AI is revolutionizing economic and social models worldwide, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges. In Africa, it raises significant hopes for accelerating sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and fostering local innovation.

The Congolese government views artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic lever for accelerating digital and economic development, according to Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Léon-Juste Ibombo. Speaking at the 3rd African StartUp Conference held in Algiers last week, Ibombo outlined the country's AI vision, emphasizing innovation and international collaboration.

One of the key priorities identified is the improvement of AI research. To meet this challenge, Congo, in partnership with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has launched the African Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CARIA). Located in Brazzaville, the center aims to act as a catalyst for innovation and south-south cooperation in fields such as computer vision, robotics, and genetic computing.

Léon-Juste Ibombo also highlighted Congo’s initiatives to direct AI toward economic and social development. For nearly seven years, the country has recognized digital innovation through the Sassou-Nguesso Prize, an initiative complemented by the Seeds for the Future program in collaboration with Huawei to promote local start-ups. In 2022, a specific law on start-up certification was enacted to encourage their growth and attract investments in this strategic sector.

Congo also seeks to play a key role in training and developing local skills by collaborating with Cameroon to establish an Inter-State University on Digital Technology. This strategic project aims to forge strong links between universities and industries to promote innovation and support young talent in fields such as AI and robotics.

Beyond research and training, the country aims to explore AI’s transformative potential in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and finance.

All these projects align with a continental momentum, where AI is seen as a technology capable of addressing major social and economic challenges. For Africa, leveraging this technology offers an opportunity to bridge the digital divide, modernize economies, and strengthen local capacities. According to Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, AI could contribute up to $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji