At close of confab in Y’de: P&T minister prescribes synergy to fully exploit AI.

The two-day inclusive dialogue was held under the theme: “Which governmental approaches for a better appropriation of Artificial Intelligence in Cameroon”.

The event brought together representatives of public and private institutions, researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, startups and members of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Minister Libom Li Likeng expressed satisfaction with the consultations which she noted, have “considerably advanced our thinking on the issue of artificial intelligence and its integration into our society”.

According to the minister, the confab was an occasion to identify priorities and concrete actions to be taken for the effective adoption of artificial intelligence in Cameroon.

She lauded the contributions of consultants, experts and participants who discussed the challenges and opportunities, as well as the measures needed to ensure the harmonious, ethical and inclusive development of this technology.

Minister Libom Li Likeng said that AI represents an unprecedented opportunity to transform the economy, improve our education and healthcare systems, and offer new perspectives in many fields. 

She, however, insisted that if these transformations are to be beneficial, there must be framed by thoughtful public policies adapted to our reality.

“During these consultations, we had the opportunity to discuss the best strategies for promoting innovation, protecting our citizens, and ensuring the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence. We explored the challenges linked to training, employment, regulation and technological infrastructure, and came up with concrete recommendations for overcoming these obstacles,” she said.

Role of synergy

Minister Libom Li Likeng also underscored the importance of synergy among various stakeholders. She said that cross-sector collaboration was imperative for a common vision.

The member of government insisted that: “The development of a more efficient and competitive telecoms sector must be an imperative shared by all, in order to achieve the goals of modernization, efficiency and digital transformation of our society”. 

The minister explained that “by adopting a collaborative approach and fully exploiting the potential of Artificial Intelligence, it is possible not only to modernize the sector, but also to create a dynamic and resilient digital ecosystem, capable of meeting future demands and contributing to our country's economic growth and social well-being”.

“To move forward in synergy, each in his or her own role, to take full advantage of the development of Artificial Intelligence, while warding off the spectrum of threats it presents, in order to aspire to a future where technology serves as a lever for sustainable development, social inclusion, and the well-being of all Cameroonian citizens," the minister added. 

Zoom into recommendations

It is worth mentioning that the highly enriching exchanges, led to the adoption of highly promising recommendations for the future of artificial intelligence in Cameroon.

At the end of the conference, stakeholders agreed to drawing up a national AI strategy and strengthening digital infrastructures. 

Stakeholders also resolved to develop AI skills, promote innovation and research in AI as well as develop an appropriate legal and regulatory framework for AI.

Other recommendations include; the adoption of AI in key sectors like health, education, agriculture and other sectors with a high social transformation impact and the promotion of ethics and responsibility in AI.

According to the minister, the recommendations formulated during these consultations will serve as the basis for the development of effective strategies to promote the appropriation of artificial intelligence by all sectors of our society. 

The minister also added that it will constitute the roadmap for the responsible development of AI in Cameroon and the government will spare no effort to implement them.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3152 of Friday June 28, 2024