Fourth ICT Innovation Week edition: Minister says event to boost responsible AI integration.

The event will run from June 23 to 28 while registration will span May 28 to June 16 the minister said.

The event, she said, is organised under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya. She said the event is held to reward innovative projects presented and spearheaded by young Cameroonians.

She noted that, the lead prize of the scheme from the Head of State goes to the best ICT project. The event this year, she said will be under the theme: “Mobilizing Artificial Intelligence for an ambitious digital transformation that meets the needs of our country, Cameroon”.

Special top female prize 

The minister announced the introduction of a Special Prize for the Best Female Innovation in Cameroon as the main innovation for this year. 

She said participants must submit their proposals within the outlined period on areas such as; health, education, agriculture, finance, cybersecurity, governance and public service among others. 

The minister said a list of 15 selected projects will be published at 8p.m. June 18 on the website created for entries. Those selected, she said, will take part in a three-day boot camp from June 23 to 25 before pitching their stories before a jury headed by Prof Awona Onana June 26.

Driving integration of AI 

According to Minister Li Likeng, the 2025 ICT Innovation Week is designed to provide a platform for the responsible integration of AI into public policies, businesses, social services and institutions.

She underscored the need for the nation to embrace the technological tools to drive digital transformation that meets the country’s needs.

“Artificial Intelligence is often perceived as the prerogative of the great technological powers. But it is now an essential lever for the economic and social development of emerging countries. Cameroon intends to take full advantage of this,” Minister Li Likeng said. 

The theme, she noted, is a clear commitment of authorities to make digital development inclusive, sustainable and people-centered. 

To achieve set goals, the Minister said there is need for stakeholders to liaise to create a “robust and sustainable digital ecosystem”.

Minister Li Likeng said government has put in place mechanisms to enable the country maximize the benefits of AI. 

She promised that, the State will also ensure risks linked to the digital instrument are fully mitigated through coordinated actions. 

She mentioned the project to organize the second edition of a national consultation forum on artificial intelligence next month as a key step.

During the Forum, she said, “we are going to maximize the use of AI through the development of an inclusive regulation, capacity building and data governance”. She underscored that AI use aligns with Cameroon’s needs.

Innovation Week boosting youth creativity 

Minister Libom Li Likeng also told the press that that the ICT Innovation Week falls in line with the Head of State’s long-running scheme empowering young citizens with the tools and freedom required to be innovative, creative and daring in the digital sector.

She expressed delight that former laureates of the annual event are making waves in different fields. The scheme, she said, adds to a series of projects such as the setting up of Digital Economy Development Centre to support ICT projects that have given birth to several start-ups.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3458 of Wednesday May 28, 2025