI Investment Potential Index (AIIPI) 2025 released in February by the French Development Agency (AFD) places Cameroon among the mid-level performers for AI investment in SSA. Although this is a rather good result, the French agency suggests additional efforts to fully unlock AI benefits for Cameroon. The country shows “promise but require targeted investments in infrastructure and human capital to realize their full potential”.
The document evaluates AI investment potential across 193 countries, based on several indicators grouped into the following categories: economic environment, governance quality, infrastructure resilience, human capital development, and data governance, with an enhanced emphasis on statistical capacity and data privacy. These factors are scored on a scale of 0 to 100 points, allowing countries to be ranked across four stages of investment potential, ranging from low potential (stage 1) to very high potential (stage 4). Cameroon ranks at stage 2 (medium potential), alongside countries like Togo and Angola.
In contrast, countries such as South Africa, Mauritius, Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal are classified as having high potential (stage 3), with scores above the global average of 52.32 points. These nations enjoy “relatively strong governance frameworks and emerging innovation ecosystems provide a foundation for future growth”. Mauritius, a pioneer in AI in Africa, launched its national AI strategy as early as 2018, setting an example for the region. Meanwhile, South Africa reached a significant milestone by publishing its first AI strategy draft in 2024. However, Cameroon has yet to adopt a national AI strategy, although this may change soon.
On January 25, 2025, Minette Libom Li Likeng, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, announced that Cameroon is currently developing its national AI strategy. The goal is to position the country as a key player in the global AI ecosystem. However, the minister also acknowledged the importance of establishing strong mechanisms to ensure responsible AI, enhancing digital infrastructure, developing local skills, and promoting innovation.
Cameroon aims to tap into AI’s potential in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and natural resource management. To support this, the government plans to improve access to high-speed internet, crucial for AI applications, particularly through expanded fiber-optic deployment. The country is also considering the creation of incubators to support the emergence of AI startups. There are also plans to introduce AI into higher education curricula to develop a skilled workforce and prepare younger generations to actively participate in the digital revolution.
