Interview with Boris Landry Kouekam: Putting Cameroon on the global AI map 🌍🤖

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In this exclusive interview, Boris Landry Kouekam, president of the Artificial Intelligence Cameroon association, discusses the ambitions of the Journées Camerounaises de l’Intelligence Artificielle (#JCIA2025), the challenges of building a true local ecosystem, and the future prospects. The event, scheduled for April 22–25 in Cameroon, signals a growing momentum where the country aims to make its voice heard in the global digital arena.

What are the goals of the 2nd edition of #JCIA2025 in Cameroon? 🎯

The goal is to ensure that Cameroon is recognized on the global artificial intelligence map. It’s about convincing donors, investors, and partners that talent truly exists in Central Africa, and showing that young innovators in AI don’t need to go far to find support.

The #JCIA2025 edition aims to:

• Promote the Cameroonian intelligentsia trained in AI;
• Bring together all actors in the field (researchers, entrepreneurs, institutions, etc.) into a single directory;
• Create a strategic document for the government;
• Reward the best projects through the AI Awards;
• And most importantly, demonstrate that the country is full of strong initiatives and local expertise ready to shine.

The event expects around 7,000 participants—5,000 in person and 2,000 online—including researchers, project leaders, academics, AI developers, as well as government and civil society representatives. This platform is designed to be a true hub for innovation and collaboration. The gathering is envisioned as a moment of convergence, recognition, and projection for Cameroon’s AI ecosystem.

How can AI contribute to Cameroon’s economic development ? 📈

Artificial intelligence can be a powerful performance booster for Cameroonian businesses. It enables companies to :

• Eliminate repetitive tasks;
• Optimize processes;
• Improve productivity and efficiency.

Take banks, for example, which are already using AI tools to enhance their performance—it’s a start. But today, every company, regardless of size, needs to consider how this technology can improve its output.

By stimulating innovation and making organizations more competitive, AI can catalyze the country’s economic transformation.

What are the challenges of organizing this second edition? ⚠️

Putting together such an event is no easy task. Several challenges lie ahead :

• Rallying stakeholders from all ten regions and the diaspora around a common project;
• Financing: most of the requested supporters lack funds. Project leaders themselves pre-financed this edition;
• Helping institutions understand the importance of embracing this technology;
• Ensuring sustainability: the foundations of a recurring and impactful event must be laid now.

A key new feature this year is the Cameroon Artificial Intelligence Awards (CAIA), a competition launched to reward innovative AI projects and highlight their creators. It also aims to showcase Cameroonians’ contributions to the AI field. A total of 70 projects will be evaluated by around 20 professionals, and 10 will be selected for tailored support. In short, despite the challenges, this second edition stands as a maturity test for Cameroon’s AI ecosystem.

How do you plan to make this an annual project? ♻️

We want to establish an annual cycle every April, creating continuity in supporting project leaders. Each edition would serve as both a wrap-up and a launch platform. One cohort graduates, another one begins.

At the same time, structured follow-up for project leaders is planned. It’s not just about showcasing them once, but supporting them over time and tracking their impact. Alternating between Douala and Yaoundé would also increase accessibility for youth from other regions.

In short, with a long-term vision, the gathering could become a true mark of excellence for AI in Cameroon.

What role does the Ministry of Higher Education play in promoting AI? 🎓

The ministry plays a crucial role. It quickly grasped the importance of AI for the country’s future. As a result:

• Specialized departments have been created in several institutions;
• Private institutes can now offer 100% AI-focused programs.

Thanks to these reforms, Cameroon is beginning to build a skilled workforce—essential for developing a strong ecosystem. By supporting education, the ministry is helping to anchor AI in both academic and economic landscapes.

In brief 🟰

The second edition of the Journées Camerounaises de l’Intelligence Artificielle aims to be a turning point. With international ambitions, a focus on local talent, funding challenges, and a desire for long-term structure, it shows that Cameroon doesn’t want to be a bystander in the digital revolution. AI is here, and so is the talent. Now it’s time to unite, support, and believe in our potential.

What about you? What do you think? 💬

Do you believe Cameroon has what it takes to become a player in artificial intelligence? Is it a real opportunity or a tough dream to achieve in our context? We’re waiting for your thoughts in the comments! 😊